How To Fix a Mini Split That is Leaking Water and Dripping

By | July 4, 2023

How To Fix a Mini Split That is Leaking Water and Dripping 2
If you have a mini split that leaks water inside your home, it likely needs some basic maintenance to stop it from leaking.

Fixing the problem often falls in the do-it-yourself category for a handy type of person.

Of course, if in doubt, call a professional.

What Causes a Mini Split to Leak and Drip Water?

  • Clogged Condensing Drain Line (Most Common)
  • Low Refrigerant

The inside wall unit has a coil that pulls moisture from the air as it cools.

Depending on how humid it is, the moisture builds up and must drain out, or it will leak.

A drain line carries this moisture outside which is usually a small drip.

If the drain line becomes clogged up, it can not drain the water leading to the water dripping inside a home.
How To Fix a Mini Split That is Leaking Water and Dripping
In some cases, if the system has a refrigerant leak, the inside condenser will leak drastically, which is a separate issue from a clogged drain line.

If the mini split is leaking water and not cooling correctly, it may be low on refrigerant.

If the mini split is cooling and leaking, the drain line is likely clogged.

Read here for more if your mini split is not operating correctly and leaking.

Items Needed to Fix a Mini Split Leak

  • Screwdriver
  • Duct Tape
  • Vacuum
  • Water Bucket
  • Some basic tools will be needed to repair the problem.

    The above list is a general idea of what will be needed, with the main goal to remove the outer casing and get to the drain line.

    Every unit will be slightly different in how they come apart and what tools are needed.

    Units can vary in build and component location, but the same principle applies.

    How to Fix a Mini Split Leaking Water

    1. Turn Power Off to the unit.
    2. Open the unit and remove the filters.
    3. Remove the screws holding the casing.
    4. How To Fix a Leaking Mini Split Air Conditioner Step 2

    5. Remove the outer casing.
    6. How To Fix a Leaking Mini Split Air Conditioner Step 3

    7. The water line is usually at the bottom. Remove any screw holding it in place.
    8. Pull the water line down and unwrap any tape holding it together.
    9. Have a bucket ready to catch any water and unplug the hose.
    10. Using a vacuum, suck both sides of the line out, removing any debris that is blocking it.
    11. Once the debris is removed from the line, hook it back up and tape it to hold it together. Put all the parts back together and test the unit.

    Summary
    The above are the basic steps to fix a leaking mini split unit.

    Keep in mind that if your unit is leaking a lot of water and not operating correctly, it may be a separate problem.

    For example, if the unit has a bad drip, is blowing out water, and stops cooling after a short while, it likely is low on refrigerant.

    Usually, a leaking unit is only the drain line clogged, but in some cases, it can be other factors.

    While the build and removal of the outer casing may vary between units, the basics still apply, with the drain line needing to be unclogged.

    Usually, this is not a difficult job, but if you have any doubt, call an HVAC tech.

    Category: Mini split heating and cooling air conditioner heat pump systems

    About Aaron H. Benetti

    Aaron H. Benetti an HVAC technician who has worked in the field since 1991. He began his career as an HVAC installer and later began doing troubleshooting and repairs. Around 2010, he began to write books on HVAC topics, mainly tutorials and how-to information. Currently, Aaron works as an HVAC tech and also writes many articles and posts for websites as well as books and videos on HVAC topics.

    12 thoughts on “How To Fix a Mini Split That is Leaking Water and Dripping

    1. Pancho pistolas

      Mine is leaking and the line is clean I use vacuum to suck it clean eh !!!! Slow down she said… the drain is clean yet it keeps dripping

      Reply
    2. Cam

      I went outside and found the drainage hose (ribbed white hollow tube) banged it a couple times to knock some sludge out and about a quart of water ran out right after the sludge. Problem solved

      Reply
    3. Cindi Lee

      I have a Carrier mini split and it is leaking blue stuff down my white wall.
      Help!! Please

      Reply
    4. Jane

      Mine is leaking from the side where the pump is and the water is kind of sticky and discolored. Had HVAC out and they found the water lines to be rusty “from condensation” like Angie Huk. They wrapped the lines and now 3 days later is leaking the same fluid???

      Reply
    5. Aaron

      If unit is left off and room temp and humidity raises then it’s turned on the near freezing temperatures of the condesation can sweat through the other side of the plastic drain pan and collect in the head housing.

      Reply
    6. Scubby

      I did something easier… went outside and applied vacuum to the external drain pipe, in 1 second it unblocked and had water flowing outside (rather than overflowing in my house) – EASY!

      Reply
      1. Cherie max

        How often have you found the need to do this? & are your drip hoses exposed or do you have some kind of screen or protection that prevents debris from getting in? Thank you

        Reply
    7. Aggie Huk

      A just graduated hvac man told me the reason my minisplit was dripping water was because the line in the unit isn’t wrapped. He said he could see it and its bare,causing condensation. I’m having trouble believing that,as now of the experts said that. I’m having someone suction the drainage hie inside and outside today. But should I be worried about what he said ?

      Reply
    8. Cherie Max

      is there something that is recommended to cover the outside end of drip hose, preventing any debri-bugs etc. from getting in. I’ve tried taping screen around it but that gets full of debri & needs to be replaced quite frequently. I absolutely love the system but am super frustrated with the inside units (4) leaking. the unit in master is above bed & there’s no other way to rearrange the small room. Thanks in advance.

      Reply
      1. Jerry Myren

        Yes, you can buy EZT180 Inline check valve (#83180). It’s the only inline check valve on the market, and is required by International Mechanical Code for gravity drain applications to keep outside air (and bugs & odors) OUT!

        Reply
      2. Robert Hansen

        Might work depending on your drain line size and if you have room on the outlet side. Supply House is a very good source for plumbing and heating parts etc. you could call them and and ask as well.

        Reply
        1. Kathleen taylor

          We have drained inside and outside drains and the unit is still leaking down the walls on both sides. Also had the freon topped. It was down a quarter. Now what?

          Reply

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