Home › Common Problems › AC Leaking Water Inside
AC Leaking Water Inside
in Spokane, WA
When your AC cools air, it pulls moisture out of it. That water drips into a drain pan and flows out through a small drain line. If that line gets clogged with algae or debris, water backs up and overflows the pan. In Spokane, this happens most often in August when the air gets humid after summer storms.
Quick Answer
Water leaking from an indoor air handler usually comes from a clogged condensate drain line. The AC pulls moisture out of the air and it has to drain somewhere. When the drain clogs, water backs up and spills. Spokane homes see this most in humid stretches of late summer. Call (509) 472-2017 before the water damages flooring or drywall.
Telltale Signs
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Water pooling on the floor around or under the indoor air handler
- Damp or discolored ceiling tiles below a unit installed in an attic
- A musty smell near the air handler that wasn't there before
- The system shuts itself off unexpectedly and a float switch error shows on the thermostat
- Visible rust stains on or below the drain pan
Root Causes
What Causes AC Leaking Water Inside?
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line is a narrow PVC pipe that carries water away from the air handler. Algae and mold grow inside it over the summer and eventually block it. Spokane's late summer humidity gives algae exactly the warm, wet conditions it needs to grow fast in drain lines.
The Fix
Condensate Drain Flush and Clear
A tech uses a wet vac or compressed air to clear the clog, then flushes the line with a cleaning solution. Adding a condensate pan tablet each spring can slow algae growth and prevent future clogs.
Cracked or Rusted Drain Pan
The drain pan sits under the evaporator coil and catches condensation. Older pans made of metal rust through over the years. Spokane homes built in the 1980s often have original drain pans that are 40 years old and well past their useful life.
The Fix
Drain Pan Replacement
A tech removes the old pan and installs a new one, usually a plastic pan that won't rust. If the pan has been leaking for a while, the area around the air handler should also be checked for water damage.
Self-Diagnosis
Which Cause Applies to You?
Check the signs you're observing to narrow down the likely root cause before your inspection.
| What You're Seeing | Clogged Condensate Drain Line | Cracked or Rusted Drain Pan |
|---|---|---|
| Water overflow right at the air handler with a clear drain line at the exit point | ||
| Visible rust or holes in the metal pan under the coil | ||
| Float switch tripped and shut the system off | ||
| Drain line is clear but water still comes from the unit | ||
| Musty smell and water started appearing after a humid week in August |
Free Inspection
Get a Diagnosis in Spokane
An on-site inspection is the only way to confirm which cause applies to your property. Free, no obligation.
(509) 472-2017Free on-site inspection
Written estimate before work starts
Serving Spokane & surrounding areas
Other Problems
Services That Fix This
Also Helpful