Leaking air conditioners in Singapore aren’t just an inconvenience—they can damage your home and indicate deeper issues with your unit. A leaking AC might have problems with the drain line, evaporator coil, or filter, all of which require immediate attention. You don’t want to scramble around in Singapore’s heat when your air conditioner starts to act up due to a leak, right?
Check out below to find the 10 most common causes of aircon leaks and how to prevent them. Whether it’s water or refrigerant leaking, our HVAC professionals at Luce are here to provide expert solutions.
10 Reasons for AC Leaking Water
Reason #1 Clogged Condensate Drain Line
The most common reason for your AC leaking water is a clogged drain line. In Singapore’s humid climate, the drain line can easily become obstructed by dirt and debris, causing condensation to back up into the unit. This results in the aircon dripping water inside your home. You will need to manually unclog the condensate drain line to fix the issue.
Alternatively, you may have a broken condensate pump that fails to pump condensation out of your AC unit. The result is water leaking into your home through the indoor AC unit as the condensation has nowhere else to flow into. You will need to replace the condensate pump with a functioning one.
Reason #2 Full Drain Pan
Another common reason for aircon water leaks in Singapore homes is an overflowing drain pan. Due to the high humidity levels, air conditioners produce more condensation, which is collected in the drain pan. When the pan reaches full capacity, it can overflow causing your aircon to leak water.
Additionally, older AC units in Singapore may have rusted or damaged drain pans. A corroded drain pan cannot effectively collect water, which can leak into the aircon leaking water indoors. If your drain pain unable to work properly, you need to replace it with a new one.
Reason #3 Dirty Air Filter
Dirty air filters can cause various problems for your air conditioner, and leaking water is one of them. In Singapore, where air conditioning is used frequently, dust and pollutants can accumulate in the filter, blocking airflow. A blocked filter prevents air from flowing over the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze. When the ice melts, excess water may overflow from the drip pan, leading to leaks.
To prevent this from happening, we always recommend our client to clean their air filter regularly. This can be done at home with soap and running water. But do keep in mind, it’s important to let the filter dry completely before reinstalling it in your air conditioner.
Reason #4 Frozen Evaporator Coil
Like a dirty filter, a filthy evaporator coil will cause the air conditioner parts to freeze, which will cause water leaks as the ice melts. An air conditioner leaking water inside your home is a sign of a frozen AC, especially when the unit leaks as it is shut off.
To fix this issue, turn off the air conditioner and let the ice melt before cleaning the evaporator coil to prevent further damage.
Reason #5 Refrigerant Leak
Sometimes, the water leaking out of your air conditioner isn't water at all, but refrigerant. One of our clients in Singapore, noticed a bubbling noise along with a small leak, after inspection, we found out that they have refrigerant leaks.
Contact a licensed HVAC technician immediately if you suspect your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant as touching or inhaling freon can irritate your skin and lungs. Avoid staying in the same room as a liquid or gas refrigerant leak, and turn off the air conditioner immediately if you suspect a refrigerant leak.
Reason #6 Improper Installation
An improperly installed aircon unit can lead to water leaks. In Singapore, where many buildings rely on wall-mounted split aircon systems, incorrect tilting or poor drainage connections can result in aircon leaking water. To avoid this problem, always ensure your aircon unit is installed by a professional to avoid such issues.
Need help with aircon installation? We got you!
Reason #7 Ageing and Corroded Pipes
Older aircon units may develop rusted or corroded pipes which can lead to aircon water leaks. The high humidity in Singapore can accelerate corrosion in aircon pipes, especially if it isn’t maintained properly. If your pipes starting to show signs of wear and tear, consider replacing them to prevent leaks.
Reason #8 High Indoor Humidity
Singapore's tropical climate means indoor humidity levels can be quite high. When warm indoor air meets cold aircon components, excessive condensation forms, leading to water dripping from your AC unit. Using a dehumidifier alongside your air conditioner can help control indoor moisture levels and reduce leaks.
Reason #9 Worn-out Sealant around the Air Handler
Due to Singapore's humid conditions, the sealant around your air handler can deteriorate over time. A compromised seal can cause the air conditioner to leak water as condensation escapes through gaps. Inspect the sealant regularly and reapply it when necessary.
Reason #10 Poor Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your aircon functioning properly. Especially in Singapore where air conditioners might run frequently—skipping routine servicing can lead to clogged drain lines, dirty filters, and overall inefficiency—all of which contribute to aircon water leaks.
Scheduling professional AC maintenance at least once every six months can prevent most leakage issues.
How to Prevent AC Leaking Water?
Tip #1 Drain the Drain Pan
An air conditioner leaking water from its drain pan is an easy fix. Simply drain away the condensation collected in the drain pan to get your AC up and running again. Take notice when your drain pan gets full, and schedule a routine to drain the water away before it overflows. This is most recommended for portable and floor-type air conditioners.
Tip #2 Go for Scheduled Aircon Cleaning
Regular aircon cleaning is a must for all aircon types. Our technicians at Luce Aircon offer thorough, deep cleaning services to clean all models and brands of air conditioners across Singapore, so you can be sure we'll get the job done efficiently and effectively. We recommend having your AC unit professionally cleaned at least twice a year.
Tip #3 Clean the Air Filter Regularly
The air filter can be easily cleaned at home with some regular soap or detergent, and water. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove deep-seated grime, and it’s recommended that you check and clean your filters at least once every three months to keep your air conditioner working smoothly.
Tip #4 Fix Issues Immediately by Professional Technician
Contact an experienced HVAC technician as soon as you notice any issues with your air conditioner. It’s best to avoid attempting DIY repairs, especially for electrical components, as improper handling can cause further damage or safety hazards.
Got Aircon Problems?
Got aircon problems such as AC leaking water? Don’t wait until your aircon malfunctions—schedule yearly maintenance by Luce to check and ensure all components are working efficiently. Our professional technician can help identify weak points before they escalate into costly repairs, keeping your unit in optimal condition.
More air conditioner problems? Check out our blog articles for troubleshooting guides and helpful tips!
