Air Conditioner Water Leakage Repair: How We Do It

Service Overview

• Average Cost: KES 2,000 – 6,000 depending on cause and complexity
• Repair Duration: 1-3 hours for most common issues
• Common Causes: Clogged drain lines, frozen coils, improper installation, pump failure
• Prevention: Regular maintenance and drain line cleaning
• Emergency Response: Same-day service available for active leaks

Water pooling around your air conditioner is more than just an inconvenience—it signals a problem that can damage floors, walls, and ceilings if left unaddressed. At our service center, we’ve perfected a systematic approach to diagnosing and repairing AC water leaks that gets your system back to proper operation while preventing future occurrences. Here’s exactly how we handle water leakage repairs from start to finish.

Initial Assessment and Diagnosis

When you contact us about water leakage, our technician arrives equipped with diagnostic tools and a methodical inspection process. We begin by identifying the leak’s exact location and severity. Is water dripping from the indoor unit, pooling beneath the outdoor condenser, or staining your ceiling? Each scenario points toward different underlying causes.

Our first step involves examining the condensate drain system. During normal operation, your AC removes moisture from indoor air, producing condensation that must drain away properly. We trace the entire drain line from the evaporator coil’s drip pan through to its termination point, looking for clogs, disconnections, or improper slope that prevents gravity drainage.

Next, we inspect the evaporator coil and surrounding area. If the coil has frozen and is now thawing, melting ice can overwhelm the drain system, causing overflow. We check for adequate airflow across the coil by examining air filters, blower operation, and duct conditions. Restricted airflow is a primary cause of coil freezing that leads to water damage.

Clearing Clogged Drain Lines

The most common culprit behind AC water leaks is a clogged condensate drain line. Over time, algae, mold, dust, and debris accumulate inside drain pipes, creating blockages that prevent water from flowing freely. When the drain clogs, water backs up into the drip pan and eventually overflows.

We address this by first locating the drain line’s cleanout port or access point. Using a wet-dry vacuum, we create suction at the drain line’s termination to pull out clogs from the exterior end. For stubborn blockages, we employ drain snakes or specialized brushes that break up accumulated debris within the pipe.

After mechanical cleaning, we flush the system with a cleaning solution that kills algae and mold while dissolving organic buildup. Some situations require using compressed air or nitrogen to forcefully clear blockages. Once the line flows freely, we pour water through the system to verify complete drainage and check for any leaks at joints or connections that might have developed over time.

Addressing Frozen Coil Issues

When we discover that coil freezing caused the leak, our repair approach targets the freezing’s root cause. We immediately check the air filter—a dirty filter is the leading cause of insufficient airflow that triggers freezing. If the filter is clogged, we replace it and educate you on proper maintenance intervals.

We then verify that the blower motor operates at correct speed and that all supply vents remain open and unobstructed. Closed vents or furniture blocking airflow can starve the evaporator coil of the warm air it needs to prevent freezing. Low refrigerant levels also cause freezing, so we measure system pressures to ensure adequate charge. If refrigerant is low, we locate and repair leaks before recharging the system to manufacturer specifications.

Repairing or Replacing Components

Sometimes water leaks stem from failed components that require replacement. Cracked or corroded drip pans under the evaporator coil must be replaced to contain condensate properly. We remove the old pan, clean the area thoroughly, and install a new pan with proper sealing to prevent future leaks.

Condensate pump failures in systems that can’t rely on gravity drainage require pump replacement. We test the pump’s float switch, verify electrical connections, and ensure the pump operates under load. If the pump has failed, we install a replacement unit with the same specifications and test it through multiple cycles.

For systems with improperly installed drain lines—such as those lacking adequate slope or with too many bends—we reconfigure the drainage path to ensure reliable water removal. This might involve rerouting pipes, adding support brackets, or installing additional cleanout access points for easier future maintenance.

Prevention and Final Testing

After completing repairs, we thoroughly test the system by running it through complete cooling cycles while monitoring drainage. We verify that water flows smoothly through the drain line without backing up, that the drip pan remains dry except for normal condensate collection, and that no leaks appear at any connections.

Before leaving, we apply algae prevention tablets to the drain pan and demonstrate proper maintenance practices. We explain how regular filter changes, annual professional servicing, and monthly drain line flushing with vinegar or bleach solution prevent future clogs. Our goal isn’t just fixing today’s problem—it’s ensuring your AC operates leak-free for years to come.

This comprehensive approach to water leakage repair has earned us a reputation for thorough, lasting solutions. We don’t just treat symptoms; we identify and eliminate root causes while implementing preventive measures that protect your home and investment.