Finding water collecting beneath your AC is a frustrating experience, especially in the middle of a hot summer in Farmington. When your cooling system is working overtime, any signs of a leak can lead to concern about water damage, rising utility bills, or even system failure. If it starts happening regularly, you know there is more going on than just condensation. Since most residential central AC systems are hidden away in basements or closets, a consistent drip from the unit can go unnoticed until it damages your floor, walls, or ceiling.

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Air conditioning units are built to handle moisture through their internal drainage systems, but that system can fail or clog for several reasons. Understanding why your AC is leaking inside instead of draining properly outside can help you get ahead of the issue before it turns into a bigger repair. Here’s a look at what might be causing that puddle to form and what to look for next.

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Common Causes Of AC Leaks In Farmington Homes

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Several causes can lead to your AC leaking water inside your home. Some are minor and can be identified quickly, while others may require more detailed troubleshooting. Here are the most common reasons:

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1. Blocked Drain Line

The most common reason for internal leaking is a clogged condensate drain line. Over time, dust, mold, and debris can build up inside the line, causing water to back up and overflow into your home. In many homes, the drain line exits outside or into a floor drain. If the water does not have a clear path out, it will find its way onto your floor.

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2. Dirty Air Filters

When an air filter becomes too dirty, it restricts airflow. This causes the evaporator coil to freeze up. Once the ice melts, the drain pan may not be able to handle the extra water. If you are going longer than a few months without changing the filter, this can quickly become a problem.

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3. Low Refrigerant Levels

If your AC is leaking refrigerant, it can lower the pressure in your system and lead to coil freezing, similar to a clogged filter. As the ice melts, water can overflow from the pan. This type of problem usually is not visible at first, so it tends to catch homeowners off guard, especially during hot months when the system is running steadily and suddenly starts leaking indoors.

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4. Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan

Drain pans are supposed to catch condensation before it exits through the drain line. If the pan develops rust or cracks due to wear and tear, it will not hold water the way it should. A damaged pan is a slow leak that can ruin flooring or drywall if it goes unnoticed.

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5. Improper Installation

If your AC unit was not installed level or if it was incorrectly sized, drainage may not work as intended. Water might not flow properly into the drain line, building up in places it should not. This often requires adjustment of the equipment or correction by a professional installer.

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When a homeowner in Farmington started noticing water spots along the baseboards in the hallway, they were surprised to find the issue connected to their AC unit upstairs. A backed-up drain line had been collecting water for weeks. By the time someone looked into it, drywall repairs were needed along with an AC inspection. Catching the problem early could have saved them both money and stress.

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Understanding these causes helps narrow down the right fix and save time. Many homeowners assume the leak is just part of AC operation, but these leaks mean action is needed. Left unchecked, water inside the home from an AC unit can lead to mold, rot, and structural damage. Once you know the reason behind it, you can make more informed choices moving forward.

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How to Identify an AC Leak

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Spotting an AC leak is not always obvious right away. Some signs show up slowly, while others catch you off guard. If you live in Farmington and suspect something is wrong with your AC, look for the following symptoms:

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- Water pooling near or under the indoor unit

- Damp or musty smells near vents

- Bubbling or peeling paint near where the unit is located

- Gurgling or dripping sounds from the unit during operation

- A spike in indoor humidity levels, even when the AC is running

- Noticeably higher energy bills without any changes in usage

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If there is moisture around your vents or water forming puddles near the base of the AC cabinet, it usually means the drainage system is not working correctly. Even a small leak can damage nearby walls, flooring, or insulation, especially if it goes unnoticed for too long.

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Another early warning sign is a rise in humidity inside your home. If the AC runs all day but still leaves your rooms sticky and warm, this could be due to refrigerant trouble or blocked airflow that keeps moisture from leaving the air. Over time, the issue leads to condensation build-up that has nowhere to go.

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Sound can also give it away. If you hear dripping, sloshing, or bubbling noises when the unit shuts off or starts up, there is likely water collecting and moving where it should not be. These are all signs that the system might need to be checked sooner than later.

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Steps to Prevent AC Leaks

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Fixing leaks is important, but taking steps to avoid them in the first place will protect your home and help your AC last longer. Here are practical ways to prevent water leaks from your system in Farmington:

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1. Schedule Regular Maintenance

Having your AC serviced at least once a year can help keep small issues from becoming major failures. A technician will check drain lines, refrigerant levels, and pan integrity to make sure everything is working correctly.

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2. Change Air Filters Routinely

Checking your filters every one to two months ensures proper airflow and helps prevent the coil from freezing, which often leads to leaks once the ice melts.

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3. Confirm Proper Installation

Make sure your indoor unit is level and your system is sized correctly for your home. If your system was not installed properly, draining problems may continue until adjustments are made.

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4. Inspect the Drain Line and Pan

Take a quick look at where your unit is located. Make sure the drain line is not visibly clogged. You can also look for rust or cracks in the pan that might cause slow leaks.

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Preventive work does not need to be complicated. Scheduling short checks like these can help your AC unit function better through Farmington's hottest months without unexpected leaks.

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When to Call Our Professionals

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There are times when issues go beyond what you can see or handle on your own. Here are some situations when calling our professionals is your best option:

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- You have wiped up water more than once, but the leak keeps coming back

- You suspect a refrigerant issue, especially if cooling efficiency has dropped

- There are frozen coils or water damage around the unit

- The drain pan is cracked or heavily rusted

- You hear buzzing or smell burning from around the unit

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Trying to patch the problem or wait it out might seem like a quick fix, but if the root cause is not solved, things can get worse quickly. Water damage can spread and become more expensive to repair. Our technicians are trained to identify both obvious and hidden problems that cause recurring leaks.

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Ensuring Reliable AC Performance in Farmington

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Keeping your AC from leaking is not just about stopping water. It is about keeping your home cooler, maintaining airflow, and helping the system last longer. When small components begin to fail or there has not been a maintenance check in a while, leaks and other performance issues become more likely, especially in the peak of summer.

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If you are in Farmington and have noticed water near your AC, now is the time to act. A well-maintained system should not leave puddles on your floor or moisture in your walls. With regular checks and adjustments, your AC can deliver cool air with fewer problems through the season. Whether it is a frozen coil or a blocked drain, staying ahead of the cause helps reduce stress and costs.

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If recurring leaks or signs of water damage are disrupting your comfort in Farmington, S.O.S. Heating & Cooling is here to help with prompt and professional solutions. Our experienced team can quickly identify and fix issues like frozen coils or clogged drain lines before they cause further damage. Learn more about AC repair in Farmington to ensure your cooling system is operating efficiently all season long. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.