How to Troubleshoot Water Leaking from Your AC Unit in Conway Homes

A water leak coming from your AC unit isn’t just a little puddle—it could be a sign of a bigger problem. Homeowners in Conway start to see this more often as the summer heat picks up and air conditioning units are working around the clock. While a little moisture near the AC might seem harmless at first, pooling water can damage flooring, drywall, insulation, and other parts of the home if it’s not fixed quickly. And in many cases, what starts as a small drip can lead to higher repair costs down the road.
Understanding what’s behind that leak is the first step to stopping it. Whether you’re seeing water collecting under your inside unit or dripping from outdoor pipes, there’s usually a reason it’s happening. Some causes are technical and need professional tools to address. Others are easier to spot but still require an expert to fix correctly. This article explains what typically causes AC leaks, how to pinpoint where the leak is coming from, and why timing matters when it comes to repairs in your Conway home.
Common Causes Of Water Leaking From AC Units
Several things can cause your AC system to leak water, and knowing what they are can help you catch the problem early. These are the most common reasons a homeowner in Conway might notice unwanted moisture around the unit:
1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line
This is one of the top reasons water leaks from an AC unit. When the drain line gets blocked with dirt, mold, or debris, it prevents condensation from draining properly. The water has nowhere to go and ends up backing up and leaking around the unit.
2. Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan
The drain pan sits just under the evaporator coil, catching water that forms during the cooling process. If the pan is cracked or rusted through, it can't hold the water, which then leaks onto the floor.
3. Frozen Evaporator Coils
When airflow is restricted or refrigerant levels drop too low, it can cause the evaporator coils to freeze. As the ice melts, extra water spills over the edge of the normally small drainage area.
4. Disconnected or Loose Drain Line
If the drain line isn't secure or has become disconnected, the water bypasses the drain and ends up leaking straight from the unit housing.
5. Dirty Air Filters
When filters get too dirty, they block airflow through the system. This can lower the temperature inside the unit too much and cause the coils to freeze, leading to excess moisture when the ice finally melts.
If you’re seeing a puddle around your indoor AC unit or noticing wet spots on nearby walls, there's a good chance one of these issues is to blame. It's best to shut off the system and contact a professional to assess the next steps before the water causes moisture damage or mold.
Simple Steps to Identify the Source of the Leak
When water starts pooling around your AC unit, the most important thing to do is act fast. Though many problems require specialized tools or training, there are a few early signs that homeowners in Conway can look for to understand where the water might be coming from. The more details you notice upfront, the quicker the process will be when a professional arrives.
Try these quick troubleshooting steps:
- Check the air filter. A clogged filter can block airflow and lead to frozen coils. If the filter is dirty, stop using the unit and wait for an expert to inspect the system further.
- Look at the drain line. If you can see the condensation line and it looks damp or there's water dripping from it, that could mean a clog or disconnection.
- Inspect the drain pan. Use a flashlight to take a close look at the area under the coils. If you notice standing water that isn’t draining or signs of rust, the pan may be cracked or out of alignment.
- Listen for unusual sounds. If you hear bubbling or dripping when the unit is running, that could confirm water movement where it doesn’t belong.
One Conway homeowner shared that after noticing a wet carpet around their air handler, they discovered the drain line had slipped out of place. Although the situation called for repairs, spotting the issue early helped prevent drywall and floor damage. A fast visual check won’t fix the root cause, but it can help you explain what’s going on and speed up the repair once a technician arrives.
Why Prompt Repair Is Important for Your Conway Home
Leaving water leaks unresolved doesn't just put your AC system at risk. It can put your home in trouble too. Persistent leaks can damage insulation, soak into floorboards, and create the perfect environment for mold. Over time, that moisture works its way into places you may not notice at first like inside walls or beneath flooring.
Waiting too long to deal with a leaking unit often results in more than just an HVAC repair. It turns into drywall replacement, repainting, and even new flooring. And during warmer months in Conway, these issues can escalate quickly when your system is running every day.
Getting the problem addressed as soon as it’s noticed can protect both your home and your AC system. If the leak is tied to refrigerant loss or airflow problems, continued operation could strain the equipment and reduce cooling efficiency. You might also struggle to keep rooms as cool as they should be, leading to higher power bills and less comfort.
Fast response means less chance of repeat problems and lowers the risk of long-term structural effects. Even if the leak seems minor now, it could be pointing to a much larger issue within the system.
When to Call Our Professionals for AC Repair
If you’ve looked at the drain pan, cleaned or changed the air filter, and the unit is still leaking or failing to cool properly, it’s time to bring in our professionals. There are some parts of an AC unit like the evaporator coil, refrigerant lines, or internal pressure sensors that require safe handling and training.
Here’s when you should definitely call:
- You can’t find the leak source or the system keeps leaking after turning it back on
- There’s water damage around the unit or anywhere near the vents and baseboards
- The AC is making grinding, whistling, or dripping sounds and not cooling like before
- You’ve cleaned the filter and drain line, but the coils are freezing again
Trying to handle repairs without the right tools or experience can delay solutions and cause further damage. If you want to avoid repeat leaks and higher repair bills, calling in our trained technicians for AC repair in Conway is the best next step. Letting a leak go unfixed can turn into a larger headache than necessary, especially during the warm season when you rely on your AC every day.
When water leaks threaten to damage your home and comfort in Conway, it is a sign that timely repair is needed to prevent further problems and costly fixes. Massey Mechanical LLC understands that even small issues can turn into larger headaches if left unaddressed. Reliable AC repair in Conway ensures your air conditioning system runs safely and efficiently during the warm season, minimizing the risk of additional damage. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.