Why Does My Window AC Sound Like It Has Water in It?

Why Does My Window AC Sound Like It Has Water in It?

Water in Window Air ConditionerDoes your window AC unit sound like running water or like it has water in it? Like there is trickling water or water sloshing around inside? Is the bottom of the unit wet or is water leaking into your room?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, continue reading to learn what to do next.

Why Does My Window AC Sound Like It Has Water in It?

Your window AC removes humidity from the air in your room while it runs. This moisture collects as condensation under the fan and is spit or thrown back onto the coils to improve cooling. This means if you hear running water or water rushing around in your window AC unit, it could be part of normal operation and you don’t need to do anything or try to drain the water.

Your window AC should have a way to drain or evaporate excess condensation by itself, but during the hot and humid summer months, it may have trouble removing the water as it collects and builds up. If water is dripping from the unit and into the room, the condensation is most likely not draining properly and excess water is collecting and overflowing in the drain pan. This can cause several problems, such as:

  • Mold growth in and around the unit
  • Water damage to your home
  • Windowsill rotting

3 Ways to Fix a Window AC that Sounds Like Running Water

1. Adjust the Tilt

Make sure that your window AC unit is tilted slightly towards the outside to allow proper drainage outdoors. This should prevent the water from spilling indoors. Consult the installation manual if you have it to find the proper tilt level. If you can’t find any documentation, try for a tilt of about an inch.

2. Remove Rubber Drain Plug

If the AC unit is already properly tilted but still leaking water into your home, you’ll have to fix the source of the drainage problem. Check if the unit has a rubber plug in one of the back bottom corners. Try removing this plug and allowing the water to drain freely. Replace the plug afterward and repeat this process as needed.

3. Clean the Drain Pan

If you can’t find the rubber plug or there is none, you’ll want to turn off the unit and clean the drain pan. Chances are, after years of operation, mold, mildew, dust, and other debris built up in the unit, clogging the drain holes and causing drainage issues. These drain holes should be in the back of the unit on the bottom or sides. You can try to clean the drain hole with a thin wire brush, but if that doesn’t work, you’ll need to turn off the unit and take it apart to clean it.

One Reply to “Why Does My Window AC Sound Like It Has Water in It?”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *