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Why water flows from the air conditioner: common causes

Such a nuisance occurs for many reasons: errors during installation, during cleaning, blockages, breakdowns, and changes in settings. And unfortunately, it ends with damage to the wallpaper and leads to a serious air conditioner malfunction.

The device no longer performs its functions: it does not maintain the desired temperature (does not warm or cool the air), does not provide proper ventilation, and cannot purify the air and change the humidity.

The equipment may only succeed if the cause eliminates in time.

Where does the water in the split system come from?

Split systems are designed mainly to cool the air. But condensate forms with a sharp decrease in temperature in the cooling system (namely, on the radiator in the indoor unit of the air conditioner). Any air conditioning unit provides a drainage system that removes accumulated moisture outside the room.

A simple drainage system (in household air conditioners) consists of a line (tube) through which the liquid drains and a bath where it is collected. The system works like this: moisture flows down the channel to the street when the filled container. It is enough to set the correct angle, install the indoor unit evenly, and avoid creases and bends; the laws of physics will do their job. Prevent water from accumulating. The system must be airtight. If the drain is not working properly or assembled incorrectly (for example, after cleaning the appliance yourself), water will pour out of the air conditioner.

In complex split systems, the condensate discharge device is much more intricate: it has a long route and is equipped with a drain pump. As a result, installation errors are more likely. Among them: not fully open tap on the line and not a suitable length of the tubes. More likely to break. Since the water in a complex drainage system does not flow away by gravity, a drainage pump is necessary. If the pump becomes unusable (breaks), the condensate will not be discharged. Need to replace or repair.

A blockage can also be the cause of the appearance of water. If microorganisms have settled in the tube, the blockage will occur due to the products of their vital activity. In this case, it is necessary to clean the drainage system. You can do that with a vacuum cleaner or cable. But you should only clean yourself if you are sure you will assemble everything correctly. It is better to order cleaning from professionals.

Can correct any malfunction in the drainage system by calling a qualified technician. But how to understand that it is in the drainage system? Water comes from the indoor unit but can also flow from the air conditioner case and through the louvres (along with the exhaust air). Therefore, it does not appear immediately but 30-40 minutes after switching it on. The intensity depends on the temperature difference between the set and the actual: the higher, the more condensate is formed and, accordingly, more water will flow out.

The main reasons for the appearance of water

A malfunctioning drainage system is the main reason for the appearance of water from the air conditioner. But there are others:

  1. Clogged filters. Water drips from the air conditioner directly into the apartment. The intensity of the leak depends on how hot the room is. If the filter elements are very dirty, the equipment may begin to suck air from the drain. Comprehensive filter cleaning is required.
  2. Blockage in the indoor unit. The evaporator contributes to the intake of heat from the perspective and is located in the indoor unit of the split system. The fan is an important element of air conditioners. Available in both indoor and outdoor units. In the indoor unit, the fan provides forced air circulation through the heat exchanger (another element of the indoor unit). If dirt accumulates on the evaporator or fan, this worsens the heat transfer of the device, and a snow cover forms. As the cover melts, it turns into water, which forms outside the drainage system and flows outward from the indoor unit. Pollution worsens the air conditioner's performance (the unit does not cool the room well). A comprehensive cleaning will correct the situation.
  3. Indoor fan failure. If a fan failure causes a decrease in the blades' rotation speed, frost will form, which, after melting, flows out of the indoor unit. Fixing the problem will require either repair or replacement of the fan.
  4. Lack of refrigerant. The refrigeration system may leak refrigerant (refrigerating fluid) or naturally evaporate. The problem is accompanied by the appearance of ice on the evaporator, which, when melted, will splash from the indoor unit of the air conditioner. If the device has a diagnostic system, an error message will appear on the screen: "lack of refrigerant". Refuelling the system with freon (special hydrocarbons used in refrigeration appliances as a refrigerant) will help restore the evaporated refrigerant. In a leak, the cooling system must first be sealed and refilled.
  5. It is clogging the capillary system (in non-inverter equipment). The capillary tube is an important element of the refrigeration system. Its clogging is a common problem in this unit of air conditioning devices. Clogging of the tube leads to a deterioration in the circulation of freon. In this case, the evaporator is covered with snow. There is frost on the elements of the outdoor unit. The split system loses its ability to effectively cool the air (even if it works continuously). We will correct the situation by purging the capillary tube with special equipment (under pressure). In case of severe clogging, hydraulic cleaning with solvents is used. Sometimes, the tube has to be replaced with a new one.
  6. Faulty thermostatic valve. The expansion valve acts as a capillary tube, but unlike it, it has adjustments. Violating the settings or breakdown of the valve leads to a change in pressure inside the device and the refrigerant's boiling. The air conditioner stops cooling properly, and the evaporator, a thin tube of the external unit, is covered with snow and ice. The expansion valve needs to be repaired or replaced.
  7. Failure of the temperature sensor (in those models in which it is provided). If the sensor fails, the temperature of the cooling element drops. If the fall is excessive, the indoor unit of the air conditioner freezes, and water starts to run out of it. In these cases, an urgent replacement of the sensor is required.
  8. Failure of the control board. When the control unit fails, a leak is sometimes accompanied by program failures. For example, the air conditioner stops working efficiently. The board needs to be repaired or replaced.

What to do if a malfunction occurs?

In most of the described cases, a leak from the air conditioner means a malfunction or breakage of parts or units of the unit, which leads to a decrease in work efficiency. The air conditioner ceases to perform its primary function - cooling the air. Over time, a minor malfunction in the system's operation leads to serious breakdowns, to the failure of other unit components. If a leak appears, you can't hesitate: you need to call a specialist.

Chennai Service Center specializes in repairing cooling equipment, air conditioners and split systems of varying complexity. Our mechanic can quickly determine the cause of the leak and fix it at no extra cost. Moreover, the company equips specialists with everything necessary: ​​tools, special equipment, and consumables. That allows you to professionally and quickly provide Whirlpool ac service in Chennai.