HVAC Leaking Water: What It Means and What To Do
Water leakage is always a problem. Be it a leaky bathroom tap or office window that brings in water when it’s raining outside, it never feels right. But do you know what’s even worse? Seeing water leaking underneath your HVAC system.
Office managers often get confused on noticing HVAC water leaks, and wonder:
– What exactly does it mean?
– Is it just normal or indicates a problem with your heating and cooling system?
– How can you stop the damage from HVAC water leakage?
In this blog, Kelvin Air Conditioning and Ventilation Systems will discuss everything crucial about HVAC water leaks. From what it means to how you can manage it, we will share crucial details on all aspects so that you notice the signs early and keep your system running smoothly.
Here’s the brief version for those in a hurry:
What does leaking water in HVAC mean?
Leaking water near the central air handler, split AC, or unit is never normal. It indicates your HVAC system needs immediate attention.
What if you don’t care about water leaks in HVAC?
Unchecked leaks can damage flooring, walls, ceilings, and electrical components.
Who should you hire in India to fix the HVAC water leakage?
Kelvin is considered the best choice when it comes to reliable HVAC contractors in India. With decades of hands-on industry experience, we deliver quick diagnostics and long-term solutions for all sorts of HVAC issues.
Let’s deep dive into everything now!
What Does Leaking Water in HVAC Mean?
Spotting water near the central air handler, split AC, or packaged unit is not at all normal. And definitely not something you should ignore. Here are signs that will tell you your HVAC system isn’t performing as it should:
Clogged condensate drain line
As part of the cooling process, your HVAC removes humidity from your indoor air. That moisture becomes condensation and is drained out of the unit via a condensate drain line. Over time, however, this line may accumulate dust, mould, algae, and debris.
When this occurs, water backs up and spills over rather than draining away. This is the most common cause of water leakage in HVACs.
Dirty or clogged air filter
Soiled air filters limit the airflow across the evaporator coil. As airflow reduces, the coil becomes too cold and sometimes freezes over. When that ice melts away (either when you switch off the unit or during warming up), the excess water may fill the drain pan and cause leaks.
Damaged or rusted drain pan
In typical circumstances, condensate settles in a pan and flows into the line. But what if that pan is broken, rusted or not put in place correctly? You guessed it right – water will leak onto the floor instead. The issue is particularly prevalent in older HVAC systems whose metal pans get corroded after numerous seasons.
Refrigerant leaks and coil problems
One of the biggest reasons behind water leakage in workplace HVAC systems. A low level of refrigerant (often due to refrigerant leakage) may cause evaporator coils to freeze. As with a dirty filter, the ice eventually thaws and you get to see a lot more water than your system can process. Result? Leakage!
Although not every refrigerant problem will lead to water spills, it must be addressed by HVAC maintenance experts in India.
Faulty condensate pump
Some HVAC systems use a condensate pump to move water out of the system. Like the ones installed in your basements or spaces where there is no way to let water out naturally. If that pump fails, there is no place for the water to go. Thus, it will find the lowest point instead i.e. your floor.
Improper installation or system design issues
Another reason behind water leakage in HVACs. If not installed properly, your system may fail to remove water correctly. Kelvin has been active in the HVAC industry for over a decade and has seen many cases where HVAC systems face issues due to not being levelled or poor drain connections.
Poor installation causes water leaks to emerge right after installation. And trust us, these are red flags!
Do give once-over to these blogs as well:
HVAC installation tips and ideas
Maintaining perfect workplace humidity levels
What Happens When HVAC Water Leak is Ignored?
We all know how dangerous puddles on Indian roads can be for vehicles. The same can be said for water leaks in HVAC systems. In the United States alone, water damage claims on average households are more than approximately $12,500. The annual claims, however, total about $13 billion industry-wide. In India, the HVAC water damage related data is missing but you can guess how big it must be.
So, how can you deal with this issue? Short answer – opting for preventive systems and timely responses. These can reduce secondary damage by 60-80%.
Let’s discuss what you can do to deal with water leakage in detail!
How to Stop Leaking Water in HVAC?
Here are steps that can help you ensure your HVAC systems run smoothly and dependably with no water leakage issues:
Keep the condensate drain line clear
The primary way for moisture to escape is HVAC’s condensate drain line. Flush the line regularly with vinegar or by using a wet/dry vacuum to clear the line. This way, you can prevent backups and leaks. Make cleaning after every few months a habit. This will turn out to be beneficial, especially during high-humidity seasons.
Replace or clear air filters often
Change your HVAC’s filters after 1 to 3 months. In fact, replace it more frequently in dusty headquarters or during extensive use. Like we said before, dirty filters block air, making the evaporator coil to freeze and drip water upon thawing. Changing them will improve airflow and keep condensation under control.
Inspect and fix drain pan
Inspect your drain pan. Check if it is broken, rusted, out of place or at full capacity. Make sure its condition is good. Replace it if needed. It is a very easy procedure to deal with water leaks, preventing them from spreading indoors.
Check and maintain the condensate pump
Those who got their HVAC systems installed in basements or low-lying areas should notice if their condensate pump is pushing water out properly. Failed pumps can cause water to stagnate and leak out of the unit. Periodically test the pump, and make replacements or repairs if it stops working.
Ensure proper system-level and installation
Remember, we talked about how a non-level HVAC makes water overflow rather than go into the drain line? Our next tip is to ensure proper system level. Should your system tilt inward or be installed improperly, contact a certified HVAC contractor immediately.
They will re-level or re-install it properly. Even the slightest misalignment contributes to water leaks.
Schedule regular professional maintenance
Annual or seasonal tune-ups by certified HVAC professionals like Kelvin can make a huge difference. Your contractor will inspect drain lines, drain pans, coils, refrigerant levels and performance of the unit in general. They will detect minor problems before they become leaks or expensive fixes.
Periodic maintenance ensures that the whole system remains sealed and balanced.
Add preventive tools like water sensors
A lot of commercial building owners in India are getting water sensors installed for their HVACs. You should get one too! Why, you ask? Because they will warn you of moisture before it becomes a serious issue. Add-ons like a secondary drain line and float switch can be of great assistance.
These will act as backup in case the primary line clogs, automatically shutting down the system to stop flooding. Such basic add-ons provide additional protection and peace of mind.
Bonus Tip: Always turn off the unit if you witness unending leaking. This will minimize the chances of water damage, mould and electrical issues. Unable to access or diagnose easily? Calling a professional is usually safe and efficient.
Hire Contractors for HVAC Water Leakage
There you go!
We told you about common causes and practical fixes behind HVAC water leakage. Damages caused by this can be unsettling and costly – we understand this. Which is why having the right expert on your side matters. Hire a team that knows HVAC systems inside and out.
Be it quick HVAC diagnostics or complete overhaul, our Mumbai based HVAC contractors bring years of experience and reliability to every job. Call us at +91 8108555060 or +91 7045509909 to discuss your HVAC challenges. We will send our team to fix your system the right way.
We are trusted for these services across India: