Air conditioners are a must-have in Singapore’s warm and humid climate. While we rely on them for daily comfort, it’s not uncommon to encounter issues such as water leaking from the unit. If you’ve noticed puddles forming under your air conditioner or damp patches on your walls or ceilings, it’s likely that your system is leaking. But what causes this to happen, and more importantly, how can it be fixed?
Understanding the root causes can help you address the problem before it worsens and causes costly damage. Here’s what you need to know about why aircon leaks water and what you can do about it.
Clogged or dirty drainage pipe is the most common culprit
Your air conditioner not only cools the air but also removes humidity, turning moisture into condensation that flows out through a drainage pipe. Over time, this pipe can become clogged with dust, dirt, algae, or mould, leading to water backing up and leaking out of the unit instead.
This is one of the most frequent causes of water leakage and falls under the category of common aircon issues. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest to prevent. Regular aircon servicing includes checking and flushing the drainage pipe to keep it clean and functioning properly. Ignoring this can lead to water damage on your walls, ceilings, or flooring.
Improper aircon installation may result in poor drainage
If your air conditioning unit was not installed correctly—especially the indoor fan coil or the drainage pipe—it may not have the correct angle or slope for water to drain efficiently. A slight misalignment can lead to stagnant water, which eventually overflows.
This kind of installation flaw is best fixed by professionals. A licensed technician can assess whether the gradient of the piping is correct and reinstall the unit or pipe if necessary to prevent future leaks.
Frozen evaporator coils can lead to overflowing
When airflow over the evaporator coil is restricted—usually due to a dirty air filter or blocked vents—the coil can freeze. As it melts, excess water can overwhelm the drain pan, leading to leakage.
To avoid this issue, check and clean your air filter regularly. If your air filter is clean but you’re still having issues, it might be time for a deeper clean. A professional aircon chemical wash can thoroughly clean the internal components, improving airflow and preventing the coils from freezing again.
Damaged or rusted drain pan causes leaks
Over time, the drain pan that collects condensation water can become corroded or cracked, especially in older air conditioning units. When this happens, water escapes through the damaged areas and leaks into your room.
This part may need to be replaced if it’s too damaged. A professional technician can inspect the drain pan during routine servicing and recommend a suitable replacement if necessary.
Low refrigerant levels can indirectly cause water leakage
Low refrigerant levels can cause the evaporator coil to freeze due to lower-than-normal pressure in the system. When the ice melts, it can flood the drain pan, leading to leaks.
This is a more complex issue that requires checking the refrigerant levels, identifying leaks in the coils or pipes, and recharging the system. DIY fixes are not recommended here, as handling refrigerants requires specialised tools and safety knowledge.
Air leaks around the aircon unit can create condensation issues
If your aircon is not sealed properly, warm air from outside can enter the unit and mix with the cold air. This creates excess condensation, which may overflow from the unit and leak indoors.
Checking for any gaps around the aircon unit and sealing them properly can often resolve this problem. You can also ask your technician to check for air leaks during regular maintenance.
Neglected maintenance makes small issues worse
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your air conditioning system working properly. Skipping regular checks can cause minor problems like dirt buildup or low refrigerant levels to snowball into more serious issues, including water leakage.
Scheduling aircon servicing every 3 to 6 months is a smart move, especially in Singapore where air conditioners are used frequently. Professional maintenance ensures that your system remains efficient, clean, and leak-free.
When to call in the professionals
While there are some minor fixes that homeowners can try—such as cleaning the air filters or checking for visible clogs in the drainage pipe—most water leakage problems should be handled by trained technicians. Not only do they have the right tools, but they can also identify and repair hidden issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Attempting to fix leaks on your own without proper knowledge might make things worse and could even void your warranty.
Protect your home and comfort with expert help
Water leaking from your aircon may seem like a minor issue, but it can be a sign of deeper problems that could damage your home and reduce the efficiency of your unit. Whether it’s due to clogged drains, frozen coils, or poor installation, it’s important to address the root cause as soon as possible.
If you’ve noticed water leaks from your air conditioning system, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Reach out to the experienced team at Affordable Aircon Services Pte Ltd for reliable diagnostics, professional repairs, and routine servicing that keeps your unit running smoothly.