Those that notice water leaking from car A/C have good reason to be alarmed. There are multiple reasons it can happen, and if the issue isn’t resolved it can worsen and potentially become a safety hazard.
The Condensate Draining Pipe Is Blocked
If the condensate drain has become blocked, it will be quite noticeable since water will begin leaking inside the vehicle, because the floor will become wet whenever the A/C is turned on. The purpose of the drain is to transfer water outside, so the best solution is to unblock the drain which can be accomplished by finding the hose then removing any debris you find inside.
Your Refrigerant Levels Are Too Low
Automobiles require a specific refrigerant amount to be capable of circulating cold air. If the levels drop too low, this will decrease pressure within the air conditioning unit which in turn will make its evaporator coils accumulate ice and then freeze, making the condensate drain overflow and leak out water. A common sign that your vehicle has inadequate refrigerant is your A/C blowing out warm air. You’ll need to check the refrigerant levels of the vehicle and then refill them, which can be done by a pro unless you have the knowledge, skills, equipment, and time to do it yourself.
The Condensate Drain Pan Is Broke
Condensate drain pans can break as the result of rust, wear, or accidents. Once this occurs, the pan won’t be able to hold water which will begin leaking out of the air conditioner. The simplest solution is to replace the broken pan. You’ll need to remove the faulty one and then replace it with the new one.
The Filter Is Blocked or Dirty
Automobile air conditioning systems are susceptible to a buildup of dirt and grime over time, which comes from moisture as well as dust. This is why experts recommend getting your vehicle’s A/C inspected at least once a year, but many drivers forget to or overlook it. Once the filter gathers enough debris, it will become blocked, and this blockage might freeze up evaporator coils that will make excess water overflow from its condensate drain. The solution is to clean out the filter so it can work as designed.
Your Condensate Drain Isn’t Properly Connected to Its Ventilation
If the condensate isn’t properly connected with its ventilation system, this will inhibit drain function, keeping it from transferring liquid outside the vehicle. Those that are familiar with automobiles and don’t mind getting their hands dirty can resolve the issue on their own. To do this, first, they must find the condensate drain, which is often found beneath the evaporator.
The evaporator is typically situated within a passenger compartment near its lowest point. You’ll want to ensure the condensate drain is correctly attached to its ventilation and extends outside the vehicle. Many of the solutions to these problems involve a fairly advanced knowledge of air conditioning and automobile parts, so if you’re not certain of what to do it is best to hire a mechanic.