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Discovering a puddle of water pooling around your indoor AC unit or dripping through the ceiling is an urgent issue. Beyond disrupting your indoor cooling, standing water can quickly cause drywall rot, floor damage, and mold growth if not addressed immediately.
## 1. Why Is Water Leaking from Your Indoor AC?
During normal cooling, your air conditioner extracts moisture from indoor air. That moisture condenses on the cold evaporator coil and drips into a drain pan, flowing safely outside through a PVC condensate pipe. When that pathway gets blocked or broken, water overflows inside your home.
## 2. Common Causes of Indoor AC Water Leaks
* **Clogged Condensate Drain Line:** The most common culprit. Algae, dirt, and slime accumulate inside the drain pipe, causing water to back up and overflow the drain pan.
* **Cracked or Rusted Drain Pan:** Older air handlers often have rusted or cracked drain pans that let condensation drip straight through the unit.
* **Dirty Air Filter:** A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to freeze into a block of ice. When that ice melts rapidly, it overwhelms the drain system.
* **Broken Condensate Pump:** For units installed in basements or attics, a failed mechanical pump cannot push collected water out of the house.
* **Low Refrigerant Levels:** Low pressure causes uneven coil temperatures, creating severe ice buildup that leaks when thawing.
## 3. Estimated Low-Cost Repair Prices
| Service Type | Typical Problem Solved | Budget Cost Range |
| :— | :— | :— |
| **Drain Line Flush & Clear** | Removes algae and clog blockages | $65 – $130 |
| **Air Filter Replacement & Check** | Restores proper indoor airflow | $35 – $75 |
| **Drain Pan Patch or Replacement** | Fixes small cracks and corrosion leaks | $120 – $220 |
| **Condensate Pump Replacement** | Restores mechanical water removal | $140 – $260 |
## 4. Immediate DIY Steps to Stop Water Damage
* **Turn Off the AC Immediately:** Shut down the cooling system at the thermostat to stop producing more condensation.
* **Clean Up Standing Water:** Use towels or a wet/dry shop vacuum to soak up moisture and protect your flooring.
* **Inspect the Air Filter:** Check if your filter is heavily coated in dust. Replace it with a clean filter immediately.
* **Clear the Drain Pipe:** If accessible, attach a shop vacuum to the outdoor drain line opening to help suck out trapped algae and sludge.
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## When to Call an Emergency HVAC Pro
If water continues to overflow, your drain line remains stubborn to clear, or your evaporator coil is covered in thick frost, keep the unit off and call a certified technician. Professional HVAC pros have specialized pressurized flush lines and diagnostic tools to clear clogs safely without damaging your system.