To help understand the underlying reasons for aircon leaking water, let us think about why we sweat a lot in Singapore? The answer is simple – our hot and humid weather! The tropical heat makes us perspire as a natural response to cool down our bodies. We feel much hotter in Singapore because the high humidity makes our sweat evaporate slower and impedes our body’s natural cooling process. So why do we feel cool and dry in an air conditioned environment? Because our air conditioners remove heat and water vapour from the surrounding through heat exchange and de-humidification. Eureka! This is where the water that leaks from your air conditioners comes from – Water vapour from the air! Truth is, all aircons can leak water, even popular brands like Daikin and Mitsubishi aircons. There are a few explanations why your aircon leaks water and we will share 3 common reasons here.
Common Reasons for Aircon Leaking Water
1. Overlooked Aircon Maintenance
Air conditioners reduce moisture in your home or workplace through condensation. So where does the condensate water go? It flows onto the drain pans and discharges via the drain pipes. This wet environment makes a perfect breeding ground for algae and mould, which often come together to form jelly-like slimes (aircon jelly). These slimes tend to coagulate into larger masses, often blocking the drain lines. When this happens, aircon leaking water will occur as condensate water overflows and leaks out from the air conditioner instead. The situation can become worse if contaminants (e.g. dust) start to accumulate and obstruct the aircon water flow. The good news is that such problems can be easily resolved with general aircon servicing, such as our Basic Probiotic HydroClean, which can help improve aircon performance and air quality. SMART TIP: Wash your filters once a week to prevent excessive aircon contaminants from building up and mixing with the aircon condensate water.
2. Defective Components and Inadequate Workmanship
Under normal conditions, aircon condensate water should flow out of your air conditioners via the drain lines without leaking. But what happens when you have a loosened or damaged aircon part such as the drainage pump? Condensate water can flow and leak from the exposed gaps and cracks instead. We all know water flows with gravity from a higher to lower level. Therefore, always install your aircon drainage pipes with a sloping gradient for water to flow better with the help of gravitational force. Otherwise, you can expect regular aircon blockages as condensate water will likely remain stagnant, which promotes the growth of bacteria and slimes. 
So how do we tell which problem is which? A general guideline is to check the frequency of water leaks. Leaks that occur once every 3 months (or more) could very well be a maintenance issue. However, if you are experiencing leaks every couple week, then you might have a defective aircon component or an overlooked workmanship issue. SMART TIP: We recommend to keep the overall length of drain pipes short with minimal bends as water tend to flow slower or stagnate over longer distances.
3. Surface Condensation Issues
Surface condensation is a trickier aircon problem to resolve, and generally requires professional assistance. Rapid condensation usually occurs when your refrigerant pipes become colder than normal. Sometimes, your air conditioners may even freeze up with ice forming on the coils and pipes. 
There are several reasons for this phenomenon, such as poor aircon maintenance (affects heat transfer process). Low aircon refrigerant (more expansion = cooler temperature). Damaged aircon insulation (cold pipes exposed without protection). Faulty aircon components (mechanical failure). Abnormal temperature range (drastic difference in room vs outdoor temperature). It is best to contact your preferred aircon contractor who specializes in aircon repair and servicing to check on the problem when arises. Surface condensation is usually a sign of a bigger problem which can compromise cooling performance and shorten machine lifespan. It can also affect home interiors (e.g. watermarks, corrosion) and even cause structural damage (e.g. rusting, collapsed ceilings). SMART TIP: Arrange for regular aircon servicing to minimize complications arising from aircon maintenance issues, especially if your environment is exposed to a higher level of airborne contaminants such as dust (e.g. nearby construction) and animal furs (e.g. pets).
Step-by-step Guide to Troubleshooting Aircon Leaking Water
1. Check the condensate drain line for clogs or obstructions. 2. Inspect the drain pan located beneath the evaporator coil for cracks or damage. 3. Determine whether it is necessary to replace the air filter. 4. Examine the evaporator coil for signs of ice buildup and consult a professional if necessary.
Benefits of Prompt Aircon Leaking Water Repairs:
1. Protects Your Property
Aircon leaking water can cause significant damage to your property, leading to mould growth and structural issues. Fixing leaks promptly helps prevent water damage and protects the integrity of your property
2. Enhances System Efficiency
Leaks often indicate underlying issues that can reduce your air conditioner’s efficiency. Prompt rectification of leaks improves cooling performance by reducing energy consumption.
3. Preserves System Longevity
Small problems, if left unaddressed, can escalate into more significant issues that may require expensive repairs or complete system replacements. Timely aircon repairs prevent these from occurring, contributing to the longevity of your air conditioning system.
Useful Tips to Prevent Aircon Leaking Water
1. Change or clean the air filter every 1-3 months, depending on usage and filter type, to keep airflow unobstructed. 2. Clean the evaporator and condenser coils annually to remove dirt and debris for efficient heat exchange in the system. 3. Check refrigerant levels periodically and have them adjusted by a professional if needed. 4. Install your air conditioning unit properly to ensure proper drainage. 5. Schedule professional maintenance to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems.
About Newway Air Conditioning
With more than 30 years of extensive experience, Newway is one of the most reputable air conditioning specialists in Singapore. They are dedicated to providing customers with high quality and cost-effective solutions, over a wide range of integrated aircon services. Backed by a strong portfolio, Newway is widely regarded as the best aircon company in Singapore with numerous accolades. They are BCA and NEA registered aircon contractors, and are also proudly featured on MediaCorp, The Smart Local, The Royal Singapore, Titan Homes and many more! Popular Aircon Brands – Daikin Mitsubishi Electric Mitsubishi Heavy Industries LG Panasonic Midea Toshiba Hitachi Fujitsu
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, aircon leaking water can sometimes indicate a refrigerant issue. Low refrigerant levels can cause the evaporator coils to freeze, which leads to excess water when the ice melts.
If your air conditioner begins to leak during operation, first turn off the unit to prevent further damage and avoid potential electrical hazards. Next, inspect for visible issues that may be the causes of leakage. If there are malfunctioning condensate pumps, frozen evaporator coils, or other issues, contact a professional technician for rectification.
Yes. If the air conditioner is not operating efficiently due to leaks, it may need to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption.
Yes, aircon leaking water can be serious if left unresolved. Persistent leaks may result in costly repairs and property damage.