Air Conditioning  Leaking  Water? Here’s What’s Happening

Why your air conditioner makes water in the first place

When warm, humid indoor air hits your system’s icy‑cold evaporator coil, the moisture condenses, just like beads on a cold glass. That water drips into a drain pan and exits through a condensate line. Any hiccup in that simple journey can send water places it shouldn’t be.

Is it ever “normal” for an AC to leak?

A few drops outdoors on a sweltering day? Totally fine. Water pooling indoors, dripping from ceiling vents, or staining walls is never okay. Left unchecked, leaks invite mold, rot drywall, and even short‑out electronics.

7 common reasons your AC is leaking water

#	Culprit	How it causes the leak	Quick check
1	Clogged condensate drain line	Dirt, algae or pet hair blocks the pipe; water backs up and overflows	Locate the PVC drain and flush with warm distilled‑vinegar water.
2	Cracked or rusted drain pan	Old steel pans corrode, letting water escape before it reaches the drain	Shine a flashlight underneath; replace if rusted through.
3	Dirty air filter	Starved airflow freezes coils; ice melts and floods the pan	Swap filters every 30–60 days.
4	Frozen evaporator coil	Low refrigerant or poor airflow ices the coil, then melts	Look for frost on the indoor unit; let it thaw and call a pro for refrigerant check.
5	Low refrigerant	Pressure drops, temperature plunges, coil freezes	Symptoms: hissing noises, warm air from vents, high bills. Requires licensed technician.
6	Broken condensate pump (for basements/attics)	Pump can’t lift water up to an exterior drain	Listen for silence where a faint hum used to be; replace pump.
7	Improper installation or unlevel unit	Tilted unit makes water spill over the pan edge instead of into the drain	Check that the air handler sits level; shim if necessary.

Three DIY checks before you ring an HVAC tech

Power down the unit at the breaker, safety first.
Replace the air filter. A £10 filter often solves a £300 water damage problem.
Do the “vac test.” Attach a wet/dry‑vac to the condensate line outside and pull for 30 seconds. A sludge‑filled canister means you just cleared the clog and possibly saved yourself a service fee.

If water’s still dripping after those steps or you see ice, smell mildew, or notice breakers tripping, bring in a professional. Leaks can signal deeper issues like refrigerant loss or failing coils that only certified technicians should tackle.

Pro‑level fixes you shouldn’t DIY

Refrigerant recharge or leak repair
Drain‑pan replacement on older units
Condensate pump installation or wiring
Leveling a mis‑set air handler

Technicians have the gauges, vacuums, and EPA‑approved refrigerants to do the job right and protect your warranty.

Need help with any of these jobs? Schedule expert air conditioning repair with our certified technicians

Keep your aircon leaking water woes away with routine maintenance

Change filters at the start of every season, or monthly during pollen season, using our step‑by‑step guide to an air‑conditioning filter change.
Pour a cup of vinegar into the condensate line quarterly to deter algae.
Clean outdoor coils with a gentle garden‑hose spray (never pressure‑wash).
Schedule an annual tune‑up each spring to catch small drain or refrigerant issues before they soak your drywall.

An AC leaking water isn’t just annoying, it’s a red flag. A clear drain line, clean filter, and healthy refrigerant charge keep water where it belongs: outside. So if you walk in to the sound of an unexpected indoor rainstorm, act quickly, shut the system off, try the simple checks above, and call a trusted HVAC pro if the drip persists. Your wallet and your drywall will thank you.

FAQ's

How do I stop my air conditioner from leaking water?

Turn the unit off at the breaker, swap the air filter, and vacuum or flush the condensate drain line with warm vinegar water. If the drain pan is cracked or the evaporator coil is an ice block, you’ll need an HVAC pro to repair or replace parts.

Can I still use my AC if it’s leaking water?

Light dripping outdoors on a sweltering day is fine, but steady indoor leaks can fry electronics and warp drywall. Shut the system down and address the cause before running it again.

Why is my central AC system leaking water?

The big culprits are a clogged drain line, dirty filter causing a frozen coil, low refrigerant, or a rusted drain pan. Any one of these prevents condensate from reaching the outside world, so it overflows instead.

Is it normal for AC to leak water?

Yes, outside. Condensation dripping from the outdoor unit shows it’s removing humidity. Pooling or dripping inside means something’s wrong with drainage, airflow, or refrigerant levels.

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Why is my AC leaking water inside my house?

Most often a clogged condensate drain, dirty air filter, or low refrigerant freezes the coil; when it thaws, water pours off faster than the pan can handle.

How do I unclog my AC drain line?

Attach a wet/dry‑vac hose to the outside drain line for 30 seconds, or pour a cup of distilled vinegar down the line every few months to dissolve algae.

How do I unclog my AC drain line?

Attach a wet/dry‑vac hose to the outside drain line for 30 seconds, or pour a cup of distilled vinegar down the line every few months to dissolve algae.

What can I do to keep condensed moisture from dripping out of my AC vent?

Change the filter, thaw any ice on the evaporator coil, and schedule annual maintenance to correct airflow or refrigerant issues that cause vent sweating.

How long will an AC last with a leak?

Anywhere from weeks to months,  but every day it drips, the risk of water damage, electrical short‑outs, and mold climbs. Fix it sooner rather than later.