5 min read
An air conditioner produces condensate by design — the problem is only when that water goes somewhere other than the drain. In the UAE's humidity, an indoor unit can generate a surprising volume of water, so a small fault becomes visible damage quickly.
A blocked drain line
The most common cause by far. Dust, biological growth and debris block the condensate line, water backs up into the tray and overflows into the room or ceiling. Flushing the line clears it, and it is standard servicing work.
A frozen evaporator coil
Restricted airflow or low refrigerant makes the coil ice over. When the unit stops, the ice melts faster than the tray can drain, and water spills. If you see ice on the indoor coil or pipework, that is your answer.
A cracked or misaligned drain pan
Older units, and units that have been removed and refitted, may have a cracked pan or one that no longer slopes toward the outlet. The leak is usually consistent and in the same place each time.
Poor pipe insulation
Where refrigerant pipe insulation has degraded, humid air condenses directly on the cold copper and drips. It looks like a leak but the unit itself is fine — the insulation needs replacing.
Why not to wait
Concealed and ducted units leak into ceiling voids, where the first visible sign is a stain or a collapsed ceiling tile. In apartments this can also become a neighbour's problem. Water leakage is worth attending to promptly even though the AC may still be cooling.