Your car’s air conditioner (A/C) is a crucial component responsible for making the air temperature inside your car cool and warm as the weather demands. A faulty air conditioning system can cause a lot of discomfort.
That’s why most folks are particular about how well their car’s air conditioner works, especially during summer or winter. This explains why you are probably worried about the excessive water leaking from your car’s air conditioner.
It is not unusual to notice water dripping under the car when the A/C is not on. However, you should be worried when the leak becomes excessive. Even at that, it might just be a minor issue or a complex one that requires professional help.
You never know until you know the “why” of the situation. That is why you must understand why your air conditioner is leaking all that water. Let’s explore some of those reasons.
Understanding the Basics of Air Conditioning Systems in Cars
Before we dive into the issue of water leaks, it’s essential to understand how air conditioning systems work in cars. The AC system is designed to cool the air inside the vehicle by using refrigerant, which absorbs heat from the air and transfers it outside.
The system consists of several key components, including the compressor, condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve.
The compressor is responsible for compressing the refrigerant, which raises its temperature and pressure. The hot, high-pressure gas is then directed to the condenser, where it releases its heat to the outside air and condenses into a liquid.
The liquid refrigerant then passes through the expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and allows it to expand. This expansion causes the temperature to drop even further, making it ready to absorb heat from the air inside the vehicle.
Water Leaking Outside or Inside of the Car
Water Outside the Car
Water leaking from under the car can be normal, especially on hot days when you’ve been cranking the A/C at full blast. Car A/C systems are actually designed to allow water to drain out of your vehicle.
The system cools the cabin by pulling humidity from the air, and that moisture needs a place to go! Technically speaking, the A/C’s evaporator core condenses the humidity (turns it into a liquid). The liquid then exits the car onto the pavement via the evaporator drain.
While a drip or two is normal, a puddle is not. Stop by for a Courtesy Check and some peace of mind if you’re worried about water leaks that are increasing in volume or frequency, or ones that aren’t water leaks at all!
Your car relies on a variety of vital fluids, all of which could leak and jeopardize your engine’s performance and vehicle safety.
Water Inside the Car
Water leaking inside your car, on the other hand, is a surefire sign that (a) something is wrong or (b) your toddler dropped a sippy cup.
No backseat snickers? It could be the car A/C leaking water on the floor (which we’ll go into deeper detail about), or it could be a non-A/C related issue.
For example, a poorly installed windshield or aging sunroof could allow water into the cabin. Excessive corrosion is another culprit, as it may cause tiny holes to form in your car’s body panels.
And have you been in a car accident or fender-bender lately? The seams in your car’s body panels can break open and allow water to trickle in.
The timing of the leak can also tip you off as to whether it’s A/C-related. If you notice water pooling inside your car during wet and rainy conditions, investigate the areas mentioned above.
Conversely, if the A/C is the source, water will likely show up on hot and sunny days when you use it the most.
Signs of a Leaking Car AC System
If you notice water leaking from your car’s AC system, it may be a sign of a leak. Here are some indications that your car’s AC system is leaking:
- Water dripping or pooling inside your car
- Visible water stains or wet spots on the interior of your car
- Musty or moldy smell inside your car
- Decreased cooling performance from your AC system
What Are The Reasons for Excessive Water Leaking From Car Air Conditioners?
You might experience two types of water leaks from your car A/C. The first is excessive water leaking outside the car. You might notice this water leak after the car is turned off and the reason is this.
When you use your car A/C for extended periods on hot days, there is a tendency for you to find some water leaking under the car.
This happens because your car is draining the excess water that builds up when the air conditioner absorbs humidity in the air to cool the vehicle.
The second type of leak occurs when water leaks inside your car. You should get professional help if you notice this.
That said, here are some of the reasons for an excessive water leak from your car A/Hopefully, at the end of the article, you will have answers to the internet query “my car is leaking water but not overheating.”
#1. Problems with the Condensate Drain Pipe/Pan.
A blocked condensate drain can lead to excessive water leaking into your car’s cabin whenever you turn your air conditioner on. Here is why it happens. Cooling your car’s interior requires moisture to be extracted from the air.
After the cooling process, this moisture is condensed to water which your car’s condensate drain is designed to expel out of the vehicle.
When the condensate drain is blocked by dirt and debris the water starts leaking into the car. Water leaking into your vehicle is one of the clogged ac drain car symptoms.
One other reason why you might notice excessive water leaks from your car’s air conditioner is because of a poor installation of the car’s condensate drain.
When the condensate drain is not well attached to the ventilation system, water leaks inside your car because it is not properly drained outside the car. It might also be an issue of the wrong size of the drainage pan being installed.
A broken condensate pan can also cause water to leak from your air conditioner, especially when rusted or cracked because of wear and tear or accidents.
#2. Low Refrigerant.
To circulate cool air within your car, your car’s A/C needs a certain level of refrigerant. Once the level of the refrigerant reduces, it decreases the car A/C pressure.
This causes the evaporator coils to freeze, leading to a situation where the condensate drain pan overflows and leaks. A low refrigerant can also cause your car to give hot air.
#3. Blocked Air Filters.
As long as you use your car’s AC, the air filters will accumulate dirt and debris because of all the dust and moisture that it comes in contact with.
Dirty air filters can degenerate into blocked filters that can freeze up your car’s air conditioner’s evaporator coils.
When this happens, the condensate drain pan gets filled, and the excess water overflows from the drain pan. The result is an excessive water leak from the car’s air conditioner.
#4. Problem with the Evaporator.
A blocked evaporator drain can cause water to drain outside the car to back up into the evaporator core.
This component looks like a radiator, and once it gets flooded, some of the moisture gets into the A/C vents. That is what happens when you notice water coming out of the A/C vents in your car.
Because of the evaporator core structure, it is easy for leaves and other biodegradable materials to get to the evaporator via the vents.
After these materials have decomposed, they cause the evaporator core to rust, and after a while, it starts to leak. This leak can cause an excessive water leak from your vehicle’s air conditioning system.
#5. Failed Seals.
Your car’s air conditioning systems make use of plastic or rubber seals. Once these fail, you will find that water easily leaks through them. In such instances, you might notice water leaking inside the car passenger side for instance.
How to Inspect and Fix Excessive Water Leaking From Car AC
#1. Step-by-Step Drain Tube Cleaning.
- Locate the drain tube underneath the car, often near the firewall on the passenger side.
- Use compressed air or a flexible wire to carefully clear any blockages.
- After clearing, run the AC and check if water drains properly outside.
#2. Checking and Replacing Drain Hose.
- Inspect the drain hose for cracks, dry rot, or disconnections.
- Replace damaged hoses with OEM parts to ensure proper fit and function.
#3. Replacing Cabin Air Filter.
Refer to the vehicle’s manual to locate and remove the cabin air filter. If the filter is wet, muddy, or clogged, replace it with a new one designed for your vehicle model. This helps maintain airflow and reduces water retention inside the AC system.
#4. Addressing Evaporator Freeze Issues.
If you suspect evaporator freeze, professional AC service technicians can inspect the refrigerant levels, check for leaks, and clean or repair the evaporator coil. This intervention restores the cooling efficiency and prevents excessive water buildup.
#5. Ensuring Proper Vehicle Drainage.
- Check door seals and window gaskets for damage or wear.
- Clean drainage channels around doors, sunroofs, and windshield areas.
- Ensure gaps are clear to allow water to escape and prevent accumulation near AC components.
How do I know the radiator water level?
To check the radiator water level in your car, you can follow these steps:
- Make sure the engine is cold: It is best to check the radiator water level when the engine is completely cold. You should wait between 30 to 60 minutes after turning the engine off to avoid serious burns.
- Check the radiator location: Carefully open the radiator cap. Make sure the engine is cold and the pressure has been released before opening the cap. On some cars, the radiator is directly accessible, while on others, you’ll need to remove the coolant reservoir cap.
- Checking the water level: After opening the cover, you can determine the water level in the radiator by sight. The water should be near the top edge of the radiator. If the view is unclear, you can use a dipstick to check the water level.
How to Prevent a Car AC Water Leak
Follow these best practices to keep your car’s AC in top condition and avoid future leaks:
- Regularly replace your cabin air filters
- Clean the evaporator drain tube to ensure proper drainage
- Check for a refrigerant leak and keep the fluid topped up
- Run your car’s air conditioner regularly
- Wash your car regularly to remove road salt buildup that could corrode the evaporator core
FAQs.
Q: Is It Normal For AC To Leak Water?
Yes, it is. It is pretty standard for your car A/C to leak water from under the car. This situation often occurs on hot days when you must have been using the A/C at its highest.
It happens because your car’s A/C system is designed to allow water to drain out of your vehicle.
The process of cooling your vehicle requires the air conditioning system to use the humidity in the air. The residual water is then drained out of the car. You should be worried when you notice water leaking inside your car from your A/C.
Q: How Much Water Should Drain From Car Air Conditioner?
Your car A/C drains condensed water after the cooling process of the A/C systems. A drop or two is not a cause for concern. You should be worried when you notice a puddle of water inside or outside your car.
Q: How Do I Stop My AC Unit From Leaking Water Inside?
There are two ways you can approach a situation of water leaking inside the car from your A/C unit. You could get professional help or go about it the DIY route.
If you opt for the DIY way, your first step would be to locate the car’s condensate drain in the engine bay. For most cars, it is in the area opposite your glove box.
The next step is to inspect the drain hose to see if some sticks or leaves might be blocking the flow of water. If you don’t find anything there, try checking the car’s A/C evaporator core to check for any leaks or damages to the ventilation system.
If you are not satisfied with the results you get, it might be a good idea to get some professional help. Has your car been checked by mechanics who can easily find out whatever is causing your car’s A/C unit to leak water inside your car?
Final Words
A working car A/C system is a great thing to have in your car during the summer and winter months. This is because it helps you keep the car’s interior temperature just the way you need it.
Sometimes your A/C system can cause you some problems. Say, for instance, when you notice that there is excessive water leaking from your car’s air conditioner.
A situation where you find water leaking inside your car can be problematic. However, after reading this article, you should know why your car’s A/C system leaks water excessively. Get a mechanic to run checks on your car whenever you notice something like this.