Home › Common Problems › AC Leaking Water Inside
AC Leaking Water Inside
in Clarksville, TN
Air conditioning pulls moisture out of the air as it cools. In Clarksville's humid summers, that adds up to a significant amount of water every day that drains out through a condensate line. When that line gets blocked, water backs up and spills out of the unit. Water damage to ceilings, walls, and floors happens faster than most people expect, and mold can follow within a couple of days.
Quick Answer
Water leaking from the indoor unit usually means the condensate drain line is clogged or the drain pan is cracked. Clarksville's humid summers produce a lot of condensation on the evaporator coil — sometimes over a gallon of water a day — and that all needs somewhere to go. A clogged line backs up and overflows onto your floor or ceiling. Call (931) 263-0432 before the water damages drywall or flooring.
Telltale Signs
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Water stains or active dripping from the ceiling below the air handler
- A puddle of standing water under the indoor unit
- A musty smell coming from the vents or the air handler closet
- The unit shuts off on its own and won't restart until you reset a switch
- Rust stains on or below the drain pan
Root Causes
What Causes AC Leaking Water Inside?
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The drain line runs from the indoor unit to the outside or to a floor drain. In many Clarksville homes, this line runs through humid attic spaces where algae and mold grow in the pipe and eventually block it. When it's blocked, the drain pan fills up and overflows.
The Fix
Drain Line Flush and Cleaning
A technician uses a wet-vac and a flush of diluted bleach solution to clear the line. Adding an algae tab to the drain pan each season keeps growth from building back up.
Cracked or Rusted Drain Pan
The drain pan sits under the evaporator coil to catch condensation. Units that are over 15 years old often have metal pans that rust through or plastic pans that crack from age. Once the pan fails, water goes straight to whatever is below the unit.
The Fix
Drain Pan Replacement
A technician replaces the pan with a new one sized to the unit. If the area below has gotten wet repeatedly, they'll also check for mold growth that needs to be addressed.
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 is dripping but the line appears unobstructed from the outside | ||
| Visible rust or cracks on the pan under the coil | ||
| Safety float switch tripped and shut the unit off | ||
| Musty odor from vents even when the unit runs normally | ||
| Water damage visible in the same area for multiple summers |
Free Inspection
Get a Diagnosis in Clarksville
An on-site inspection is the only way to confirm which cause applies to your property. Free, no obligation.
(931) 263-0432Free on-site inspection
Written estimate before work starts
Serving Clarksville & surrounding areas
Other Problems
Services That Fix This
Also Helpful