Why Is My Aircon Leaking Water? 7 Common Causes & Solutions
Walking into your bedroom and stepping into a puddle of water from your leaking aircon is never a pleasant experience. In Singapore's hot and humid climate, our air conditioners work overtime, making water leakage one of the most common aircon problems homeowners face.
If you're seeing water dripping from your aircon unit, pooling on your floor, or noticing water stains on your walls, don't panic. At SwyftFix, we've repaired thousands of leaking aircons across Singapore, and most issues are fixable—some you can even resolve yourself!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the 7 most common causes of aircon water leakage in Singapore homes, how to diagnose the problem, DIY solutions you can try, and when to call a professional.
⚠️ Is Your Aircon Leaking Right Now?
Quick Action Steps:
- Turn off your aircon immediately to prevent water damage
- Place a bucket or towels under the leak
- Check for obvious blockages (see solutions below)
- If the leak is severe or you can't fix it, call SwyftFix: +65 8852 8484
Understanding Why Aircons Produce Water
Before we dive into the problems, it's important to understand that water production is normal in air conditioning systems. Here's how it works:
When your aircon cools the air, it removes moisture (humidity) from the room. This moisture condenses on the cold evaporator coils inside your unit, forming water droplets—similar to how a cold drink causes condensation on a glass.
This water is supposed to drip into a drain pan and flow out through a drainage pipe to the outside. In Singapore's humid climate, a typical aircon can produce 5-20 liters of water per day depending on usage and humidity levels.
The problem occurs when this water doesn't drain properly and leaks into your home instead.
7 Common Causes of Aircon Water Leakage in Singapore
1 Clogged Drainage Pipe (Most Common)
What Happens: The drainage pipe that carries water away from your aircon gets blocked with dirt, dust, algae, or mold. Water backs up and overflows from the unit.
Signs You'll Notice:
- Water dripping from the indoor unit
- No water coming out of the outdoor drainage pipe
- Musty smell from the aircon
- Water overflow during or after operation
✓ DIY Solution:
- Turn off your aircon at the main switch
- Locate the drainage pipe (usually a small PVC pipe coming from your indoor unit)
- Check the outdoor end of the drainage pipe—is water flowing out when aircon runs?
- Try flushing with water: Pour warm water mixed with a bit of vinegar down the drain opening (if accessible)
- Use a wet-dry vacuum: Attach it to the outdoor drainage end and suck out the blockage
- For stubborn clogs: Use a thin, flexible brush or wire to gently push through the blockage
When to Call a Professional: If the blockage is deep inside the pipe, in the wall, or you can't access it, call SwyftFix for professional drainage clearing.
2 Dirty Air Filter
What Happens: A clogged air filter restricts airflow over the evaporator coils. This causes the coils to freeze, and when they thaw, excess water drips instead of draining properly.
Signs You'll Notice:
- Reduced cooling performance
- Ice buildup on the indoor unit
- Water dripping after the aircon has been running for a while
- Higher electricity bills
✓ DIY Solution:
- Turn off your aircon
- Open the front panel of your indoor unit (usually lifts up or clips off)
- Remove the air filter (slide or pull out—check your manual)
- Clean the filter:
- Vacuum off loose dust
- Wash with mild detergent and warm water
- Rinse thoroughly
- Let it dry completely (2-3 hours) before reinstalling
- Reinstall the clean, dry filter
Prevention: Clean your aircon filter every 2-3 weeks in Singapore's dusty environment. Set a phone reminder!
3 Low Refrigerant (Gas) Levels
What Happens: When refrigerant levels are low (due to leaks), the pressure in your system drops. This causes the evaporator coils to freeze, and when they melt, water leaks out.
Signs You'll Notice:
- Aircon not cooling properly despite running
- Ice forming on the refrigerant pipes
- Hissing or bubbling sounds
- Higher electricity consumption
- Water leaking when the ice melts
✗ Professional Service Required
Low refrigerant is not a DIY fix. Only licensed aircon technicians can:
- Detect and repair refrigerant leaks
- Safely recharge (top up) the refrigerant gas
- Ensure proper system pressure
Call SwyftFix: +65 8852 8484 for professional refrigerant leak detection and recharging service.
4 Cracked or Overflowing Drain Pan
What Happens: The drain pan (tray) that collects condensation water is cracked, rusted, or full. Water overflows instead of draining out.
Signs You'll Notice:
- Water dripping directly under the indoor unit
- Visible rust or cracks in the drain pan (if you can see it)
- Water stains on ceiling or walls below the unit
- Leak happens consistently when aircon runs
✓ DIY Check / Professional Fix:
You can inspect:
- Turn off aircon and open the front panel
- Look for the drain pan (usually at the bottom of the unit)
- Check for visible cracks, rust, or standing water
- If the pan is just full, you can empty it
Professional needed for: Replacing a cracked or damaged drain pan requires disassembling the unit—best left to technicians.
5 Incorrect Installation or Leveling
What Happens: If your aircon was installed improperly or has shifted over time, water won't flow toward the drainage pipe. Instead, it pools and leaks out the wrong side.
Signs You'll Notice:
- Water leaking from the front or sides of the unit
- Problem started recently or after wall repairs/renovations
- Indoor unit appears tilted or uneven
- Water pools inside the unit instead of draining
✗ Professional Service Required
Adjusting aircon installation and leveling requires:
- Professional tools and brackets
- Knowledge of proper drainage angle (usually 1-2 degrees slope)
- Sometimes repositioning of piping
Call SwyftFix for proper aircon releveling and installation correction.
6 Damaged or Disconnected Drainage Pipe
What Happens: The drainage pipe has come loose, cracked, or disconnected. Water leaks where it shouldn't instead of flowing outside.
Signs You'll Notice:
- Water leaking inside your home near the aircon
- Visible water dripping from pipe connections
- Recent renovation or wall work near the aircon
- Sudden onset of leaking (wasn't happening before)
✓ DIY Check / Professional Fix:
You can check:
- Inspect visible drainage pipe connections
- Look for obvious cracks or disconnections
- If a connection is just loose, you might be able to reattach it
Professional needed for: Pipes inside walls, ceiling, or requiring replacement. Our technicians can trace the drainage path and repair or replace damaged sections.
7 Broken Condensate Pump (If Applicable)
What Happens: Some aircon systems (especially where drainage by gravity isn't possible) use a condensate pump to push water out. If this pump fails, water accumulates and leaks.
Signs You'll Notice:
- You have a condensate pump (small box connected to drainage)
- No humming or pumping sound when aircon runs
- Water backing up into the unit
- Pump not activating when it should
✗ Professional Service Required
Condensate pump issues require professional diagnosis:
- Testing electrical connections
- Checking for pump blockages
- Replacing faulty pump motors
- Ensuring proper pump operation
Call SwyftFix for condensate pump inspection and replacement.
Can't Fix Your Aircon Leak? We're Here to Help
Professional aircon repair service available across Singapore. Same-day service for most areas.
📞 Call Now: +65 8852 8484
💬 WhatsApp: +65 8852 8484
📍 Address: 61 Lor Chencharu, Singapore 769200
✓ Fast response | ✓ Experienced technicians | ✓ Transparent pricing
CALL NOW BOOK REPAIRQuick Diagnosis: Which Cause Is It?
| Symptom | Most Likely Cause | DIY or Pro? |
|---|---|---|
| Water dripping continuously | Clogged drainage pipe | Try DIY first |
| Ice on indoor unit, then water | Dirty filter or low refrigerant | Clean filter (DIY), then call pro if continues |
| Water pooling under unit | Cracked drain pan or wrong leveling | Professional needed |
| Poor cooling + water leak | Low refrigerant | Professional only |
| Leak from front/sides of unit | Improper installation/leveling | Professional needed |
| Sudden leak after renovation | Disconnected drainage pipe | Check visible parts (DIY), then call pro |
Preventing Aircon Water Leakage: Maintenance Tips
💡 Regular Maintenance Checklist:
Every 2-3 Weeks:
- ✓ Clean aircon filters
- ✓ Check drainage pipe is draining
- ✓ Wipe down the unit exterior
Every 3-4 Months:
- ✓ Flush drainage pipe with vinegar-water solution
- ✓ Inspect visible pipes for cracks
- ✓ Check for unusual sounds or smells
Every 6-12 Months:
- ✓ Professional aircon servicing (chemical wash)
- ✓ Full drainage system check
- ✓ Refrigerant level check
- ✓ Electrical components inspection
Why Regular Servicing Matters in Singapore
Singapore's hot, humid climate with frequent haze and dust means aircons work harder and accumulate dirt faster than in many other countries. Regular servicing:
- Prevents 80% of water leakage issues
- Extends aircon lifespan by 3-5 years
- Reduces electricity bills by 15-30%
- Improves air quality and reduces allergens
- Prevents costly emergency repairs
Investment: Regular servicing costs $60-$120 vs. emergency repairs costing $150-$500+
When to Call a Professional Aircon Technician
Call SwyftFix Immediately If:
- ✗ Water is leaking heavily and causing damage
- ✗ DIY solutions haven't worked after 24 hours
- ✗ You suspect refrigerant leak (hissing sounds, ice buildup, poor cooling)
- ✗ The aircon is very old (10+ years) and has multiple issues
- ✗ You notice electrical problems (sparks, burning smell)
- ✗ Water is leaking into walls or ceiling causing structural damage
- ✗ You're not comfortable doing DIY checks
What to Expect from Professional Service
When you call SwyftFix:
- Fast Response: We arrive within 1-2 hours for emergencies
- Thorough Diagnosis: Complete inspection to find root cause
- Upfront Pricing: We quote before starting work—no hidden charges
- Professional Repair: Using proper tools and genuine parts
- Testing: We ensure the problem is completely resolved
- Maintenance Advice: Tips to prevent future issues
- Warranty: All our work comes with a service warranty
Aircon Repair Costs in Singapore (2025)
| Service | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Drainage pipe clearing | $60 - $120 |
| Chemical wash (per unit) | $80 - $150 |
| Drain pan replacement | $100 - $200 |
| Refrigerant top-up | $120 - $250 |
| Installation releveling | $80 - $150 |
| Condensate pump replacement | $150 - $300 |
| Complete drainage system repair | $150 - $400 |
*Prices vary based on aircon brand, model, and complexity. SwyftFix provides upfront quotes before work begins.