Why your AC leaks water
- Clogged condensate drain line (most common). Algae and gunk block the line, so water backs up and overflows the pan. Florida's #1 cause.
- Full or rusted drain pan. If the pan is cracked or the line is blocked, water spills over.
- Frozen coil that's now melting. A coil that iced up (from a dirty filter or low refrigerant) dumps water everywhere as it thaws.
- Broken condensate pump. If your unit needs a pump to push water out and it fails, water backs up.
- Bad installation / disconnected line. Sometimes the drain line simply came loose.
Fix it yourself first
- Turn the AC off to stop more water and prevent damage.
- Clear the drain line. Find the PVC condensate line and use a wet/dry vacuum on the outdoor end to suck out the clog, or flush with vinegar from the access port.
- Empty the drain pan and check the filter — replace it if dirty (a frozen coil is a common cause).
- Add drain tablets to keep algae from coming back.
Don't ignore it: a leaking AC can cause ceiling, drywall, and mold damage fast in Florida humidity. If clearing the line doesn't stop it, get a pro out quickly.
| Pro fix | Typical range |
|---|
| Drain line clearing | $75–$250 |
| Drain pan replacement | $150–$600 |
| Condensate pump | $150–$400 |
Handy parts to keep around
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Wet/dry vacuum
The tool that clears a clogged condensate drain in minutes.
View on Amazon →AC air filters
A clean filter prevents the frozen coil that causes leaks.
View on Amazon →
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