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Heat pumps represent an appealing heating and air conditioning option for property owners. You don’t need separate systems to heat and cool your home if you have a heat pump. These systems are also generally cost-effective.

However, sometimes they experience a breakdown and start causing problems. For example, you may deal with a heat pump leaking water inside your home. You can review the reasons for this issue with heating repair professionals in Milton.

Contact our team at Rock Valley HVAC to learn more about the reasons for a heat pump break down or to set up an appointment. Call 608-247-4949 to get started today.

heat pump leaking water inside

#1: Frozen Coils Cause Heat Pump “Leaks”

Sometimes, the cooling coils on a heat pump freeze over, developing a layer of ice as the heat pump operates. Then, the ice starts to melt after the heat pump turns off, leading to puddles around the heat pump or even inside your home.

Reasons for Frozen Coils

What causes the coils on your heat pump to freeze? This problem occurs for several reasons. For example, the heat pump may get inadequate airflow due to a clogged filter. The issue also happens if your system develops a refrigerant leak. 

Many property owners feel that a refrigerant leak should cause the furnace to get hotter instead of colder. Instead, your heat pump begins activating the refrigerant more frequently as the leak worsens, causing the pipes to get colder and colder until ice develops. 

Ways to Handle Frozen Coils

The steps to address issues with frozen coils vary based on the reason for the problem. For example, a heat pump technician may check and replace your air filter to allow greater airflow across the heating system, thereby resolving the issue.

However, what if you have a refrigerant leak? In this situation, crews repair the leak and inject more refrigerant into the system. Note that refrigerant is a toxic chemical, so you should not try to clean it up on your own. 

You can reach out to the professionals if your heat pump is leaking water to get your refrigerant levels checked. 

#2: Dirt in the Condensate Pan Lead to Leaks

Heat pumps collect water during the normal course of their operation. In order to prevent a heat pump from leaking water inside, the system also includes a condensate pan. The pan catches the condensation that forms on the heat pump, keeping it from spilling out onto the floor.

However, in some situations, the pan may overflow, leading to leaks in your home. 

Reasons for Condensate Pan Leaks

The condensate pan attaches to a drain line that removes the water from the heat pump. Unfortunately, sometimes issues occur with this system if the pan becomes misaligned or clogged with contaminants like:

  • Algae
  • Mold
  • Debris

These foreign substances take up a lot of space in the condensate pan and may prevent water from draining correctly. 

Most heat pumps come with a failsafe that prevents a leak in this situation. These systems have a floater in the condensate pan. If the floater rises too high, the system automatically shuts off, preventing the generation of more liquid. 

Ways to Address Drainage System Leaks

Are you dealing with an issue with your heat pump’s drainage system? In this situation, a heat pump specialist can step in to help. Crews can realign the condensate pan to make sure it appropriately catches the moisture.

Our team can also remove unwanted debris from the system. In addition, we can clean and disinfect the pain, getting rid of fungal growth and other issues.

#3: Cracks in the Condensate Pan and Leaks

The system uses a condensate pan to handle your heating needs, whether you have an indoor or outdoor unit. 

You can also reach out to a professional crew to unclog the drain line so heat pumps can work correctly again. As we discussed, these pans can collect dirt and other contaminants. These pans may also crack, allowing water to escape and enter your home. 

Reasons for Condensate Pan Cracks

Manufacturers design condensate pans to collect water and function in harsh environments. However, over time, these pans wear out. Changes in temperature, corrosive elements in the water, and other issues may lead to a crack. 

Ways to Address a Condensate Pan Crack

Generally, heat pump repair crews do not try to fix a cracked condensate pan. Instead, they can replace the pan, removing the risk of a leak from your property. 

#4: Clogs in the Drain Line Lead to Leaks

Water exits the condensate pan through a drain line. This line takes the water away from your property, stopping your heat pump from leaking water inside. However, over time, this line may clog up.

Once water cannot get through the drain line, it backs up in the condensate pan and may start to overflow.

Reasons for Drain Line Clogs

Drain lines generally clog due to foreign material, like dirt, dust, or algae. Allowing the condensate pan to get dirty eventually leads to a drain line clog, as all the contaminants in the pan enter the line. 

Ways to Address a Clogged Drain Line

You can contact a heat pump maintenance crew for help unclogging your drain line. Professionals can clear away a physical blockage, allowing the water to drain correctly. Regular maintenance can also prevent a clog from forming. 

Reasons to Handle a Leaking Heat Pump Right Away

Your heat pump may continue to operate while leaking water inside your home. However, this doesn’t mean you should ignore the issue or wait to get help from heat pump repair professionals.

Leaks expose your property to the risk of water damage. Excess levels of moisture often encourage the growth of mold throughout your home, which may end up requiring mold remediation services. Water also:

  • Warps floors
  • Damages furniture
  • Eats away at drywall
  • Ruins paint and wallpaper

You can protect your property by contacting repair crews as soon as you notice your heat pump leaking water inside. In addition to causing property damage, leaks also endanger the function of your heat pump.

Heat pumps generally have complex electrical systems. Exposing the systems to excess amounts of water could cause the unit to short-circuit. Short-circuited units often experience significant damage that requires a lot of money to repair.

In some cases, an electrical short could fry your entire heat pump, requiring a replacement. Therefore, the experts recommend getting help quickly if you notice a leak.

Furthermore, coolant issues cause some leaks. Coolant contains chemicals considered toxic to humans and animals, and allowing a leak to continue could endanger your family. Fortunately, you can get help quickly by reaching out to heat pump repair technicians. 

Finally, in some cases, a leak causes your heat pump to stop working, generally if the condensate pan fills up and triggers the floater. In this situation, the heat pump no longer heats or cools your home, leaving you without temperature control until you address the leak.

Our team can step in to help with a leaking heat pump right away.

Contact Us About a Leaking Heat Pump

Is your heat pump leaking water inside in Milton, WI? If so, you can get professional help today from Rock Valley HVAC. We take care of condensate pans, drain lines, cooling coils, and more. Let us put you first.

Learn how to do a heating system check or set up your repair appointment today by calling us at 608-247-4949.

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