air conditioner is spitting water out the front?

Question

I live in an apartment building. I cannot go outside and drain my a/c from the back since I live on the 3rd floor. What do I do? Water is filling inside the a/c. I soaked some of it up with paper towels but it came back. I have cleaned my filter and the inside of the unit. I don't know what to do! Please help! I cannot sleep another night without a/c! :)

the a/c is sealed inside the window so there is noooo way I will be able to tilt it back!

also, I didn't install it.....

Answer 1

I get so tired of people telling you to "Tilt" your AC unit. You clearly stated that it was an apartment application, and NOT a window unit.

Anyway, you clearly have a clog in the condensate drain line. The condensate is designed to gravity drain away from the unit. However, if the unit is not maintenanced yearly (You should check with your complex to see who is responsible for maintenance - you or the maintenance staff) then the dirt will compact inside the condensate line and clog the drain line.

The water then builds up in the interior pan, and with the force of air it splashing this ater around thus causing it to "spit out".

Some things that you can try to get you up and running quicker:

If it is a plastic (PVC) pipe, you can cut it and use a Wet Vac to inclog the debris, then re-fit with pipe cement and fittings that you can get from Home Depot or any hardware store for less than $5.

If it is a copper pipe, then if you have a baby bottle brush, or any type of slim bristle then try to push the blockage out.

Give it a try. Good luck. But really get in touch with the office to go over maintenance.

For more information about he benfits of routine maintenance, go to http://www.howellsac.com

Answer 2

There is a hole that allows the unit to drain and that hole is plugged up with gunt. Usually algae and dust. Most window units are installed with a slight slope to the rear so the unit can drain and water does not back up into your apt. As a result your unit is accumulating an inch or so of water within the casing of the A/C. If you cannot get to the unit from the outside the unit will have to be taken out of the casing and the hole unplugged in this way. A couple of strong men will be needed usually and be care full because while doing this it may make a mess.
Your problem will continue until that hole is unplugged

Answer 3

Air conditioners HAVE TO BE tilted back. They are expected to condensate so you need to control where it drips. I put a piece of scrap wood on its side in the track where the window would close. I have storm windows that would make the AC sit tilting forward if I didn't put that wood under it. I hope this is easy to understand, just make sure the front is higher than the back.

Answer 4

You either need to shim the inside of the unit to tilt it towards the outside so it drains or the drain hole/hose is clogged. If it is the apartments unit, ask the landlord to have it fixed.

Answer 5

tilt your ac back, it will drain outside

Answer 6

Have your landlord retilt the airconditioner so it drains outside.

Answer 7

install it properly next time and this wont happen, tilt it back