The last thing you want to face after a nice day at Heritage Oaks Park in Perry, GA, is a leaking heat pump. If you notice that your heat pump is leaking water, it’s important to know why this occurs, how to troubleshoot the problem, and what to do next. Fortunately, the experts at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling have some helpful troubleshooting tips and more to put your mind at ease. We offer a range of professional home services, including expert heat pump repairs and replacements when something goes wrong.
Is Heat Pump Condensation Normal?
Before you troubleshoot a leaking heat pump, it’s important to understand that some level of heat pump condensation is considered perfectly normal. Condensation is a natural byproduct of your heat pump operating normally, but a lot of water pooling or dripping from the unit is a sign that something isn’t right. When the heat pump is heating, the outdoor unit pulls heat from the outside air, which forms condensation on the coils and causes the excess moisture to drip. When it’s in cooling mode, the indoor unit produces condensation that should be drained out of your home.
So, where does condensation from your heat pump go? This water is collected in the drain pan and routed through the drain line to an exterior area, which sends it either directly into the ground or outside to a specific drain system. These drains are usually standard plumbing drains, and they may be located inside a laundry room or a basement. The water (condensation) could be redirected via gravity or with a condensate pump that pushes it to the drains going outside.
Look for these signs that may indicate you have excess condensation or that the condensation coming from your heat pump is abnormal:
- The amount of water dripping from your heat pump is excessive, and it’s clear that it’s much more than just “normal” condensation.
- You notice pools of water near your heat pump’s indoor or outdoor unit.
- The outdoor coils have developed a thick layer of ice.
- You see any form of water inside your home that shouldn’t be there, including in the walls or on the floors.
Common Causes of a Heat Pump Leaking Water
There are several reasons why there might be water leaking from your heat pump. Here are some of the most common causes of a heat pump leaking water.
Frozen evaporator coils
As the evaporator coils freeze, ice builds up and then creates excess water once it thaws. This can cause water to overflow the drain system, resulting in a leak. Dirty evaporator coils can’t remove condensation effectively, so they tend to accumulate ice that eventually thaws and causes a leak. This may also cause your heat pump to start short-cycling.
Refrigerant leaks
If your refrigerant levels are low, it can cause the evaporator coil to freeze, causing leaks when the ice melts. Your heat pump may stop running if levels are too low, and a basic refrigerant leak will also result in the heat pump leaking water.
Damaged drain pan
The purpose of the drain pan is to collect excess water. However, if it’s cracked, corroded, or broken in any way, water may leak and start to spill out into the areas around it.
Drain line issues
Another common cause of a heat pump leaking water is when the drain line is disconnected or has a hole or other form of damage. When this occurs, water escapes from either the connection point or the hole itself, and the water no longer goes into the drain system and leaks instead.
Excess indoor humidity
Not only are high indoor humidity levels uncomfortable, but they can also increase the amount of condensation inside your heat pump. This might overwhelm its capacity to drain the water effectively, resulting in a leak. Older heat pumps may also struggle to handle high levels of condensation, particularly as humidity increases.
Heat Pump Dripping Water Indoors vs. Outdoors
There are some important differences to note between a heat pump dripping water indoors versus dripping water outdoors.
Indoors
When your heat pump is in cooling mode during the summer, the indoor unit removes heat from the air inside. The unit dehumidifies the air, which creates condensation on the indoor evaporator coils. That water is collected into the drain pan and flows out of your home through the condensation line, so you may notice some water dripping outside.
If you notice water dripping from the indoor unit, it’s likely caused by a clogged condensate line. Another common cause is dirty evaporator coils that have frozen over and eventually start to drip once they melt. It’s important to seek professional help if you notice water leaking inside your home from the heat pump to repair the problem and prevent costly water damage.
Outdoors
A heat pump in heating mode pulls heat from the outside air to warm your home. This process creates a standard level of condensation that builds up on the outdoor coils as the heat pump is in operation. In most cases, any water dripping onto the ground from your outdoor unit is normal unless it seems excessive.
A large puddle of water near your outdoor unit may indicate that the evaporator coils are frozen. Excessive amounts of ice will eventually lead to more noticeable water dripping. Another reason your outdoor unit drips water could be from low refrigerant levels, which causes the coils to ice over and drip water onto the ground. An HVAC professional should always address low refrigerant.
Troubleshooting Steps for Homeowners
If you notice your heat pump is leaking water, start with these troubleshooting steps:
- Step one: Turn your heat pump off at the thermostat and at the circuit breaker to prevent an electrical hazard and to stop further water damage.
- Step two: Inspect your air filter for dirt or blockages that can restrict airflow and cause the evaporator coils to freeze.
- Step three: Inspect the drain pan to determine if it’s full of water or damaged, which may be causing your issue.
- Step four: Locate your condensate drain line and inspect for clogs. Then, use a wet/dry vacuum to attempt to suction out the clog from the end of the line, or flush it with a mixture of water and white vinegar.
- Step five: Examine the evaporator coils to look for signs of ice buildup, and let everything thaw before turning the heat pump back on again.
- Step six: If you try all of these troubleshooting steps, but your heat pump is still leaking water, the experts at Ricky Heath may repair it, and they also know when to replace your heat pump instead.
Why Schedule Professional Heat Pump Service
Certain problems, like a dirty air filter, are easy to fix yourself. However, there are some instances when you should schedule professional heat pump service. Here’s why relying on the experts is recommended when it comes to your heat pump.
- Trained, licensed professionals have the skills, tools, and expertise to repair your heat pump effectively for reliable comfort in any season.
- Only professional HVAC technicians can repair a damaged refrigerant line and replace refrigerant.
- Routine professional HVAC maintenance is the best way to extend the lifespan of your system, prevent future leaks, and get the best performance for maximum energy efficiency.
- An experienced HVAC company can determine whether a repair is the best option or if a full heat pump replacement is necessary.
- Using professionals helps keep your manufacturer's warranty valid.
Contact Ricky Heath Today!
If your heat pump is leaking water, count on the professionals at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling to make things right. Since 1988, we have served our customers in the Perry and Macon, GA areas with care, speed, and quality. If you need to schedule heat pump service with Ricky Heath, contact us today!
