Why Is My Heat Pump Leaking Water?
Last edited
Author
Andrew Giermak
Solar and Electrification Writer and Editor
Editor
Andrew Blok
Electrification and Solar Writer and Editor
During the cooling season, heat pumps drain away condensation as they dehumidify and cool your home. During the heating season, a normal defrost cycle may produce water near your outdoor coils. Both of these are perfectly normal.
Understanding why and where your heat pump produces water is key to knowing when what you’re seeing is ok, when you may need to do some maintenance yourself, or when it’s time for professional help. This guide will help you differentiate between a heat pump working just fine and when you have a rare problem with water leaking from a heat pump.
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Why Does a Heat Pump Leak Water?
A heat pump produces water during normal operation.
When heating, moisture in the air may freeze on the outdoor coil. The system should go into a defrost mode and melt the ice as needed. The water may drip off the outside unit and puddle near it. As long as it’s not excessive, the heat pump is working as it should.
In cooling mode, water condenses and collects in the drain pan and drains through a drain line.
If your system is running as it should, water should stay where it’s meant to and shouldn’t be a problem.
If the drain line becomes clogged, it can cause standing or overflowing water in the drain pan. A cracked drain pan may also cause an interior leak.
In the rare case of an improperly-installed system, it may have a leaky drain pan because the pan doesn’t connect to the drain line as it should.
Outdoors, a frozen coil remaining frozen is a sign of a defrost cycle not working, low refrigerant, or a dirty air filter.
| Issue | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Water drips off coil | The defrost mode melted ice or frost off the coil |
| Frozen coil | The refrigerant needs service or the defrost mode isn’t working |
| Water running out of drain line | Water is condensing into the drain pan and out of the drain line |
| Standing, pooling water in the drain pan | A clogged line or an improper pan-line connection |
| Interior leak | Cracked drain pan |
Why Is My Heat Pump Leaking Water Inside?
In some rare instances, a clogged drain line can cause water to pool in the drain pan. If that overflows, it can make a mess.
Pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar down the drain line once every few months can discourage clogs, though you should follow the manufacturers recommendation. A water leak may also happen from a cracked or rusted drain pan, a worn connection, or an improper installation.
Regular, recommended professional maintenance, including a cleaning every six or 12 months, can avoid this issue.
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Keep Your Heat Pump Well-Maintained
Alongside some important DIY tasks such as changing air filters as recommended and keeping the space around your exterior unit clear, professional maintenance will keep your system running in the long run. It’s generally a good idea to have a professional inspection and service each fall, before the heating season, and spring, before the cooling season. Here are the main reasons why.
- Comfort and performance: You want to be sure your heating and cooling is ready for the stretches you’ll be using it the most.
- Energy efficiency: The Department of Energy estimates regular service makes a heat pump up to 25% more efficient, which means lower energy bills.
- Air quality: Keeping everything clean maintains your home’s indoor air quality for a healthier, safer home environment.
- Fewer major repairs: Catching issues before they become big, expensive breakdowns saves money.
- Extended lifespan: Consistent professional service can keep your system running well for longer.
One way to make maintenance easy and affordable is with a heat pump lease via Palmetto LightReach. LightReach gives you a new energy-efficient heat pump for two-in-one heating and cooling and all service and maintenance included for no cost upfront and predictable monthly payments. For more on how a heat pump could fit your home, and an estimate for your address, use Palmetto’s HVAC advisor tool.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are heat pumps hard to maintain?
Heat pumps are not hard to maintain, but some jobs-especially jobs involving electrical, mechanical, and chemical work-need professional technicians. A service plan with professional experts is the best way to keep your system going efficiently and dependably.
Do heat pumps require regular maintenance?
Heat pumps run their best, and are most likely to have a long, energy-efficient lifespan, with regular maintenance.
Will a heat pump work in an apartment?
A heat pump can be an excellent heating and cooling solution for an apartment if you’re allowed to make the change. The most common type of heat pump used in apartments and condos is a ductless mini-split heat pump.
