AC leaking water?

What usually causes this

These are the common possibilities, not a diagnosis. A page cannot tell which one it is — that takes a technician testing the system.

Blocked condensate drain line

Algae, sludge and debris build up in the drain line. Water backs up into the pan and over the edge. It's the most common cause by far in humid coastal climates.

Overflowing or damaged drain pan

Pans rust or crack with age, particularly the secondary pan under attic units.

Frozen coil melting

When a frozen coil thaws, it releases more water than the drain may be able to handle at once.

Failed condensate pump

Some systems pump the water out rather than draining by gravity. When the pump fails, water backs up.

Disconnected or poorly sloped drain

A drain line that has come apart or doesn't slope properly lets water collect or escape.

What you can safely check yourself

• Turn the system off at the thermostat to stop producing more water.
• Contain the water with towels or a bucket, and move belongings out of the way.
• Look at the drain pan under the indoor unit. If there's a float switch, it may have already shut the system off.
• Check whether the filter is dirty or you can see ice on the coil — that points to a freezing problem rather than a drain problem.

What we check when we get there

1. 1The technician clears the drain line and checks that it drains freely, then inspects the pan, float switch and any condensate pump.
2. 2If a frozen coil caused the overflow, the airflow or refrigerant problem behind the freezing gets diagnosed too — otherwise it simply happens again.

What it is likely to cost

Clearing a blocked drain is one of the smaller repairs on the price list. A replacement pan or pump, or a frozen-coil repair, costs more — you're told before work starts.

Diagnostic / service call

$89

Condensate drain clearing

From $149

Prices are starting points for standard work in the Savannah area. Final price depends on the system and site, and is confirmed before work begins. Permits and code-required upgrades may be additional.

Questions people ask about this

Is it normal for my AC to produce water?

Yes — pulling moisture out of the air is part of how it cools, and in coastal Georgia and the Lowcountry that can be many gallons a day. The water should leave through the drain line, usually outside or into a plumbing drain. It shouldn't collect inside.

How do I stop the drain from clogging again?

Regular maintenance includes checking and clearing the drain. Between visits, keeping the filter clean helps. Some systems benefit from drain treatment — a technician can tell you whether yours would.

Water is dripping outside near the outdoor unit. Is that a leak?

Water coming out of the drain line's outside end is normal. Water pooling around the base of the outdoor unit in cooling mode is less common and worth mentioning when you book.

Where to go next