How do i fix moisture from my ac?

Weda
by Weda

My ac is installed in a downstairs closet in my home. If I'm correct it drains out the side of my house (going thru 2 closets in the room next to it). My problem is I am getting mold and both closets are moldy and damp. What could be causing this problem and is it something I can fix on my own? I am a widow now and can't afford anything too expensive.


  14 answers
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 02, 2020

    Hi Weda,

    Sounds as if there is a leak or a break in the connection of the pipe taking the extracted moisture away from the AC.

    • See 1 previous
    • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Nov 02, 2020

      Hello again,

      You would need to get behind the closet and find the pipe in the wall!

      If the closets are moveable, pull them away from the wall and let them dry out. (It could be they are acting as a wick for the damp.) It will also give the wall a chance to dry out too. When replacing the closets back, leave an air gap to stop transfer of damp. You could also put a sheet of polystyrene behind the closet too. If the closets are built in, then you would either need to get into the wall to find the pipe - fix it and lag it so it doesn't freeze and then replace the wall and finish. Alternative would be to call in a couple of A/c Fitters and ask them for a Price to fix the problem. You could also ask how they propose to do the job and how long it will take them. That way you will have some idea of what would be involved , and the costs . Then if you think it is something you could tackle yourself, you will at least know what and where to find and fix the problem. Best of luck!

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Nov 02, 2020

    It sounds like the pipe has a leak and is allowing moisture to get into those closets. It might also be the temperature of the pipe. You could try adding pipe insulation to that pipe. I would also use Damp Rid in those closets. Pipe insulation is foam and is easy to cut and place around the pipe.

    • Weda Weda on Nov 02, 2020

      Thanks I guess this means I'm going to have to tear out all the sheetrock to find the leak.. 😩 this is going to be alot of work for me but I'm going to have to get it done one way or another

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Nov 02, 2020

    Hello. If you can establish that you have a leak or crack you might be able to fix it with epoxy putty. This is a clay that is mix and dries rocksolid. Found in the big box hardware stores it cost about $6.50 a tube. I find it to be a great repair item to have on hand in addition to my crafting purposes.

    • Weda Weda on Nov 02, 2020

      Thank you!! At least it sounds easy to fix.. its the tearing out the sheetrock and replacing it that has me tired already!! Lol

  • You might have a leak in the pipe but you should also check around outside your house after it rains, see if there’s any pooling. Make sure all your downspouts move water well away from your foundation. If it’s not the pipe or another interior leak, you might have a larger problem which unfortunately is not inexpensive.

  • Annie Annie on Nov 02, 2020

    The water drain is more then likely plugged. I would remove the unit, clean all the areas behind, clean out the venting and re install. I would do this once or twice per year depending how often ac is used

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Nov 02, 2020

    You could purchase a dehumidifier but due to the location, you will probably have to manually empty it. I would run it into a bucket of some type and check it to see how often you need to empty.

  • Deb K Deb K on Nov 02, 2020

    Hello Weda, sounds like the hose may be plugged or leaking, you need to find where it is plugged in the hose or where the hole is in the hose and seal it off. You can't buy a cheap snake to try to ream out the hose, or try to run water from a garden hose through it to move the blockage.

  • Pat Pat on Nov 02, 2020

    Is there a hose running from your ac through the closets to the outside of your house? I am thinking if there is, it might be plugged and you should get a new hose,

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Nov 04, 2020

    Hi! Sheetrock isn't nearly as messy to cut and remove as plaster. I would consider access panels where you remove the sheetrock. They aren't expensive. I bought one on Amazon for access to my washer and dryer and it made life much simpler. Another cheaper option is to cut panels to screw onto the four corners so they are easy to remove. I've used bead board, paneling and sheetrock to screw into place. Hidden in the closet, you won't even need to do a trim finish unless you want one. If you could manage it, look into moving the unit closer to where it drains for less distance for leaks. I would check all connections and hoses before doing anything expensive. They wear out, and can be accidentally damaged. Drains get blocked. There is a tool (I think it's called a sheetrock saw) that is long and skinny and cuts easily through sheetrock. Avoid being too close to any electric, ductwork, or water lines. If there is electrical, shut off the breaker before starting. If the dampness is a new problem, I would suspect a leak. Airing it out, even with a cheap box fan will help. Once you have done all you are capable of, you may want to get it inspected by an HVAC specialist. Good luck!

  • Mogie Mogie on Nov 04, 2020

    My Dad had a short hose that ran from his ac unit across the garage floor and drained outside. That was his cheap solution.

    He took the hose apart and cleaned it out every few years.

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Nov 05, 2020

    try this Fill a plastic bucket with a few gallons of hot water and about 1/2 cup of household bleach. Saturate a scrubbing sponge in the bleach solution and use it to wipe the inside surfaces of the AC unit, removing all traces of visible mold. The bleach will kill residual mold spores.

    • Carla Stroh Carla Stroh on Jul 03, 2021

      Using bleach on mold causes it to 'bloom' releasing spores into the air. It is not advised.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Nov 06, 2020

    Our HVAC had a little sump and pump to get rid of the water. Our pump was directed to a floor drain.

  • Weda Weda on Nov 14, 2020

    Thank you all for the information I really appreciate it 🙂