10 Reasons Why Your Aircon Is Leaking Water And How To Fix It

Arthur Blaze | Aircon Services
23 May, 2025 | 7 min read

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Is your air conditioner leaking water? Don’t ignore it. If the water from your air conditioner is not fixed, it may damage your home or office. If a drain is clogged, the filter is dirty, or the refrigerant runs low, it can cause a leak. However, If these problems are identified early, you can prevent costly repairs and water damage and extend the life of your unit. 
 

Aircon Water Leaking: 10 Reasons and How To Fix It

Here are 10 reasons your aircon is leaking and the steps you can take to repair it efficiently.

1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line

The most common cause of aircon leaks is a blocked condensate drain line. If left uncleaned, dirt, dust, and algae can build up in the line and prevent the water from draining properly. As a result, the water fills your machine and may leak onto your walls or floors. While you can clear a clog by yourself, calling in a technician ensures the line is completely flushed and cleaned.

2. Dusty Air Filter

A clogged air filter restricts airflow, which can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Once the unit is off and the ice is melted, some extra water may escape from the aircon. This not only causes water damage but can reduce the efficiency of your cooling system. Replacing or cleaning your air filter every one to three months helps maintain good airflow, reduces energy usage, and prevents unnecessary leaks.

3. Damaged or Rusted Drain Pan

Older air conditioning units may have corroded, cracked, or rusted drain pans that are unable to hold water effectively. If you notice water pooling underneath your indoor unit, it could be due to a compromised pan. If the pan is damaged, quickly replace it to prevent any future leaks, since this can happen more in hot or humid weather.

4. Low Refrigerant Levels

If the refrigerant levels get lower, the pressure inside your system will be lessened. Sometimes, when the evaporator coil freezes, the melted water may overflow in the drain pan. It is also possible to hear odd noises, or you may even notice the air conditioner is not cooling down the room as effectively as before. Low refrigerant often points to a leak in the system and should only be handled by a certified technician who can recharge the refrigerant and repair any leaks safely.

5. Improper Installation

Improper installation is a leading cause of drainage issues. If your aircon is not mounted level or the drainage pipe isn’t angled correctly, water may not exit the unit properly. Instead, it can pool inside and eventually leak. If your unit is new and leaking, it’s worth getting it checked for installation errors. Ensuring the system is securely mounted and the drainage system is working correctly will resolve most related problems.

6. Broken Condensate Pump

In setups where the aircon is installed below ground level or where gravity drainage isn’t possible, a condensate pump is used to remove excess water. If this pump fails, the water has nowhere to go and will leak from the unit. Listen for pump noises or check the water reservoir for overflow. Replacing or repairing the pump is typically straightforward and can be handled by a professional technician.

7. Frozen Evaporator Coils

Frozen evaporator coils are a symptom of poor airflow, low refrigerant, or excessively low temperature settings. Ice builds up on the coils, and when it melts, the system may leak. This not only affects performance but can lead to mold growth and water damage. Letting the unit thaw completely and then checking your filter, fan, and refrigerant level is essential. In some cases, a full diagnostic by a technician may be needed to prevent repeat issues.

8. High Humidity Levels

Singapore’s tropical climate contributes to high indoor humidity levels, which puts extra strain on your aircon system. When humidity is excessive, more condensation is produced, and your aircon’s drainage system may struggle to keep up. This can lead to leaking. Ensuring your aircon is properly sized for the room and regularly serviced will help. In especially humid homes, using a separate dehumidifier can also reduce the burden on your AC.

9. Poor Maintenance

Skipping regular aircon maintenance is a common mistake that leads to various problems, including leaks. Dust, mold, and grime accumulate over time, blocking the system and reducing performance. Without scheduled checkups, small issues like a partially blocked drain or a dirty coil can go unnoticed until they become bigger problems. Regular aircon services in Singapore are essential to keep your unit clean, efficient, and leak-free.

10. Incorrect Thermostat Settings

Setting your air conditioner to a very low temperature can cause it to run continuously, increasing the risk of frozen coils. This happens particularly when the outside temperature doesn’t justify such extreme settings. Once the system stops and the ice melts, leaking may occur. Avoid setting your thermostat too low; ideally, keep it between 24°C and 26°C for both comfort and efficiency. Modern thermostats with automatic temperature regulation can help maintain optimal settings.

11. When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried these fixes and your aircon is still leaking, it’s best to seek professional aircon repair in Singapore. Trained technicians can quickly diagnose the issue, repair or replace faulty parts, and provide guidance on preventing future problems. Trying to fix complex internal issues without proper knowledge can often do more harm than good, so don’t hesitate to call in the experts.

Final Thoughts

If your aircon is showing signs of malfunction, such as water leakage or unusual noises, it’s important to address these issues early to avoid bigger problems down the line. Skilled technicians can diagnose the root cause and offer lasting solutions that prevent future leaks. Routine checkups keep your unit in top condition, improve efficiency, and reduce the risk of water leakage and other common problems. A trusted service provider, like Magic Build, can not only handle aircon issues but also assist with related repairs, from minor leaks to water damage restoration. Whether it’s aircon troubles or other maintenance needs, Magic Build is here to help. 

Visit Magic Build for expert handyman and aircon services across Singapore.

Feel free to contact us for your queries.

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