What is causing my AC to leak water repeatedly?« Back to Previous Page

Recurring AC leaks are most often due to a clogged condensate drain line, which is extremely common here. Dubai's high ambient dust levels mix with the moisture from our heavily used ACs, creating a sludge that blocks the pipe. The maintenance person may have cleared a superficial clog last time without performing a full drain line flush, allowing the blockage to quickly reform.

Another frequent cause is a damaged or misaligned drain pan underneath the cooling coils. Over time, the pan can crack or rust through, or the unit may have been jostled during a prior service, causing it to tilt so water flows over its edge instead of toward the drain.

To ensure a proper fix, you must insist the maintenance team does two things. First, they need to perform a pressurized flush of the condensate drain line with a vacuum or air blower to clear all debris completely. Second, they must verify the drain pan is intact and perfectly level. Simply pouring water down the drain to see if it flows is not a sufficient test.

The pooling water poses a real risk. It can damage flooring and, more critically, elevate indoor humidity, creating ideal conditions for mould growth behind walls or under floors. For a recurring issue, requesting a more thorough inspection from a provider equipped with drain line cameras can pinpoint the exact location and nature of the blockage for a permanent solution.