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AC Leaking Water Inside
in Mesquite, TX
Mesquite summers are humid enough that your AC pulls several gallons of water out of the air every day. That water drains through a small line, and when that line clogs, water backs up and spills out of the air handler. Water damage to ceilings, walls, and floors follows fast, and mold can start growing in wet insulation within 48 hours.
Quick Answer
Water leaking from an indoor AC unit in Mesquite usually means the drain line is clogged or the drain pan is cracked. In humid summers here, the coil pulls a lot of moisture out of the air and all that water has to go somewhere. A technician will flush the drain line and check the pan. Act soon because standing water damages drywall, insulation, and flooring quickly.
Telltale Signs
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Water stains or wet drywall below the indoor air handler
- Water pooling on the floor or ceiling near the unit
- A musty smell coming from the vents or the closet where the unit lives
- The float switch shuts the system off and it won't restart
- Visible rust staining or water marks on the drain pan under the unit
Root Causes
What Causes AC Leaking Water Inside?
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line carries water from the drain pan to the outside or to a floor drain. Algae and mold grow inside this line during humid Mesquite summers and can block it completely within a single cooling season. When the line is blocked, water backs up into the pan and overflows onto whatever is below.
The Fix
Condensate Drain Line Flush
A technician uses nitrogen or a wet vacuum to clear the clog and flushes the line with a cleaning solution. Adding algae tablets to the pan after cleaning slows regrowth for the rest of the season.
Cracked or Rusted Drain Pan
The drain pan sits under the indoor coil and catches condensation. In older units, the pan is steel and rusts through over time. Many Mesquite homes have air handlers that are 15 to 20 years old, and at that age the secondary drain pan is often corroded and no longer holds water.
The Fix
Drain Pan Replacement
A technician installs a new drain pan and checks the mounting to make sure it is level so water drains toward the outlet and does not pool. A plastic replacement pan will not rust and lasts much longer.
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 flow out of the exterior drain line has completely stopped | ||
| Visible rust holes or cracks in the metal pan under the unit | ||
| Float switch is tripped and unit won't turn on | ||
| Water appears even when the drain line is clear | ||
| Algae or black slime visible inside the drain line opening |
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