Is your air conditioner dripping water inside the room? This is a common but serious issue that many homeowners face—especially during the summer. Ignoring it can lead to wall damage, mold growth, and poor AC performance.
In this blog, we’ll explain the top reasons why ACs leak water indoors and what you can do about it.
1. Clogged Drain Pipe
One of the most common reasons for water leakage is a blocked or clogged drain pipe. Your AC removes moisture from the air and drains it through a small pipe. But over time, dust, dirt, or mold can block this pipe.
When the water has nowhere to go, it starts dripping from the indoor unit.
What to do: A technician can clear the blockage using a vacuum or pressure tool during a routine service.
2. Frozen Evaporator Coil
If you see water dripping from the AC and also notice ice formation on the indoor unit, the problem could be a frozen coil. This happens when:
- The air filter is dirty
- Refrigerant (AC gas) is low
- Airflow is restricted
When the ice melts, it overflows the drainage tray, causing water leakage.
What to do: Turn off the AC, let it defrost, and call a professional to check gas levels and filters.
3. Improper Installation
Sometimes water leakage starts right after installation. This usually means the indoor unit is:
- Not mounted level
- Drain pipe is not sloped correctly
- Pipes are loosely connected
This results in poor drainage and constant dripping water.
What to do: Always hire experienced technicians who follow proper installation steps.
4. Dirty Air Filter
A clogged or dirty filter restricts airflow and can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. As mentioned earlier, this eventually leads to water leakage.
What to do: Clean or replace the air filter every 30 days, especially during peak summer.
5. Low Refrigerant (Gas) Levels
When your AC’s gas is low, it affects cooling and can also lead to ice build-up on the coils, which then melts and leaks.
Low refrigerant also causes:
- Weak cooling
- Hissing sounds
- Higher electricity bills
What to do: A technician will check for gas leaks, refill the gas, and test pressure levels.
6. Broken Drain Pan
The drain pan is located under the indoor unit and collects water during normal operation. If it’s cracked, rusted, or misaligned, water can leak onto the wall or floor.
This usually happens in older ACs.
What to do: The pan needs to be repaired or replaced during service.
7. Poor Maintenance
Skipping regular AC service can lead to:
- Dust buildup
- Clogged pipes
- Undetected leaks
All of which can cause indoor water leakage.
What to do: Schedule regular servicing (at least 2 times a year) to avoid such issues.
Conclusion
If your AC is leaking water indoors, don’t ignore it. Even small leaks can lead to serious damage over time—like stained walls, electrical hazards, or mold.
The good news? Most water leakage problems are quick and affordable to fix if handled early by trained professionals.
