AC Leaking Water? Here's the Most Likely Fix

Water pooling near your indoor AC unit has one very common cause — here's how to check and fix it.

The condensate drain line is the usual suspect

Your AC removes humidity from the air as it cools, and that water normally exits through a drain line — when that line clogs, water backs up and leaks.

Where to find it

The condensate drain is typically a PVC pipe running from your indoor unit to an outside exit point, often near your home's exterior.

How to clear it yourself

A wet/dry vac at the outdoor access point can often pull the clog free; a vinegar flush poured into the indoor access point periodically helps prevent future buildup.

When it's something else

Persistent leaking after clearing the drain line can indicate a cracked drain pan or a frozen evaporator coil that's now thawing — both are jobs for a licensed tech.

Don't ignore it

Water leaking near your unit can damage flooring and drywall over time, so it's worth addressing even if the system still seems to be cooling fine.