Key Takeaways
● RV air conditioners can drip water for a variety of reasons
● If the AC unit is the problem, it may need to be repaired or replaced
● If the drain hose is clogged, it can cause water to back up and leak out of the air conditioning unit
● Be sure to take proper precautions to avoid further damage to your RV
On those hot summer days, it can feel pretty stuffy being stuck in an RV without any air conditioning. It’s even worse when it starts dripping water, and you’re wondering if it’s broken and you have to get a new one. Why is it doing that?
There are several reasons why your RV air conditioner might be dripping water. It could be due to rain water, a clogged drain hose, or an overflowing drain pan. Thankfully, they should be easy problems to resolve.
In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know about why your RV air conditioner might be dripping water and the quick fixes you can implement to get back to normal.
Table of Contents
Why is Your RV Air Conditioner Dripping Water?
There is nothing worse than moist air and humidity when you’re stuck on the road. An RV air conditioner leak can REALLY mess things up.
If your RV air conditioner has started dripping water, there are a FEW potential causes. Thankfully, they tend to be fairly easy to fix, so you should be back in action in no time.
Rainwater
One potential cause of water dripping from your RV air conditioner is rainwater. If there is a lot of rainfall, the water can SEEP through the RV roof and into the AC unit itself.
If you think this might be the case, it’s best to check the SEALS around your RV’s roof and windows to ensure they are still intact and doing their job. You can also invest in an RV cover to help keep the water OUT.
Pro Tip: Even a newly installed air conditioner can fall victim to the rain, so check it regularly.
Overflowing Drain Pan
Another potential cause of RV air conditioner leaks is an overflowing drain pan. The pan is designed to HOLD any water that drips from the AC unit as it’s running.
However, if there is a problem with the drain pan, it can start to OVERFLOW past the drain holes and cause water to drip onto the floor (or wherever else the pan is located).
One way to prevent this is to ensure the drain pan is the right SIZE for your RV air conditioner. You should also regularly check it to ensure there is no debris blocking the drain hole.
Condensation
Another potential cause of dripping water from your RV air conditioner is condensation. When the AC unit is running, it can cause the surrounding air to cool down and reach the DEW POINT.
At this point, water vapor in the air will start to CONDENSE and form droplets of water on the AC unit itself. These droplets will eventually start to drip down, causing the water-dripping problem.
Pro Tip: An air conditioner removes moisture from the air, so a leaking air conditioner is not going to be pumping cold air back into the RV.
One way to prevent this is to make sure the RV is properly ventilated. You can do this by opening windows and doors when the AC unit is running.
Clogged Drain Hose
Another potential cause of dripping water from your RV air conditioner is a clogged drain hose. The drain hose is responsible for REMOVING any water that drips from the AC unit.
However, if the hose becomes clogged, it can cause water to start building up and eventually start DRIPPING out.
One way to prevent this is to regularly CHECK the drain hose by removing the rubber gasket and clearing any debris that might be blocking it.
Faulty AC Unit
Finally, a faulty AC unit is another potential cause of dripping water from your RV air conditioning system. If the AC unit itself is damaged, it can cause water to start leaking out.
This is usually due to a problem with the evaporator coil OR the condenser coil. If you think this might be the case, it’s best to take your RV to a professional for further diagnosis and repair.
How to Tell if Your RV Air Conditioner is Broken
If your RV air conditioner is dripping water, it’s important to figure out whether or not it’s actually BROKEN. Here are a few signs to look for:
- Water is leaking from the AC unit itself
- The AC unit is making strange noises
- The AC unit isn’t blowing cold air
If you notice any of these signs, it’s BEST to take your RV to a professional for further diagnosis and repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Water Should be Dripping from My AC?
If you notice water dripping from your RV AC, it’s important to figure out how much water is actually coming out. A small amount of water is normal and nothing to worry about.
However, if a large amount of water is dripping, it could be an indication of a serious problem. In this case, it’s best to take your RV to a professional for further diagnosis and repair.
Is it Dangerous for an RV Air Conditioner to Drip Water?
While a small amount of water dripping from your RV air conditioner is normal and nothing to worry about, a large amount of water can be dangerous.
If too much water builds up, it could start to damage the RV itself. In extreme cases, water leaking from the air conditioner unit could even cause an ELECTRICAL SHORT.
What Should I Do if My RV Air Conditioner is Dripping Water?
If you notice your RV air conditioner is dripping water, you should first try to determine the cause.
Once you know the cause, you can take steps to fix the problem and prevent it from happening again in the future.
Is a Coleman RV Air Conditioner a Good Choice?
Coleman is a well-known brand that makes a variety of RV air conditioners. While there are many different types and models to choose from, Coleman RV air conditioners are a good option for those looking for quality and reliability.
To Conclude
If your RV air conditioner is dripping water, it could be due to a problem with the AC unit itself or caused by something else, such as a clogged drain hose.
Be sure to take proper precautions to avoid further damage to your RV and get the problem fixed as soon as possible.
We hope that you found this guide helpful and that you have been able to take proper care of your AC unit as a result.
