Air Conditioner Spitting Water: Common Causes & Fixes

While it’s normal for air conditioners to produce a bit of water, it should never be spitting water like it’s a sprinkler. If you notice this with your air conditioner, it could be a sign of bigger problems brewing inside your system.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the most common reasons your air conditioner is spitting water and what you can do to fix it before it becomes a costly repair.

Why Is My Air Conditioner Spitting Water?

ACs naturally pull moisture from the air as part of the cooling process. Warm air hits the evaporator coils, moisture condenses, and that water usually drains out through a line or into a pan. But when water starts spraying out of the unit, it means there’s something going wrong in that process.

It’s important to know that window units aren’t the only air conditioners at risk for this issue. Mini-split systems can also experience this problem.

Common Causes of an AC Spitting Water

A water-spitting air conditioner is likely caused by one or more things going wrong during its air-cooling process. Let’s run through the most common culprits:

• Clogged or dirty air filters: When airflow is restricted, the coils can freeze, which can lead to excess water buildup.
• Clogged or disconnected drain line: If the drain’s blocked, water can’t exit properly and starts backing up into places it shouldn’t.
• Low refrigerant levels: Not enough refrigerant means lower pressure, which leads to frozen coils. When the coils thaw, excess water can spit out.
• Improper tilt on a window unit: A window AC should tilt slightly outward. If it’s flat or tilting the wrong way, water flows in instead of out.

How to Fix an Air Conditioner That’s Spitting Water

Depending on the issue, you may be able to fix it yourself or at least reduce the risk of AC failure until you can schedule a professional service. Here’s what you can do:

1. Replace or clean the air filter: Always start here. A dirty filter is a common root cause. Clean it if it’s reusable or pop in a new one if it’s disposable. Check it monthly during heavy use.
2. Flush the drain line: Turn off your unit, locate the drain line, and clear it with a wet/dry vac or pipe cleaner — a simple yet effective fix in many cases.
3. Defrost the coils: Shut off the unit and let the ice melt naturally. Resist the urge to chip away at it, as it’s not worth causing unintentional damage.
4. Adjust the tilt on a window unit: Use a level to make sure your window AC tilts slightly down toward the outside so water can drain out properly.

When to Call a Professional HVAC Technician

If you’ve tried these fixes, but your AC is still spitting out water, it’s time to contact the pros. Call a technician if you notice signs of potential AC failure, including:

• Refrigerant leaks
• Electrical issues or strange noises
• Burning smells
• Coils constantly freezing
• Short-cycling (powering on and off)