Water dripping from your indoor aircon unit is one of the most common problems in Singapore homes. The good news: it's usually fixable, and the cause is often simple.
Why aircon produces water in the first place
As your aircon cools the air, it also pulls moisture out of it. That moisture condenses on the cold cooling coil, drips into a water tray, and drains away through a pipe. In humid Singapore, that's a lot of water every day. A leak means something in that path isn't working.
1. Clogged drain pipe
The most common cause. Dust, mould and slime build up in the drain pipe until water can't flow out, so it overflows from the tray and drips into your room.
Fix: a general service includes flushing the drain pipe and cleaning the water tray.
2. Dirty water tray or coil
When the coil and tray are coated in dirt, water doesn't flow where it should and can spill over the edges.
Fix: regular servicing, or a chemical jet wash if the dirt is heavy.
3. Dirty air filters
Clogged filters restrict airflow, which can make the coil too cold. Ice forms on it, and when that ice melts it can overwhelm the tray.
Fix: rinse your filters every 2 to 4 weeks (see our care tips) and service the unit regularly.
4. Low refrigerant
Low refrigerant can also cause the coil to freeze and then drip as it thaws. You might notice weaker cooling at the same time.
Fix: a technician needs to check the refrigerant level and pressure, and look for the cause. This is part of every general service.
5. Unit not installed level, or a damaged pipe
If the indoor unit is tilted, water collects at one end of the tray instead of draining. A cracked or disconnected drain pipe will also leak.
Fix: this needs a technician to re-level the unit or repair the pipe.
What to do right now
- Switch the aircon off to stop more water collecting
- Wipe up the water and protect furniture and electrical items below the unit
- Check and rinse the air filters if you can reach them safely
If it keeps leaking after servicing
A leak that returns soon after a service usually means deep-set dirt inside the coil and blower. A chemical overhaul is typically the long-term fix.
Not sure what's causing it? Book a diagnosis or book a service, and our technician will find and fix the cause.
