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Why Is My AC Spitting Out Water? | Understanding and Fixing the Issue

During the hot and sticky summer months in Los Angeles, this happens a lot with air units. When water comes out of your AC, it might not just drip; it could also spray, leak, or even spit water into your home. We’ll talk about why my AC is spitting out water and how to fix it in this blog. But if you need AC repair in Los Angeles right away, stop reading this and call a good service!

It’s annoying when water from an air conditioner leaks into the house, especially when it’s from something we depend on. There are several things that can lead to an air conditioner failing. You should know when a small problem can be fixed by yourself and when you need to call a professional.

COMMON REASONS YOUR AC IS SPITTING WATER:

  • Leaking refrigerant (cooling fluid)

  • Dirty air filters

  • Broken blower fan

  • Improper installation

  • Clogged drains

  • Cracked pipes or drains

  • Frozen coils

  • Poor insulation

LEAKING REFRIGERANT:

The coolant that helps your air conditioner cool the air is called refrigerant. Your air conditioner won’t work right if there isn’t enough refrigerant. The coolant can leak over time because of damage, wear, or other issues.

Since both are clear, people often mix up refrigerant and water. That being said, refrigerant disappears quickly and is dangerous. If you see a leak and the liquid pools for a long time, it’s probably water. It’s probably refrigerant if it goes away quickly.

If you think your AC is leaking gas, you should always call a professional in Los Angeles.

HOW TO FIX AN AC THAT’S SPITTING WATER:

Refrigerant is acidic and can wear out metal parts, causing leaks. Here’s what you can do:

  1. Turn off the AC to avoid electrical dangers.

  2. Use a plastic tube to drain the refrigerant safely.

  3. Find the leak—it could be rust, cracks, or corrosion.

  4. Remove the leaking part, such as the refrigerant tank.

  5. Check your AC manual or contact the manufacturer to get the correct replacement part.

  6. Install the new refrigerant container and refill it with the correct fluid.

  7. Turn the AC back on and check for leaks. Make sure the air feels cool.

DIRTY AIR FILTER:

If your air filter is dirty or jammed, your AC may leak water. If the filter gets clogged, water builds up inside the unit and leaks out.

Put your hand in front of the vent to see if this is true. The airflow should be checked and either cleaned or replaced if it feels weak.

BROKEN BLOWER FAN:

The blower fan moves cool air around your house. There will be no air flow if it’s not working, and water or coolant could leak out of the system.

Pay attention near the air vents or the AC unit. The blower fan might be broken if you don’t hear the sound of air moving and the air isn’t cool. A trustworthy HVAC expert in Los Angeles can quickly fix it or get a new one.

CLOGGED DRAIN SYSTEM:

When air conditioners cool, they make mist, which is water. This water is usually drained away through a drain pipe. But water coming out of the AC could be a problem if the drain is clogged with dirt or other things.

The pipe is sometimes broken or cracked. Most of the time, these issues are simple to fix and may not need the help of a professional.

WATER SPITTING FROM CENTRAL AC:

Central ACs work like window units, but their parts are located away from the vents. So, you usually won’t see water spraying out. But if you see water dripping, it could be due to:

  • Clogged drain pipe

  • Dirty air filter

  • Low refrigerant

Bad shielding in the ducts is another reason. When warm air outside meets cold air inside the duct, water can form on the outside and drip out. This can be stopped by adding padding.

More often than not, water coming out of the outside unit is just the slinger ring doing its job. But it’s always a good idea to look for bottlenecks.

Final Note:

If you do regular AC repair in Los Angeles, you can avoid most of these problems with leaking air conditioners. A professional can look at your unit, clean the coils, and fix any problems that are happening or might happen in the future. This will keep your air conditioner running well all summer.

Derks Plumbing is the most reliable and affordable plumbing company in Los Angeles. Call us at any time for a free estimate and advice. Our skilled experts will look at your plumbing system and give you honest advice on how to get the best value and long-term performance. We’re here to help with any plumbing problem, whether it’s a leak, new equipment, or an emergency. Our Los Angeles plumbing company wants your home to work well all year, so thank you. Are you ready to begin? Make an appointment with one of our experts right now!

FAQ's

Is it normal for water to drip from my outdoor AC unit?

Yes. Outdoor AC water dripping is typically condensation from the refrigerant cycle. However, indoor leaks are abnormal.

Absolutely. Standing water from a leaking air conditioner creates ideal conditions for mold. Address leaks promptly.

Costs vary. Drain line cleaning may cost $75–$250, while refrigerant leaks can exceed $1,000. Derks Plumbing offers free estimates.

This often indicates frozen coils thawing too quickly or a blocked drain line.

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