Top 5 Causes of AC Leaks and How to Prevent Water Damage

Few things cause more panic for Florida homeowners than discovering water pooling around their air conditioner. While an AC leak might seem like a minor issue, it can quickly lead to mold growth, drywall damage, and costly repairs. At CoolBreeze AC & Heating, we often receive calls from homeowners in Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Miramar, and Pembroke Pines facing the same frustrating problem. The good news? Most AC leaks are preventable when you know what to look for.

1. A Clogged or Overflowing Drain Line

The most common reason for an AC leak is a clogged condensate drain line. As your system removes humidity from the air, the moisture collects in a drain pan and exits through this line. Over time, algae and debris can block the pipe, causing water to back up and overflow. If you notice dripping water, call our Hallandale Beach AC repair team right away to clear the blockage and prevent further damage.

2. Frozen Evaporator Coil

When your AC’s evaporator coil freezes, the ice eventually melts and overflows the drain pan. This problem is usually caused by restricted airflow, dirty filters, or low refrigerant. Homeowners in Hollywood can avoid this by scheduling regular AC maintenance — keeping filters clean, coils free of debris, and refrigerant levels balanced.

3. Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan

Older AC units often develop rust or cracks in the drain pan that collects condensation. If this happens, water will leak directly into your home instead of draining properly. This is especially common in systems over ten years old. A technician can replace the drain pan or assess whether your system may be due for an upgrade.

4. Low Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant leaks can lead to coil freezing and water overflow. You might also notice weak airflow or hissing sounds near the indoor unit. The solution isn’t just topping off refrigerant — the leak must be found and sealed. Our Miramar AC repair specialists can perform a full system diagnostic to locate the issue and restore proper cooling performance.

5. Improper AC Installation or Sizing

If your air conditioner was installed incorrectly or is oversized for your home, it can short cycle — turning on and off too quickly. This leads to excess condensation that your system can’t drain efficiently. In many cases, the long-term fix involves properly sizing or reinstalling the system. Homeowners in Pembroke Pines often call us to correct previous poor installations and ensure proper drainage and airflow.

How to Prevent Future Leaks

Most AC leaks can be prevented with simple, consistent care. Schedule regular maintenance twice a year to clean coils, flush the drain line, and check refrigerant levels. Our CoolBreeze AC & Heating technicians provide full-system tune-ups across Broward County, helping homeowners avoid water damage and maintain efficiency all season long.