Why Is My HVAC Leaking Water? (And What You Should Do Next)
If you've noticed water pooling around your indoor unit, dripping from the ceiling, or damp spots near your air handler — take a deep breath.
An HVAC system leaking water is common, especially here in Georgia where humidity runs high most of the year.
The good news? Most causes are fixable.
The key is addressing it quickly before it turns into water damage.
The Most Common Reasons Your HVAC Is Leaking Water
1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line (Most Common in Georgia)
Your AC removes humidity from the air. That moisture drains through a small pipe called the condensate drain line.
In Georgia's humid climate, algae, dirt, and debris can clog this line quickly. When that happens, water backs up and overflows.
Signs:
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Water around indoor unit
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Musty smell
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AC shutting off unexpectedly
2. Dirty Air Filter
A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing the evaporator coil to freeze. When it melts, excess water can overflow the drain pan.
If you haven't changed your filter in a while, that's the first place to look.
3. Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan
If your system is older (10-15+ years), the drain pan may be cracked or rusted through, allowing water to leak directly onto the floor.
This is common in aging systems and can sometimes signal it's time to consider HVAC replacement.
4. Low Refrigerant
Low refrigerant can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, then thaw and create excessive water runoff.
If your system is leaking and not cooling properly, this could be the issue.
Is an HVAC Water Leak an Emergency?
Sometimes yes.
If you see:
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Water near electrical components
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Ceiling stains
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Active dripping
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Mold or strong mildew odors
It's best to shut the system off and call for service. Water damage can escalate quickly.
What You Can Check Before Calling
Here are a few safe things homeowners in Acworth, Rome, Kennesaw, Dallas, and Metro Atlanta can check:
✔️ Replace your air filter
✔️ Look for visible clogs in the drain line
✔️ Check if the drain pan is overflowing
✔️ Make sure your unit is level
If the leak continues after these steps, it's time for professional HVAC service.
How to Prevent HVAC Leaks in Georgia
Because our AC systems run so often, preventative maintenance is key.
Annual HVAC tune-ups help:
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Flush condensate lines
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Clean coils
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Check refrigerant levels
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Inspect drain pans
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Catch small issues before they become costly repairs
Regular maintenance is especially important in humid climates like ours.
When a Leak Means It's Time to Replace
If your system:
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Is over 12-15 years old
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Leaks repeatedly
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Requires frequent repairs
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Struggles to cool your home
It may be more cost-effective to consider HVAC replacement rather than continuing repairs.
We help homeowners throughout Northwest Georgia make that decision confidently and without pressure.
Need HVAC Repair in Georgia?
If your HVAC system is leaking water, Dayco Systems is here to help.
We provide:
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AC repair
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HVAC maintenance
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HVAC replacement
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Emergency diagnostics
Serving Acworth, Rome, Kennesaw, Marietta, Dallas, and the Greater Metro Atlanta area.
Water leaks are stressful, but they're fixable. And you don't have to figure it out alone.
At Dayco Systems, we're your neighborly experts in heating and cooling, here to keep your home comfortable, safe, and dry. 💛
