My AC unit is leaking water inside the house. There is a puddle forming near the indoor unit. Is this normal?
An AC leaking water indoors is not normal and should be addressed quickly to prevent water damage and mold growth. The most common cause is a clogged condensate drain line. Your AC removes humidity from the air and this moisture drains through a PVC pipe to the outside. If this pipe clogs with algae, mold, or debris, water backs up and overflows. Find the drain line (usually a PVC pipe near the indoor unit) and try clearing it: pour a cup of distilled vinegar into the drain access point and wait 30 minutes, then flush with water. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum on the outdoor end of the drain line to suction out the clog. If that does not fix it, the drip pan under the evaporator coil may be cracked or rusted through. Other causes include a dirty air filter restricting airflow and causing the evaporator coil to freeze, then drip excessively when it thaws. Check and replace the filter. If the coil is frozen with visible ice, turn off the AC and let it thaw completely before running it again with a clean filter.
