# Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) 4. Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? 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By Amanda Cooper, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. Why does an air conditioner make water at all? 2. What are the common reasons for a leak? 3. Why is a leak more than just a wet floor? 4. Can I clear the drain myself? 5. Is the leak covered by a warranty? 6. What to note before you call 7. What does a technician do about a leak? 8. Frequently asked questions Water leaking inside from an air conditioner usually means the condensation is not draining away properly. Common causes are a blocked drain, ice melting off a frozen coil, or an indoor unit that is not level. Stop using the unit, keep clear of the water, and have a licensed technician find the cause. ## Why does an air conditioner make water at all? When an air conditioner cools air, moisture from the air condenses on a cold part inside the indoor unit, much like water on a cold glass. That water collects in a tray and runs away through a drain pipe, normally to the outside. In humid places like Brisbane, a working system can produce a fair amount of water every day, so the drain has to work reliably. ## What are the common reasons for a leak? - **A blocked or partly blocked drain.** Dust, slime or debris can stop water draining, so it overflows from the indoor unit. - **A frozen coil.** If airflow is restricted or the refrigerant charge is low, ice can form and then melt faster than the drain can handle. - **An indoor unit that is not level or is poorly installed.** Water can run to the wrong side of the tray and spill. - **A damaged or cracked tray or drain pipe.** Older units can wear, or a pipe can be knocked or sagging. Because a few of these causes are linked to refrigerant or electrical problems, it is not safe to treat every leak as a simple blockage. ## Why is a leak more than just a wet floor? Water near electrical parts is a safety concern. It can reach the unit’s wiring or run into a ceiling or wall, where it can damage plasterboard, insulation or other electrical items. Water running inside a ceiling can also lead to mould if it goes unnoticed. For these reasons, a leak is worth taking seriously even when it looks small. When to stop and get help Stop using the unit and keep children and pets away from the wet area. If water is dripping near a light fitting, power point or switchboard, or you see sparks, smoke or smell burning, leave the building and call 000. For any other leak, contact an ARC-licensed air-conditioning technician; if electrical parts are wet, a licensed electrician may also be needed. ## Can I clear the drain myself? It is not recommended. Reaching the drain and tray often means opening the unit, working near wiring, or working on a ladder or roof, and a drain that keeps blocking may point to a deeper fault such as icing or poor installation. A licensed technician can find the real cause and fix it safely. ## Is the leak covered by a warranty? It may be, depending on the age of the system and the installation. Check your paperwork and the manufacturer’s guidance, and contact the installer or retailer if the unit is new. Keep photos of the leak, since they help with any claim. ## What to note before you call 1. Photograph the leak — Take photos from a safe distance of where the water appears and any marks on the ceiling or wall. 2. Write down when it happens — Note whether it leaks in cooling mode, heating mode or both, and whether it is worse on humid days. 3. Photograph the model label and display — Capture the make and model label and any lights or codes on the display, without touching or opening anything. What you can safely check Look at the leak from a safe distance, photograph it, and note which rooms and times it affects. Keep the area clear of people and pets. Do not touch the unit or open any panels. ## What does a technician do about a leak? A licensed technician will inspect the indoor unit, the tray and the drain path, check whether the coil has been icing, and look at how the unit was installed. They will also check for any electrical damage from the water before the system is used again. The aim is to fix the cause, not just clear the water. ## Frequently asked questions - Yes. Water draining outside, usually from a pipe near the outdoor unit, is a normal result of condensation. Leaks inside the house are not normal. - It can, if water soaks into ceilings, walls or insulation and stays damp. That is a good reason to have a leak checked early. - Summer humidity means the unit removes more moisture, so a drain that is marginal can overflow. A technician can check the drain and installation. - It is best to stop using it until it has been checked, because water and electrical parts do not mix safely. [Learn about Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/) Related services: [Ducted Air Conditioning](https://arlite.co/services/air-conditioning/ducted-air-conditioning/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Australian Refrigeration Council](https://www.arctick.org/) - [Energy Rating (Australian Government)](https://www.energyrating.gov.au/) - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [Air conditioningWhy is there ice or frost on my air conditioner?Some frost on an outdoor unit in heating mode is normal, but ice on an indoor unit or on a unit in cooling mode points to a fault.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/ice-frost-on-air-conditioner/) - [Air conditioningWhy does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?A musty or dirty-sock smell usually means moisture and mould or bacteria are building up inside the unit, which a technician can deal with.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Air conditioningHow often does an air conditioner need servicing?Many manufacturers and installers advise servicing every one to two years, but follow your manual and warranty and use a licensed technician.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/how-often-air-conditioner-servicing/) - [Air conditioningWhy does my air conditioner keep tripping the breaker?An air conditioner that trips the breaker or safety switch has an overload or fault that a licensed electrician needs to find.](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-tripping-breaker-safety-switch/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. Why does an air conditioner make water at all? 2. What are the common reasons for a leak? 3. Why is a leak more than just a wet floor? 4. Can I clear the drain myself? 5. Is the leak covered by a warranty? 6. What to note before you call 7. What does a technician do about a leak? 8. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).