Quick Fixes For Water Dripping From Your Indoor AC Unit

Many Canberra homeowners see this happen during the warmer months and wonder if it's normal or something more serious. A few drops here and there might not seem like a big deal, but if the issue isn't sorted early, it could lead to mould buildup, water damage, or worse — an AC that stops working altogether.

The good news is, in many cases, the cause is simple and easy to fix. Knowing what to look for can save you from bigger problems down the line. Before you panic or assume the entire system’s faulty, take a moment to understand what's going on. Whether it's a sneaky blocked drain or a frozen coil, finding the source is the first step to getting things back to normal.

Common Causes of Water Dripping from Your Indoor AC Unit
Several things can cause your AC to leak, and most of them start small. Over time, though, they can create a mess that’s harder to clean up than they are to prevent. Here's a breakdown of what could be going on if you spot water where it doesn’t belong.

1. Blocked Drain Line

Every AC unit pulls moisture from the air as it cools. This moisture collects in a drip tray and drains away through a small pipe. If this drain gets blocked with dust, dirt or mould, the water has nowhere to go and starts leaking inside your home instead.

2. Dirty Air Filter

A clogged air filter can mess with how air flows through the unit. When airflow is slow, it can cause the coils inside your system to get too cold and then freeze. When they thaw, the excess water might overflow from the pan instead of draining away properly.

3. Frozen Evaporator Coils

These coils sit inside your AC and are meant to stay cold, but not icy. When something throws things off like low refrigerant or poor airflow, they freeze up. Eventually, the ice melts and causes water to spill over past the drain pan.

4. Poor Installation or a Tilted Unit

If the unit wasn't installed level or the tray doesn’t angle properly toward the drain, water can build up and trickle out the front. This is more common in systems that were installed without checking alignment across all sides.

5. Cracked or Full Drain Pan

The drain pan catches water before it flows away. If it’s cracked or rusted, the water may leak straight out instead of making it through the drain pipe.

Each of these problems can show up differently. You may hear a steady drip, notice a damp spot under the unit, or feel humidity increase inside the room. For a Canberra family with young kids, it might be a puddle near the indoor unit that's suddenly appeared overnight — that small clue could mean there's a bigger problem hiding behind the panel.

Simple Fixes You Can Try Yourself
If you're dealing with a dripping AC, don’t panic just yet. There are a few checks you can run before picking up the phone to book a service. Some of the more common issues can be addressed without needing professional gear, as long as you take proper care.

Here’s a list of simple fixes worth trying:

- Check and replace the air filter

Take a look at the filter inside the indoor unit. If it's grey, dusty or clogged, it’s due for a change. A clean filter helps restore proper airflow and keeps the evaporator coils from freezing.

- Clear the drain line

Use a small, flexible brush or a wet/dry vacuum to gently clean out the pipe attached to the drain tray. You might find a build-up of dirt or mould causing the blockage.

- Inspect the drain pan

Use a torch to check underneath the unit for a cracked or overfilled tray. If it’s removable, take it out, empty it, and wipe it down. If you spot any damage, it’ll need replacing.

- Turn off the unit and let it thaw

If you suspect frozen coils, switch the system off and run just the fan mode. That helps melt the ice safely and can buy some time while airflow returns to normal.

- Ensure the unit is level

If the system looks slightly tilted, it may be worth adjusting the position. Be careful here — don’t attempt any major repositioning without knowing the mounting details behind the wall.

These steps won’t solve every leak, but they can help rule out the most common household culprits. What’s most important is staying on top of these signs and acting early. If you keep seeing water after these checks, or if the issue comes back, it’s time to move to the next step — calling in someone who knows their way around more complex air conditioning repairs.

When to Call in the Experts
If you've ticked off the usual suspects and your AC unit is still dripping, it's likely time to bring in a professional. Some problems can't be seen from the outside or fixed with a quick clean. That includes things like a refrigerant leak, broken internal parts, or a damaged pump that needs replacing. These kinds of issues need safe handling and the right tools.

Keep an eye out for signs the issue is getting worse. If you've cleaned the drain, changed the filter, and thawed the coil but the water keeps coming, that’s a clue the problem is deeper. You might also hear strange noises, smell something musty near the unit, or notice it's struggling to cool the room. These are all reasons to stop troubleshooting and make a booking.

Calling in the experts means you’ll get a proper check-up of the full system. They can spot damage you might miss and fix it early before it turns into something expensive. It also gives you peace of mind, knowing your AC's back in top shape and won’t fail when it’s needed most. And with Canberra's warmer days arriving in June, being ready ahead of a sudden hot spell is always a smart idea.

Preventative Maintenance Tips
Once your system's working well again, keeping it that way isn’t hard. A bit of regular care can go a long way in stopping leaks before they start. You don’t have to do it all at once, and it doesn't need to take much time.

Here’s how to keep your indoor AC unit in better shape:

- Clean or change your air filter every month or two when the system’s running regularly. Dust builds up faster during peak use, especially in homes with pets or open windows.

- Check the drain tray and pipe at the start of each season. Keep an eye out for slime, algae, or anything plugging the drain. Giving it a rinse with warm water can help keep it clear.

- Keep the area around the AC unit open and free of clutter. Good airflow helps the unit work better and stops moisture from collecting on or around it.

- Don’t ignore noise or smells. A quiet rattle or musty whiff might not seem like much, but it’s often the first sign of something starting to go wrong.

- Book a professional service before summer kicks into full gear. A trained technician can catch small problems while they’re still easy to fix and check pressure levels, coil health, and internal parts.

It’s a bit like getting the car checked before a long trip. You don’t always expect something to go wrong, but it’s less stressful when you know it’s safe and ready.

Enjoy Cool Comfort All Summer Long
Leaks from your indoor AC unit may seem like a small annoyance, but ignoring them could lead to bigger issues. Whether it’s a clogged drain line or a more complex internal fault, getting ahead of it now saves you time, money, and stress during Canberra's hotter months.

Looking after your unit with a mix of regular check-ups and professional care will keep it running smoothly right through summer. So if you spot water where it shouldn’t be, don’t brush it off. Start with the basics — and if things don’t clear up, let someone trained take it from there. Your comfort is worth it.

For expert help with keeping your AC running smoothly and avoiding unexpected leaks, trust the experienced team at AGA Air Conditioning. Our local technicians provide reliable service tailored to Canberra homes. Learn more about how we can support your cooling needs by exploring our air conditioning repairs.