You might have invested in a mini-split for its energy efficiency, durability, and sophisticated technology. That’s why it can feel extra frustrating when things go awry. Finding your mini-split leaking water down the wall is a common problem, but luckily, there are plenty of identifiable causes and solutions. Instead of endlessly wondering “why is my mini-split leaking?”, follow these tips to find and fix the issue.
Why is My Mini-Split Leaking?
It’s important to identify why your mini-split is leaking so you can get to the root of the problem and prevent water damage. There are multiple reasons you might find your mini-split leaking water. Here’s a list:
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- The condensate pan may be damaged.
- There is too much buildup on the filter.
- A clog is in the drain line.
- Refrigerant is low.
Damaged Drain Pan
Drain or condensate pans are definitely not immune to damage. They can crack if dropped and develop rust if neglected for too long. Any water inside the drain pan will probably seep out if the condensate pan is broken since it stores moisture from the air in your home. If your condensate pan is damaged, you’ll probably need to call an expert to replace it and get your mini-split back up and running.
Dirty Filter
A dirty filter not only threatens your home indoor air quality and system efficiency, but it also can be the cause of your mini-split leaking water down the wall. Debris can collect on the indoor unit’s coils with a too-dirty filter. This blocks airflow and freezes the coils. When the frozen coils regain warmth, the ice will melt and water will leak out of your unit.
The blocked airflow and conditions your coils have to go through in this scenario can imply further damage to your mini-split system. To prevent this from happening, always change out your filters according to your system instructions. If you notice your mini-split leaking water, check your filters and ensure they aren’t dirty.
Blocked Condensate Line
If you’re stuck wondering “why is my mini-split leaking?” a clogged condensate/drain line is a very likely answer. The coil on your inside unit draws the moisture out of the air, which goes into the condensate pan. From there, the drain line moves that water to the outdoor unit.
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So how does a condensate line become clogged? One big reason is neglect. It’s important to get yearly maintenance and cleaning on your unit by a professional. This way, you’re always set for the hot season.
Low on Refrigerant
If you’re getting regular maintenance every year, it’s unlikely for your unit to run low on refrigerant. Low refrigerant levels can cause the inside AC coils to freeze over, much like filthy air filters can. When the ice melts, there will be too much water discharged for the system to handle, and it will begin to leak water.
How To Fix a Mini-Split Leaking Water
Based on these possible reasons for water leaks, we can conclude that there are two main causes:
- Too much water from condensation and freezing (refrigerant, filter, airflow issues)
- Problems occurring with drainage (drain line and pan issues)
Luckily, there are solutions to this problem of leaking. With either a small DIY fix or the help of professionals, you can get your mini-split back to keeping your home comfortable.
The Do-It-Yourself Method
Fixing a mini-split water leak at home can be appropriate depending on the problem. If a dirty filter is the reason for the water leak, a simple filter replacement might do the trick. This is something you can do by yourself that might just fix the problem.
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One of the most common causes of mini-split water leaks is a clogged drain line, and this is something you can fix yourself. You’ll need a bucket, the hose of your vacuum (preferably a wet vac), electrical tape, and a Phillips head screwdriver.
- Turn off your AC before beginning.
- Take out the filters and take this opportunity to clean them if they are dirty.
- Remove the plastic front panel. This is typically held with a couple of screws that use a Phillips head screwdriver.
- There will be two plastic closures within the unit. By pressing them, you can raise the bottom portion and reach the drainage pipe. The drain pipe is the biggest pipe in the group and will likely be joined using grip tape. Take off the tape to begin cleaning.
- Get your bucket and hold it under the drainage pipe. Carefully remove the joint that keeps the drainage pipe together and let all water drain into the bucket.
- Use your wet vac to remove the excess debris in the pipes.
- Using your electrical tape, put the joint back together. Then, carefully reassemble your unit.
If at any point during this process you are unsure of what you are doing or notice any other problems, don’t hesitate to call an HVAC specialist!
When You Need a Professional’s Help
A mini-split leaking water can be a small problem that is easily fixable at home. However, it can also be a symptom of a bigger problem with your system that requires a professional’s help.
If your drain pan is broken, you’ll likely need an expert’s help to replace it with the right part. If your system is low on refrigerant or the drain line clog is too difficult for you to fix yourself, you’ll also need the help of a pro HVAC company. Even a dirty filter that’s been left for too long can cause problems with your system that are worth getting help looking into.
If you’re having difficulty getting your mini-split back up and running with simple and safe home fixes, don’t hesitate to call your local HVAC specialist. They will be more than happy to help you get your unit back up and running!
Prevent Mini-Split Water Leaks with Regular Maintenance
The best way to prevent water leaks in the future is by getting regular maintenance on your mini-split before the hot and cold seasons begin. Annual tune-ups make sure your AC is ready when you need it most, keeping you cool and healthy all summer long. The same goes for if you use your mini-split for winter heating: check-ins every winter will also help you stay comfortable and safe.
With our yearly maintenance programs, Live Free Heating & Cooling assists New Hampshire residents in achieving this. Contact us today for a worry-free HVAC experience!
Source: https://gardencourte.com
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