If your LG portable air conditioner sounds like water running, it may be nothing to worry over. This article explains the noise and why you hear it.
Table of Contents
LG Portable Air Conditioner Sounds Like Water Running – Solved
The noise may stem from the refrigerant as it flows through the cooling lines and circulates to the outdoor and indoor units. When you turn on the air conditioner, you may hear the refrigerant flowing at high speed, creating the water running sound. But when the unit stabilizes and the room cools to a certain degree, the sound reduces and eventually stops.
It is nothing to worry about as it is not a defect in the product. It is simply the gas pressure balancing and will stop when the air conditioner runs for some time, the sound stops. You may hear it when you turn off the unit or when the unit pauses after reaching the set temperature.
The sound may point to the drain pan overflowing because the condensate drain line is obstructed. You may want to check the line and clear it with water and bleach or vinegar or use a wet/dry vacuum to suck the dirt out of the tube. Alternatively, use the services of an HVAC technician to fix the drain if it is clogged.
Drain Pump Noise
Sometimes, the water running sound you hear is from the drain pump. In air conditioning units where the units are high up in the wall, it is almost impossible for condensate to drain out. So, there is a need for a drain pump for proper drainage and that is where the pump comes into play.
There is no available solution to the sound from the drain pump because it may be the design. It may also be a sign of a fault in the pump. The only option is to drain the water manually. That means turning the pump off. It has nothing to do with LG Electronics because the company does not manufacture the drain pump. You will have to speak with the local seller for ways to mask or muffle the noise.
Check out these other articles…
LG Air Conditioner Not Working [Problems Solved]
LG Air Conditioner Not Heating/Heating [Issues & Solutions]
LG Air Conditioner Beeps [How to Fix]
LG Air Conditioner Filter [How to, Issues & Solutions]
LG Air Conditioner Thermostat Not Working [Solution]
Quick Recap
When an LG air conditioner sounds like water running, that may be the case. The condensate may be flowing out of the unit due to clogging in the drain line, so it is important to check for an overflow. Also, the sound may come from the refrigerant flowing, but this should not be a concern because it is normal.
However, contact LG Service Center or hire a professional HVAC technician to fix the problem. Otherwise, the water, if it is overflowing, will cause irreparable damages to the air conditioning unit.