Why Water Is Dripping From AC Vent in Ceiling & How to Fix It


Why Water Is Dripping From AC Vent?

Let’s start with how an air conditioning system works, it absorbs the warm air and also moisture from your living area and altering it to cool air. When the air is pulled in, condensation leaks from the Air Conditioner coils to what’s called a drip pan. From there, the water is flushed out of your house via a drain line.

While there are numerous things that can cause water drip from AC vent, this isn’t a typical occurrence and should be looked as soon as possible. Mildew growth, property damages, as well as pricey repairs can very soon arise from this problem if you do not address it as soon as possible. But why do your AC vents leakage water to begin with?

Bellow’s an overview on the usual causes of HVAC vent leakages – and what you can do to fix air vent leaking water.

condensation from air conditioners
condensation from air conditioners

The Most Common Reasons of Water Leaking From AC Vent & How to Fix It

  1. Dirty Air Filters

An ac system absorb the wet out of the air inside your house. The condensation drips into a drip pan, which is then drained out of your house with the condensate pipes.

If you don’t change your air filters on a regular basis, dust will cake on the filters, blocking air circulation. Instead of leaking condensation drops right into the drip pan, the water will certainly freeze over the Air Conditioner’s evaporator coils, forming a slim layer of ice. The longer you maintain the dirty filters, the thicker the layer of ice ends would be. This ice will certainly begin dripping because of melting, triggering the water to leak from your vents.

To avoid this problem you need to change your AC filters regulary. How it school be depends on different factors: The dimension of your house, how many people live in it, whether you have any animals, and also whether any one of you have allergies or does anyone smoke on the home? It would be perfect if you can check filters every month. If they look dirty, change them. As a general guideline, a filter with a higher MERV rating will certainly last much longer.

Here are 3 points when you need to replace your air filter:

  • Decreased air flow

  • Frost on your Air Conditioner unit

  • Excess dirt in your house


  1. Clogged condensate drainpipe line

Condensation leak can occur when the drainpipe becomes clogged with dust, mold, mildew, and sludge. This is unpreventable with time given that it’s a dark, encased space specifically made to remove water. This is why it’s very important to do regular AC maintenance checks. The drainpipe will be flushed to avoid clogs from taking place from occurring and extend the lifespan of the AC system.

  1. Frozen Evaporator Coils

When it’s very hot outside, the evaporator coil of an air conditioner can ice up. After power is cut and the coil begins thawing, the resulting water can overwhelm the condensate drain, permitting it to move to the air ducts or vents of a system set up in an attic or on an upper floor. When thawing a coil, have towels ready to absorb excess water, and make sure that the condensate drain is clean.

  1. Rusted Drip Pan

Drip pans are placed under the air conditioner coils to catch any air conditioner condensation that forms.The drip pan can end up being rusted with time. If you change your filters regularly and the coils aren’t frozen, examine the drip pan to see if it requires to be replaced.

  1. Broken Condensate Pump

Condensate pumps are generally situated alongside a heating system or condensate line. The water in your Air Conditioner is collected inside the pump, which is then pumped outside of your house. If the condensate pump is not working, water will not be drained from the pump.

  1. Improper Installation

If the AC system had not been set up correctly, either the system or the drain pan may a little tilt to one side, triggering pooled condensation to leak. If you’ve had your AC for years and this is the first time it drips, this is likely not the issue.

  1. Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant is your A/C’s coolant. Unlike a car, it doesn’t require to be replaced or topped off unless there’s an issue with the device, such as a freon leak. They ought to be fixed by HVAC professionals, the exposure to it might trigger refrigerant poisoning.

  1. Air Leak Around the Vent

If your Air Conditioning vent is leaking, reach up and feel for any kind of air leaving from around the sides of the air vents first. This is a typical problem and one that is extremely easy to deal with. If air is escaping from anywhere other than the grates, caulking the leakage is all you require to do.

    9. Condensation On ACVents Due to Poor Insulation

When warm air comes into contact with cooler air, condensation from ac vents occurs and results in the formation of water. Just like when placing an ice cold drink on a desk and water forms on the outside of the cup or glass, condensation can happen in your air conditioning unit too. When ductwork is not properly insulated, the air can become warm before leaving the vents, which will result in condensation and water leakage. If you don’t address this problem, the condensation can lead to rotted woodwork, ruined drywall, and mold.The good news is, if you can securely access the attic in your house, you can fix this by merely including duct insulation around the ductwork.

ac leaking water
ac leaking water

How to Clean a Clogged Drain Line?

While a professional A/C specialist will be glad to help, a home owner can usually deal with a clogged up drainpipe without professional help. If you feel comfortable giving it a shot, comply with these actions:

  1. Turn HVAC system off.

  2. Locate cleaning port. If the unit has turned off due to a blockage, you may need a bucket to collect the condensation resting in the drain pan.

  3. Remove cleaning port cap.

  4. Assess clog.If you can see the blockage, attempt to remove the blockage. Do not push it further away. Instead, attempt to lift the blockage out of the drain pipe. If the blockage breaks, separates and falls down the pipe do not be alarmed. It can be rinsed out with water.

  5. Slowly pour cleaning solution down PVC drain line. If cleaning solution fills drain line, do not continue to pour solution. Follow steps in Method 2.

  6. After pouring is complete, assess the blockage. If the cleaning solution does not flow out of the drain line, the blockage is still intact. This may be a sign that there is a larger block in the drain line. Follow steps in Method 2. If the pipe fills and slowly drains then repeat step 5 until cleaning solution passes without difficulty.

  7. Replace cleaning port cap.

  8. Turn system back on.

It can be terrifying anytime there’s water leaking within your living area! The good news is, if the water leaking from vent in ceiling you can probably fix it yourself – if you unsure it’s far better to get in touch with an expert for help. Ac expert can effectively diagnose and repair everythind till the time it creates major damages and frustrations.

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condensation from air conditioners

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