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As you probably guessed before even opening this blog post, water should never leak out of your AC vents.

In this blog post, you’ll learn why your AC vent is leaking water, what you can do to fix it yourself, and when to contact WeatherWise Heating & Cooling, Inc. for AC repair in Cary, IL.

What Causes AC Vents To Leak Water in Cary, IL?

If your AC vent is leaking water, your system is forcing moisture into the vents instead of draining it correctly. These are the most common mechanical causes:

  • Clogged drain line: Blocks water flow and forces it to back up into the system
  • Cracked or rusted drip pan: Allows collected water to leak into the ductwork
  • Frozen evaporator coil: Melts and floods the pan, causing overflow through the vents
  • Unsealed duct joints: Pull in humid air, causing condensation near the vent
  • Blocked condensate drain line: Traps water and pushes it into the ceilings and vents
  • Air handler leak or roof leak: Sends water through open ducts and vent openings
  • Excess moisture at the vent: Leads to ceiling stains, rot, and visible ceiling water damage

The longer you let these issues continue in Cary, IL, the more you’ll have to spend on repairs. If you ignore them long enough, you might even need a full system replacement.

The Fastest Way To Stop Your AC Vent From Leaking in Cary, IL

Once you shut off the power to your AC system, you can inspect and troubleshoot it safely. Use the steps below to locate the failure point and fix it before water causes more damage inside your ceiling.

Clear the Condensate Drain Line First

When the condensate drain line clogs, water backs up and spills into the ductwork. This often causes your AC vent to start leaking water.

Shut off the power at the breaker before opening anything. Remove the drain cap and vacuum the line using a wet/dry vac. If water still drains slowly, pour white vinegar into the pipe to dissolve algae and debris. Once the drain line clears, water flows out as it should.

Check for a Clogged Drain Pan or Exit Point

A clogged drain pan at the base of your air handler causes water to collect and spill into the ducts.

Use a shop vac to remove any water sitting in the pan. Inspect the connected drainpipe outside for dirt, roots, or buildup that could block water flow. If needed, flush the pipe with a bleach solution to break down sludge inside. Once the water drains correctly, the pan should remain dry. If it fills again during the next cycle, check the filter and cooling coil for airflow issues.

Replace Filters and Inspect the Evaporator Coil

A dirty air filter blocks airflow and causes the evaporator coil to freeze. When the system shuts off, the ice melts and floods the drain pan. If the pan overflows, your AC vent is leaking water as a result of that excess moisture.

Shut off the unit and replace the air filter. Use a hairdryer on low heat to melt the ice on the coil. Once airflow returns to normal, condensation flows into the pan again.

Seal Leaky Vents To Stop HVAC Condensation

Loose duct connections around your vents let cold air escape and mix with warmer surrounding air. The sudden temperature change creates HVAC condensation, which collects near the ceiling and drips into the room.

Turn on the AC and feel around your vents for escaping air. Use caulk or HVAC foil tape to seal any gaps. If moisture still appears after sealing, check the attic insulation near the ductwork for missing or damaged areas.

Inspect for Air Handler Leaks or Ceiling Water Damage

Not all leaks in Cary, IL, start inside your AC system. A nearby air handler leak or roof issue can push water into the ductwork and out through your vents. Use a flashlight to check the attic space above the ceiling. Look for damp insulation, rust on fittings, or a musty smell around the ducts. Signs like these often point to ongoing moisture that’s already caused ceiling water damage.

Contact Weatherwise Heating & Cooling, Inc. in Cary, IL, To Stop the Leaking

If your AC vent is leaking water, don’t wait for ceiling damage or mold to spread. At WeatherWise Heating & Cooling, Inc., we’ll find the source, fix it fast, and keep it from coming back. We handle everything from inspections to full repairs. For tips on preventing future leaks, read our full AC maintenance guide online.