AC Leaking Water in Las Vegas?

Water leaking from your AC can damage floors, ceilings, and walls. Here's how to identify the cause and fix it fast.

Where is the Water Coming From?

💧 Indoor Unit (Inside Your Home)

Most common location - 75% of water leaks

Usual causes:

  • Clogged condensate drain line (#1 cause)
  • Overflowing drain pan (rusted or damaged)
  • Frozen evaporator coil thawing
  • Improper installation (drain line slope)

🌵 Outdoor Unit (Outside Your Home)

Normal during operation - NOT an issue unless excessive

When it's OK:

  • Small amount of condensation during cooling
  • More visible in Las Vegas morning heat
  • Puddle within 2 feet of unit is normal

⚠️ If refrigerant lines are icy, that's a problem - see frozen coil section

5 Most Common Causes of Indoor AC Water Leaks

1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line (60% of cases)

In Las Vegas, dust and algae clog drain lines 3x faster than humid climates. Your AC produces 5-20 gallons of condensation per day that must drain away.

Symptoms:

  • Water pools around indoor unit
  • Gurgling sound from drain line
  • AC shuts off unexpectedly (safety switch triggered)

✓ DIY FIX: Use wet/dry vacuum on drain line exit (outside home). Suction for 60 seconds to clear clog.

2. Frozen Evaporator Coil (20% of cases)

When coil freezes and then thaws, large amounts of water overflow the drain pan.

Symptoms:

  • Ice buildup on refrigerant lines
  • Sudden large water leak (2-5 gallons at once)
  • AC blows weak cool air or warm air

✓ DIY FIX: Turn OFF AC for 4-6 hours. Place towels to catch thaw water. Replace air filter. If problem repeats, call pro (likely low refrigerant).

3. Cracked or Rusted Drain Pan (10% of cases)

Drain pans rust out in 12-15 years. Water bypasses drain line and leaks directly through ceiling/floor.

Symptoms:

  • Leak happens even with clean drain line
  • AC is 10+ years old
  • Visible rust stains on pan (if accessible)

⚠️ PRO NEEDED: Replacement requires accessing evaporator - $150-400 repair

4. Broken Condensate Pump (5% of cases)

If your AC is in an attic or basement, a pump lifts water upward. Pump failure causes backup.

Symptoms:

  • You hear pump running but no water movement
  • Visible standing water in pump reservoir
  • AC shuts off when drain pan fills

⚠️ PRO NEEDED: Pump replacement $150-300 installed

5. Poor Installation (5% of cases)

Drain line must slope downward continuously. Even small upward sections trap water.

Symptoms:

  • Leak started soon after AC installation
  • Drain line has visible low spots or sags
  • Water drains slowly (takes minutes not seconds)

⚠️ PRO NEEDED: Reinstall drain line with proper slope - $200-500

DIY Fix: How to Clear a Clogged AC Drain Line (10 Minutes)

What you need: Wet/dry vacuum, towels, flashlight

Step 1: Turn OFF AC

Go to thermostat and switch to OFF. This prevents more water from forming.

Step 2: Locate Drain Line Exit

Find where drain line exits your home (usually near outdoor unit). It's a 3/4" PVC pipe.

Step 3: Attach Vacuum to Drain Line

Place wet/dry vacuum hose over drain line exit. Create tight seal with your hand or duct tape around it.

Step 4: Vacuum for 60 Seconds

Turn vacuum ON. You should hear gurgling as clog clears. Continue for full minute.

Step 5: Flush With Water

Pour 1 cup white vinegar into drain line opening (near indoor unit). Wait 30 min, then flush with water.

Step 6: Test System

Turn AC back ON. Check for leaks after 30 minutes of operation. If still leaking, call a professional.

💡 Pro Tip: In Las Vegas, add 1/4 cup vinegar to drain line monthly to prevent algae buildup. Saves $150-200/year in service calls!

When to Call a Professional Immediately

🚨 Emergency Situations:

  • Water leaking from ceiling (indoor unit in attic)
  • Electrical outlet near water leak (shock hazard)
  • Mold growth visible around leak (health risk)
  • Flooring or drywall damage progressing

⚠️ Schedule Service Soon:

  • DIY drain cleaning didn't stop leak
  • Leak returns within 24 hours of cleaning
  • You see ice on refrigerant lines
  • Drain pump makes noise but doesn't move water

AC Water Leak Repair Costs (Las Vegas Average)

Drain Line Cleaning

$100-$200

+ chemical treatment

Condensate Pump

$150-$300

replacement + install

Drain Pan Replace

$200-$500

labor intensive

Frozen Coil Repair

$300-$800

+ refrigerant refill

Get Professional Water Leak Repair

Connect with Las Vegas AC specialists who can diagnose and fix your water leak fast.

Get Free AC Repair Quote

AC Not Cooling?

Frozen coil troubleshooting guide

AC Maintenance

Prevent water leaks with regular service

Repair Cost Guide

Full pricing for AC repairs