NOW SERVING SAN DIEGO & SURROUNDING AREAS
Is your mini-split leaking? Water in or around your mini split isn’t a great sign, as it could mean something’s clogged, cracked, or improperly installed. At Comfort Bros Heating, Air & Plumbing, our extensive service area spans from the southern California border to Temecula, helping western Californians stay comfortable all year long. Give us a call, and we’ll diagnose and fix your mini-split leak quickly, providing expert work and quality customer service you’ll appreciate.
Why Is My Mini-Split Leaking Water?
There are several possible reasons why your mini-split is leaking water. We’ll look at the most common reasons for these leaks and what we can do to help you solve them.
What a mini-split is and how it works
A ductless mini-split system is a heating and cooling solution that’s installed in homes without any need for ductwork. It’s often wall- or ceiling-mounted indoor air-handling units connected to an outdoor compressor. Several indoor units can provide quality heating and cooling in a home, with convenient zoning capabilities.
Mini-split systems produce condensation, so proper drainage is important when installing one to avoid water damage in your home.
Is it normal for a mini-split to leak?
In some cases, minor condensation may occur, but if you see pooling, hear dripping sounds, or notice signs of water damage, mold, or mildew around the unit, it’s a problem.
Top Reasons Your Mini-Split Is Leaking
Here are the top six reasons why a mini-split would start leaking.
1. Clogged condensate drain line
If your mini-split is dripping water inside, one reason could be that the drain line is clogged. The condensate drain takes all the condensation the mini-split pulls from the air and runs it outside.
It’s usually a hose or a length of pipe. If it gets clogged by algae, dust, spiderwebs, or other debris, the water will accumulate and leak from the indoor unit into your home, eventually causing puddles, musty smells, and water damage.
2. Dirty or clogged air filter
Another common cause of mini-split condensation issues is poor airflow due to a dirty or clogged air filter. This reduces heat transfer capabilities and causes condensation to accumulate inside the unit.
Not sure how to check your filter? Speak to an HVAC tech at Comfort Bros during your next maintenance visit. We’re happy to show you.
3. Frozen evaporator coil
When air doesn’t move properly inside the mini-split or when the refrigerant level gets too low, the cold air stays around the coil, eventually causing condensation to freeze into ice, thaw, and refreeze. This causes leaks, makes the HVAC system run poorly, and may result in serious system damage.
4. Broken or cracked drain pan
The drain pan’s main job is to collect the condensation inside your mini-split and direct it from the system into the condensate line. If this pan is cracked, broken, or overflows, you’ll see puddling underneath.
5. Improper installation or leveling
When your mini-split is first installed, it must be put in at the correct angle, which affects the airflow, temperature readings, and the flow of condensation from inside the unit down through the drain. Incorrect mounting will lead to drainage system disruptions and overflow.
6. Low refrigerant levels
Refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, undergoes a “phase change” from gas to liquid, and releases the heat as it condenses. When refrigerant levels are low, the system is less able to absorb heat, causing the coils to get too cold and freeze up.
Some signs your unit is leaking refrigerant, not water, are hissing sounds, frozen coils, increased humidity, longer cooling time, and high energy bills. Don’t attempt to fix this problem on your own, as refrigerant is a hazardous material. If you suspect a refrigerant leak, turn the unit off and call for ductless AC repair services ASAP.
Why Timely Repair Matters
The faster you have your system repaired, the better.
Risks of ignoring a mini-split leak
If you put off having your mini-split repaired, you risk mold and mildew in your home, structural water damage, and HVAC system inefficiency or total failure.
Benefits of professional HVAC repair
Having your mini-split professionally repaired with Comfort Bros will get you a fast diagnosis with expert repairs. We have the proper tools and expertise to do the job right so that you can relax with long-term peace of mind.
The Benefit of Booking With Comfort Bros
If you’re wondering, “Why is my mini-split leaking water?” Call Comfort Bros today! We’ll inspect the system and fix the leak quickly.
Why homeowners trust us for mini-split repair
At Comfort Bros, we’re licensed, bonded, and insured. We provide fast response times and honest pricing. Our local technicians care about the job they do, as evidenced by our many 5-star reviews. We also offer financing to qualifying customers and specials to make service costs more affordable than ever.
What you can expect
When you call Comfort Bros, you can expect clean, courteous service, an accurate diagnosis with an upfront quote, and long-term fixes — not band-aids. Contact us today to schedule service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a mini-split to leak?
A little condensation is normal, but big leaks, pooling, or consistent water coming from the mini-split indicate a bigger issue. If you notice water around your mini-split or signs of water damage, give us a call.
Where is the water coming from in my ductless mini-split?
Water coming out of your mini-split is probably condensation that isn’t flowing out of the condensate drain. Check for cracks in the drain pan or clogs in the drain pipe. Still not sure where the water’s coming from? Call Comfort Bros.
Does low refrigerant cause mini-split AC units to leak?
Yes, low refrigerant may be the cause of the leak. If you suspect a refrigerant issue, call your local California HVAC-certified technician ASAP for assistance.
Can I fix a leaking mini-split myself?
Yes, you can try simple fixes like checking the drain line or cleaning a clogged filter. If that doesn’t work, call a professional. Never open the unit or touch refrigerant — leave that to HVAC-certified technicians.
