Water pooling around the outdoor unit or dripping excessively from connections.

Safety: Turn off power before reaching under or inside the outdoor unit.

Steps:

• Identify water source: Some water dripping from the outdoor unit in cooling or defrost is normal. Excessive pooling may indicate blocked drains.
• Clear base pan drains: Look for small drain holes in the outdoor unit base pan. Clear debris (leaves, dirt) with a plastic tool or compressed air.
• Check condensate routing: If indoor condensate is routed through the outdoor unit, ensure hoses are properly connected and sloped.

Technician recommended: If water appears to be refrigerant oil or if corrosion is severe, have a technician inspect for coil leaks or structural damage.