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.
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
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
- Turn Power Off to the unit.
- Open the unit and remove the filters.
- Remove the screws holding the casing.
- Remove the outer casing.
- The water line is usually at the bottom. Remove any screw holding it in place.
- Pull the water line down and unwrap any tape holding it together.
- Have a bucket ready to catch any water and unplug the hose.
- Using a vacuum, suck both sides of the line out, removing any debris that is blocking it.
- 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.
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
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
I have a Carrier mini split and it is leaking blue stuff down my white wall.
Help!! Please
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???
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.
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!
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
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 ?
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.
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!
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.
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?