A spitting air conditioner is more than an annoyance; it can point to a larger issue with your cooling system. Although some moisture around your unit may be normal on hot days, visible spraying, dripping, or splashing is abnormal. Village Plumbing, Air & Electric in Houston, TX is here to offer guidance and repair services. Knowing what causes a spitting air conditioner can help you act quickly and avoid damage to your home.
What Does Spitting Water Really Mean?
When discussing an air conditioner spitting water, droplets shoot from the vents or leak from the indoor unit. It’s important to note that this issue differs from the harmless condensation you may see outside near the condenser.
Indoors, water drains neatly from the system through the condensate line. If the water is not draining correctly, you could be dealing with an issue like a clogged drain, frozen coil, or other failures.
Common Causes of AC Water Problems
Several issues can lead to an air conditioner spitting water. Here are some of the most likely culprits.
Clogged Condensate Line
Air conditioners remove humidity from the air as they cool. Moisture collects in a drain pan before exiting through the condensate line. Over time, algae, mold, and debris can build up inside the drain line, causing water to back up. Once full, the drain pan can begin to overflow.
You may see dripping or overflow coming from your indoor air handler. You can usually remove a clog with a wet/dry vac or by pouring a water/bleach combination down the line to destroy the mold and algae. You should also check your drain pan for any signs of damage.
Dirty or Blocked Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts airflow. The lack of airflow can cause the coils to freeze. When the ice begins to thaw, it can spill over and leak into your home or blow out through the vents as droplets.
Dirty filters are one of the easiest fixes for air conditioners. Ignoring this issue can create serious problems. Depending on the manufacturer’s guidelines, you should change your filter every 30 to 90 days.
Low Refrigerant Level
If your AC is low on refrigerant, the evaporator coil can get too cold and freeze. Eventually, excess moisture can spill over or come out through the vents. Low refrigerant can cause other issues, making your AC work harder than necessary.
A refrigerant leak is a serious issue that requires professional services to correct. We will inspect your system, check the refrigerant, fix the problem, and top off the coolant. You must fix the leak first, or the problem will only continue.
Poor Installation or Leveling Issues
An improperly installed air conditioner can cause water to build up and spill out, especially if it is not level. Installation errors are more common than expected, especially from less experienced contractors. Installing a new condenser pad on level ground can stop this problem.
Why Professional Services Matter
Guesswork does not help your air conditioner and can make things worse. Our reliable technicians can inspect your AC and perform testing to find the problem. Trying to fix significant issues without professional help is dangerous and could damage your system.
If your AC is spraying water, it is wise to shut it down until we carry out air conditioner repairs. Continuing to run your AC could cause electrical damage. Relying on our expert services at Village Plumbing, Air, & Electric will protect your air conditioner’s function and lifespan.
How to Prevent Future AC Water Problems
With proper maintenance, you can avoid AC water problems and other issues that prevent your system from operating normally. Regular tune-ups can help us catch minor issues before they escalate.
We can also check to see if your system has an overflow shutoff switch. These switches automatically shut off your AC if the drain pan becomes full to prevent water damage. If it does not, we can install one.
Schedule Professional AC Maintenance
We recommend scheduling AC maintenance in early spring before turning on your system for the season. It is always better to act proactively than reactively. If your AC is spraying water, it is important to act quickly. Our professionals offer 24/7 emergency repairs.
Village Plumbing, Air, & Electric is Houston’s full-service HVAC, plumbing, and electrical company. We are known as the cleanest techs in town. Additionally, our HVAC technicians always follow up with our customers to ensure their 100% satisfaction. Homeowners in Houston have trusted us for over 75 years. We can fix your leaking AC to ensure comfort all season long.
If your air conditioner is spitting water in Houston, contact our trusted HVAC team at Village Plumbing, Air, & Electric. We are a reliable family-owned company that offers same-day service!
