Why is water dripping from my AC?

Q: How much does it cost to fix ac leaking water indoors?

$100–$450. A simple drain line clearing is at the low end. Pan replacement, pump replacement or repairs involving a frozen coil push toward the top of the range. Water damage repair is separate and can be far more.

Q: Can I fix ac leaking water indoors myself?

There are some safe steps to try first. Call if clearing the line doesn't stop it, if the pan is cracked or rusted, if there's ice on the coil, or if water has already reached drywall or ceilings.

Short answer

Water around an indoor AC unit is usually a clogged condensate drain line. Your AC pulls humidity out of the air, and that water has to drain somewhere — when the line clogs with algae or sludge, it backs up and overflows the drain pan. A frozen coil thawing, or a cracked pan, can cause the same thing.

Urgency: Urgent
DIY: Some steps you can try
Typical cost: $100–$450
Time: 1–2 hours for a drain clog

Urgent — days matter

Water and building materials are a bad combination. This won't hurt you, but active dripping onto drywall, ceilings or flooring causes damage quickly and can lead to mould.

What's happening

Condensation is normal. Water in the wrong place is not. The drip means the water your system removes from the air isn't making it to the drain.

Most likely causes

01
Clogged condensate drain line
The most common cause by far. Algae and dust build a plug in the PVC line and water backs up into the pan and over the edge.
02
Frozen evaporator coil thawing
Ice that forms on the coil melts faster than the pan can drain, spilling over.
03
Cracked or rusted drain pan
Older units develop pan corrosion, so water escapes even with a clear line.
04
Disconnected or improperly sloped drain line
If the line has sagged or come loose, water pools instead of flowing out.
05
Failed condensate pump
Systems in basements or attics often pump water uphill. When the pump dies, water has nowhere to go.

What you can try yourself

1Turn the system off at the thermostat to stop making more water
2Put a container or towels under the drip to protect flooring and ceilings
3Find the condensate drain line — a PVC pipe leaving the indoor unit — and check for a visible clog at the outdoor exit
4Use a wet/dry vacuum on the outdoor end of the drain line to pull the clog out
5Check whether the drain pan is holding standing water or is visibly rusted through

When to call someone

Call if clearing the line doesn't stop it, if the pan is cracked or rusted, if there's ice on the coil, or if water has already reached drywall or ceilings.

Who to call

HVAC technician

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What it should cost

$100–$450

A simple drain line clearing is at the low end. Pan replacement, pump replacement or repairs involving a frozen coil push toward the top of the range. Water damage repair is separate and can be far more.

Estimates are typical US ranges for orientation. Actual pricing varies by region, home and contractor — always get a written quote.

What happens if you wait

Ongoing leaks damage ceilings, drywall, insulation and flooring, and create conditions for mould growth. Water damage repair routinely costs several times what fixing the drain would have.

Questions to ask the contractor

Was it a clog, the pan, or the pump?
Can you add a safety float switch so it shuts off before overflowing next time?
Is there any sign this has been leaking for a while?
Should I be concerned about mould where the water reached?

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