Turn the AC off
This stops new condensate forming.
AC leaking water or the drain line clogged at the indoor unit?
Air conditioners remove water from the air, and it drains away through a condensate line. When that line clogs, the pan overflows onto floors or through ceilings. Turn the AC off, catch the water, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent HVAC technician does the repair.
Am I in the right place?Yes for water around the indoor unit or air handler, a full drain pan, or water dripping from a ceiling under an attic unit.
Is this urgent?Urgent when water reaches ceilings, floors or electrical equipment. An attic unit leaking through a ceiling can make it sag.
What do I do next?Turn the AC off at the thermostat, catch the water, and call 833-877-1717.
Ice on the coil melting: frozen AC unit. Ceiling already wet: ceiling water damage.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
Stop the overflow
Catch the water
Towels, a wet vacuum or a pan under the drip. Empty the drain pan if you can reach it safely.
Check for a float switch
Many units have a safety switch that shuts the AC off when the pan fills. If the AC stopped and the pan is full, that is why.
Water near electrical equipment
Air handlers have wiring and controls near the drain pan. Keep water away from them and switch the system off. If the ceiling below an attic unit bulges, keep people out of that room.
Why AC drains overflow
Algae or sludge in the line
The most common clog.
Cracked or rusted pan
Water leaks even when the line is clear.
Failed condensate pump
Units in basements or closets may pump water away.
Frozen coil melting
More water than the pan can handle. See frozen AC unit.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- Where the indoor unit is: attic, closet, basement
- Where water is showing
- Whether the AC shut itself off
- Any ceiling stains or sagging
- System age and brand, if known
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles AC drain line repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717AC leaking water questions
Is water leaking from my AC an emergency?
It becomes urgent when water is reaching ceilings, floors or electrical equipment. Turn the system off, catch the water and call.
Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?
The most common cause is a clogged condensate drain line or a full or cracked drain pan. A frozen coil that is melting can also overflow.
Can I call at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Can I clear the drain line myself?
Some owners flush the line at the access tee. If water keeps backing up, or the unit is in an attic over living space, have it serviced.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.