The process of air conditioning strips excess moisture from the air inside your home. This moisture goes down a drain line and out of your house. If this line is clogged, the moisture will build up and could start leaking into your home. If you’ve noticed that your air conditioner isn’t draining properly, it’s crucial to understand why your air conditioner isn’t draining water and the potential issues that could be causing this problem.

Why Your AC Isn’t Releasing Water: Common Causes and Solutions

Your clogged drain line could be caused by mold, mildew or algae that has built up in the drain pipe. The line may also be clogged by debris that has fallen into it, such as leaves, dirt, grass, or pet poop. The solution is to use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the gunk and restore proper drainage of moisture. You can also try running a hose up the drain line to dislodge the clog. If the clog is too large, you will need to call in an HVAC professional to safely remove it.

Another common reason your AC might not be releasing moisture is that the drip pan may be rusted or damaged. If you have a drip pan that is 12 to 15 years old, it may be time to replace it. If you schedule a routine maintenance service, your technician can inspect and clean your drip pan, removing any potential blockages that could stop the system from draining water. This can help prevent a more serious problem down the road.