AC Leaking Water in Sun City?
Here's Why — and What It Costs to Fix

The most common cause in Arizona. Dust, algae, and debris clog the PVC drain line, causing the drain pan to overflow and water to drip inside. DIY fix: pour 1 cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain line access port (usually near the air handler) and wait 30 minutes. If the clog is severe, Bradford uses a wet-vac and pressurized flush to clear it completely. Bradford's annual tune-up includes drain line inspection and flush as standard.

When a frozen coil thaws — caused by dirty filters, low refrigerant, or blocked airflow — the meltwater can overwhelm the drain pan and spill over. Signs: ice on the refrigerant line or indoor unit, followed by water pooling. Turn the system to 'fan only' to thaw safely. The leak will stop once thawed, but the underlying cause must be addressed or it will refreeze.

The primary drain pan (under the evaporator coil) and the secondary/overflow pan can crack over time from thermal cycling. In Arizona's extreme heat, plastic pans degrade faster than in cooler climates. Signs: water staining on the ceiling below the air handler, rust marks on the pan. Bradford inspects both pans during every tune-up.

The air handler must be installed with a slight slope toward the drain line so condensate flows by gravity. If the unit has shifted or was installed incorrectly, water pools and overflows. This is more common in older Surprise homes where the air handler is in the attic and the structure has settled.

A dirty evaporator coil causes excess condensation and can also restrict airflow, leading to freezing and subsequent leaking. Signs: reduced cooling efficiency alongside the water leak. Bradford's annual tune-up includes evaporator coil inspection; full cleaning is quoted separately if needed.

Low refrigerant causes the evaporator coil to run too cold, freeze, and then thaw repeatedly — each thaw cycle can produce more water than the drain pan can handle. This is a licensed technician job requiring EPA 608 certification. Bradford locates the leak, seals it, and recharges to factory spec.