Why does the air conditioner leak water from the outdoor unit?
Having a Split air conditioner installed at home can be ideal to combat the discomfort caused by the heat during the summer months. However, these systems work with units that work separately and, in some cases, external units can cause problems as well as internal ones.
An air conditioner is a piece of equipment with which you can enjoy a much more pleasant temperature at home.
They are quite popular in the home and office environment, so it is common to find them in all kinds of spaces. However, like any other appliance, it needs to be properly maintained to ensure it performs up to par.
On the other hand, it must be considered that, since air conditioning is such a used equipment on a day-to-day basis, it is common to encounter operating problems. One of the most seen problems in an AC is the loss of water, so we advise you to review the largest amount of information available.
Most common reasons why the AC leaks water
In the following space we will review the most common reasons why an air conditioning system (in this link you can find some purchase options) loses water. Perhaps, if you consider them punctually, you can find the source of the problem more easily:
1. Bad installation
Split-type air conditioners have drainage trays, which must be level to avoid spills and, therefore, loss of water.
When components and equipment are installed incorrectly, unevenness can occur. This variation in the tilt of the tray can lead to spillage of water.
You should also take a look at the installation of the air conditioning drain pipe, because if these elements are not located at the correct height, the water will not have enough weight to fall where it should.
2. Problems with the drain
When there is no water coming out of the air conditioning drain, there is most likely an obstruction that is making it difficult to pass. This inconvenience can lead to bigger problems, so you should try to solve it as soon as possible.
This generally occurs due to poor or no maintenance of the air conditioner, since, over time, dust and dirt particles accumulate inside and can cause plugs that block the passage of water through the pipes.
3. Dirt in the filters
The filter system in an air conditioner is of vital importance for the correct operation of the equipment in the short and long term, since, in addition to preventing particles from accumulating inside, it also ensures that the air comes out cleaner and pure than when he entered.
When the equipment filters are dirty, the air cannot pass through the heat exchanger to obtain the cold gas in the chamber, which generates a drop in the pressure level and creates a layer of ice inside. Upon melting, water will begin to ooze out of the unit.
4. Compressor gas
The compressor is one of the most important elements in the operation of air conditioning, especially to generate cold air.
This element has a chamber that works at a specific pressure level to generate heat exchange. When this level is affected, the interaction between the AC elements does not take place and the extreme temperature drop freezes the components.
These sheets of ice can settle on pipes, filters, and other pieces of equipment, and as they melt, the water will overflow.
5. Tank level
In most installations, the Split air conditioner drain usually rests inside a container or external tank to contain the water. However, you have to pay attention to the level, to discard the water from the air conditioning before it spills from the can.
Also, a fairly common mistake is allowing the drain tube to become clogged by letting it touch the bottom of the can to dispose of the water. This blockage will cause water to pool in the hose and can start to spill out into different sections.
Why does the AC leak water from the outdoor unit?
In general, an air conditioner does not pour water through the outdoor unit, since the elements that cause condensation and accumulation of liquids usually present symptoms through the console itself.
However, there are two main reasons that may be causing the outdoor unit of your air conditioning installation to be expelling water:
1. Faulty installation
In large-capacity air conditioning installations, such as those used in refrigerated warehouses, cellars and wine cellars, labor prices are a little higher and if you do not have the necessary experience, you may incur problems such as water loss.
A defective installation where the correct position of the tubes and hoses is not respected, as well as the connections between them, is capable of causing more serious problems than a leak.
For example, if at the time of connecting the drain outlet of the indoor unit to the tray of the outdoor unit there is an obstruction, the water to be discarded would accumulate in the unit, causing dripping. This, in turn, would affect the correct performance of other AC elements.
2. Lack of drainage
The air conditioner outdoor unit drain is mainly used in winter when heating mode is activated.
However, and considering that an air conditioner is generally purchased to generate cold air, it can sometimes happen that the drain outlet is not installed, either due to carelessness by the technician or because it is mistakenly thought that it will not be needed.
This problem will occur when the air conditioning heat pump is activated, since the inverted cycle will cause the water to be expelled exclusively by the outdoor unit and, as there is no drain, the liquid will spill wherever it can.
