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AC Water Leak Inside the House
in Corpus Christi, TX
An AC system in Corpus Christi pulls a lot of water out of the air. On a humid summer day, a standard home system can remove two to three gallons of moisture per hour. All that water has to go somewhere, and if the drain line clogs or the drain pan cracks, it ends up on your floor or ceiling instead.
Quick Answer
Your AC pulls moisture out of the air and drains it through a condensate drain line. In Corpus Christi, that drain line clogs with algae growth fast because of the high humidity, and water backs up into the home. Clearing the drain line usually stops the leak. Call (361) 600-9264 if you see water staining on the ceiling or walls near your air handler, because drywall damage follows quickly.
Telltale Signs
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Water pooling on the floor below the indoor air handler
- Water stains on the ceiling near the air handler if it is in the attic
- Dripping sounds coming from inside the air handler cabinet
- Musty or mildew smell coming from the vents
- The system shuts off on its own and won't restart
Root Causes
What Causes AC Water Leak Inside the House?
Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The condensate drain line carries water from the drain pan to the outside of your home. Corpus Christi's humidity keeps the inside of that line wet year-round, which is exactly the condition algae and mold need to grow and eventually block the line completely.
The Fix
Condensate Drain Line Flush
A technician uses a wet vacuum or compressed nitrogen to clear the clog, then flushes the line with an algae-inhibiting treatment. Most units also have a float switch that shuts the system down when water backs up, and that switch gets tested at the same time.
Cracked or Rusted Drain Pan
The drain pan sits under the evaporator coil to catch condensation. Many homes in Corpus Christi built before 1990 have original drain pans that have rusted through from years of constant moisture exposure. Once the pan leaks, water drops onto whatever is below it.
The Fix
Drain Pan Replacement
A technician removes the old pan and installs a new one rated for your unit. A temporary sealant can slow the leak in the short term, but a cracked pan needs to be replaced to stop the problem for good.
Self-Diagnosis
Which Cause Applies to You?
Check the signs you're observing to narrow down the likely root cause before your inspection.
| What You're Seeing | Clogged Condensate Drain Line | Cracked or Rusted Drain Pan |
|---|---|---|
| Water is backed up in the drain pan but the pan itself looks intact | ||
| Visible rust or cracks along the bottom of the drain pan | ||
| System shuts off by itself and won't turn back on | ||
| Musty smell from vents even when no visible water is present | ||
| Water stains appear on the ceiling below an attic-mounted air handler |
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