How To Fix An AC That's Leaking Water In Your Lexington Home

Finding water pooling around your AC unit inside your Lexington home can be frustrating, especially during the hotter months when reliable cooling is a must. Many homeowners face this problem and wonder why their AC is suddenly leaking. Leaks can cause damage to walls, floors, and ceilings, and can even affect indoor air quality if left too long. Even a small drip might signal a bigger issue under the surface.

If your AC is leaking water, it’s important to act quickly. Letting the problem go unresolved could turn a minor repair into a costly fix. Understanding what’s causing the leak is the first step toward stopping it and keeping your unit running efficiently. Below are the common reasons AC systems develop leaks and what you can start doing about it before a small puddle leads to bigger trouble.

Common Causes Of AC Leaks

A leaking AC is usually a sign that something in the system isn’t working right. The problem could be simple, like a clogged drain, or more complicated, like low refrigerant. Knowing the source helps move things in the right direction faster, so you can get your home back to normal.

Here are the most common causes of AC water leaks:

1. Clogged Drain Line

When the drain line is blocked by dirt, algae, or debris, water from the cooling process can't drain properly. This backed-up water has nowhere to go and ends up leaking out of the unit. Most often, the clog forms in the condensate line leading outdoors.

2. Dirty Air Filters

If airflow becomes restricted because the filter is packed with dust or pet hair, the evaporator coils can freeze up. Once the frozen coils start melting, the excess moisture might overflow the drain pan and leak. Filters should be checked every month during heavy AC use, especially in homes with pets or allergy concerns.

3. Low Refrigerant Levels

When refrigerant falls low, it affects how the coils handle humidity and temperature. The coils may freeze over, and once the unit turns off or warms up, the ice melts. Water from the melting ice can easily find its way outside the unit if the drain system isn't keeping up. One local homeowner reported ice on their refrigerant line after noticing a leak. The issue turned out to be a slow refrigerant leak that needed professional attention.

If your Lexington home’s AC is leaking, these causes are often the first places to check. Identifying the reason helps you avoid ongoing water damage and keeps your system performing better long term.

Steps To Take When You Notice A Leak

Noticing a leak in your AC unit can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps early can stop the issue from getting worse. Whether it’s a small trickle or a steady drip, doing a quick check can help determine if it’s something simple or a job best left to our professionals.

Start with the basics:

- Turn off the AC

Shut off your AC to stop water flow right away. This reduces the chance of more water damaging your flooring or nearby electrical parts.

- Inspect the drain line

Look for any visible blockages or signs of grime near the condensate line. If you spot mold or pooling around the drain, it may be clogged.

- Replace the air filter

If it’s been a while since the last replacement, swap in a clean air filter. A clogged one can block airflow and lead to freezing coils.

- Check refrigerant lines

Look closely at the refrigerant pipes for frost or ice. This might mean low refrigerant, which needs testing and possible recharging by a technician.

These quick steps can help prevent additional water damage or system stress. Still, if the leak doesn’t stop or keeps coming back, it’s a good idea to get help from someone with experience diagnosing AC problems.

When To Call Our Professionals

Some AC issues can’t be solved with surface-level checks or basic maintenance. If water is still leaking after you've changed the filter, looked over the drain line, and inspected the refrigerant line, it's time to get help. A delay in professional diagnosis can lead to water damage in floors, drywall, or even electrical components.

Persistent leaking is a signal something more serious might be wrong. Whether it’s a collapsed drain pipe, a damaged evaporator coil, or a refrigerant issue, these are repairs that require training and the right tools to fix safely. Our professionals are equipped to pinpoint the issue and repair it correctly.

Water leaking near electrical wiring is a red flag. Even minor exposure to moisture can create electrical hazards. If you spot rust on the AC unit's base or near the floor, or if you hear crackling around the electrical panel while the unit is running, stop using it entirely and contact our technicians right away.

Our technicians go beyond simply wiping up the leak or clearing a blockage. We look at your HVAC system as a whole to determine if internal parts are damaged or if air pressure issues are contributing to the problem. This full-system approach helps reduce the chance of repeat issues and extends the life of your unit.

Tips To Prevent Leaks In The Future

Preventing AC leaks in your Lexington home starts with routine upkeep and a few simple habits. A well-maintained unit is less likely to break down, leak, or struggle to cool your space. By staying proactive, you can lower your chances of sudden AC problems during the peak of summer.

Use these tips to reduce the chance of future leaks:

1. Stick to a regular maintenance schedule. Have a trained technician inspect your system at least once a year to ensure all components are clean and running properly.

2. Keep the area around your AC unit clear. Remove debris, grass, or other items that can block airflow around the exterior of the unit.

3. Make sure your unit is properly leveled. A unit that tilts can prevent the drain pan from working the way it should and cause water to overflow.

4. Check and replace air filters as needed, ideally every 30 to 90 days, depending on use.

5. Monitor how the AC system sounds and feels. If you notice reduced airflow or it starts taking longer to cool your home, it’s worth checking things out before the issue grows.

Being consistent with these preventive practices means your AC can operate more smoothly without surprise water leaks. And even if a leak does develop at some point, catching it early will save you time and hassle.

How To Keep Your Lexington Home Cool And Dry

Leaks from your AC unit aren’t always predictable, but spotting them early and acting fast can prevent serious damage. While a little water near your indoor unit may seem like a minor headache, it usually means something’s off inside your HVAC system. Whether it’s a clogged line, frozen coil, or something bigger, the path to a dry, properly running system starts with a detailed inspection.

Once you take the right steps to diagnose the leak, you can return to a dry, cooler home with peace of mind. If things still seem off or you're unsure how serious the issue is, don’t push the problem aside. A trained pair of eyes can catch things before they become costly repairs, keeping your system running better for longer. Whether your AC is leaking now or you just want to avoid that headache before it starts, small actions can go a long way in keeping your Lexington home comfortable all summer.

If water leaks continue to be a hassle in your Lexington home, Southern Comfort Heating & Cooling invites you to address the problem before it leads to more damage. Our professionals recommend scheduling trusted AC repair in Lexington to uncover and resolve any underlying issues in your system. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.