Skip to main content
★★★★★ 4.8 · 1,300+ reviews
Lic. CAC1819196 · CFC1431159
(813) 343-2212 Book Free Estimate

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

FREE estimates and FREE diagnosis

Troubleshooting Guide

AC Leaking Water Inside? 4 Tampa Causes

Water dripping from your air handler, ceiling stains near a closet, or a puddle on the garage floor where your AC lives, these are all variations of the same problem, and in Tampa it’s almost always solvable the same day. Here’s what’s causing it and how to fix it. Home Therapist: CAC1819196.

AC leaking water inside your Tampa home? Turn it off, put towels down, and we will find the source, from a clogged drain to a frozen coil.

Home Therapist serves Tampa Bay, Florida. In the area? FREE estimates and FREE diagnosis.

Call (813) 343-2212Book a FREE diagnosisText us
  • Licensed CAC1819196 & CFC1431159
  • 4.8 stars from 1,398 reviews
  • Background-checked, drug-tested techs
  • Hablamos español

At a glance

Most common cause
A clogged condensate drain line, worst July to September
Other causes
Rusted drain pan, frozen coil from a dirty filter, or a refrigerant leak
Do right now
Turn the AC off, put towels down, check the filter and the outside drain
Drain line flush
$279
Float switch install
$279
Primary pan replacement
$699 vertical, $799 horizontal
Refrigerant leak
Leak search FREE with our diagnosis; the repair is quoted in writing
Diagnosis
FREE, open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Richard Morales

Reviewed by Richard Morales, Co-Owner & FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor (FL license CAC1819196)Updated Oct 15, 2026

Quick Answer

An AC leaking water inside in Tampa is one of 4 things, ranked by likelihood: clogged condensate drain line (the most common cause, especially July-September), rusted drain pan (older systems), frozen evaporator coil from a dirty filter, or frozen coil from low refrigerant leak. DIY: turn off AC, find the PVC condensate pipe near the outside unit, check for clog. Most Tampa AC drain repairs run $279 (drain flush, drain line small repair). Drain pan replacement: $399-$699. Call (813) 343-2212.

4 Reasons Your AC Is Leaking

1. Clogged Condensate Drain Line (80%)

DIY possible

Symptom: Water dripping from air handler, overflow switch tripped (AC shuts off), wet drywall near air handler, musty smell.

Likelihood in Tampa: Extremely common in Tampa. Humidity drives massive condensation, and algae/mold clogs the drain line fast.

DIY: locate the white PVC pipe exiting the air handler, run it outside. Shop-vac the outside end to suck out the clog. Pour 1 cup white vinegar down the inside cleanout cap monthly. Professional drain line flush: $279.

2. Cracked or Rusted Drain Pan

Call a tech

Symptom: Water drips even when drain line is clear. Rust on the pan visible. Continuous small drip under air handler.

Likelihood in Tampa: Common on systems 10+ years old. Tampa humidity accelerates pan corrosion.

Primary pan replacement: $699 (vertical) or $799 (horizontal). Secondary metal pan install: $399. Replacing an entire air handler may be more cost-effective on systems 12+ years old.

3. Frozen Coil from Dirty Filter

DIY possible

Symptom: Ice visible on copper lines, water dripping AFTER AC has been off for an hour, AC struggles to cool.

Likelihood in Tampa: Common. Restricted airflow → coil freezes → when it thaws, water overflows the pan.

Turn AC OFF, replace filter ($89 professional replacement or DIY), run fan only 2-3 hours to thaw. If it freezes again, move to cause #4.

4. Frozen Coil from Refrigerant Leak

Call a tech

Symptom: Same as #3 but persists after filter change. AC runs constantly. Unit hissing. Higher bills.

Likelihood in Tampa: Common on Tampa systems 8+ years. Salt air + copper corrosion.

Licensed tech required. the leak search is FREE with our diagnosis, leak repair $1,098, refrigerant recharge (R-410A $285 for up to 3 lbs, or $95 per lb when it takes more than 3 lbs). That $1,098 covers a copper leak at the air handler, line set or outdoor unit, with a line flush and a new filter drier. Refrigerant is priced separately.

AC Water Leak Repair Costs in Tampa (2026)

PVC drain line repair with water tray, St. Petersburg, FL 33703.
PVC Drain Line Repair St. Petersburg, FL 33703
In-progress PVC drain line repair in attic, St. Petersburg, FL 33703.
PVC Drain Line Repair in St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Repair Type Tampa Low Tampa High What’s Included
Condensate drain flush (wet-vac and nitrogen clear) $279 $349 Full drain cleared from air handler to exterior exit, biocide treatment, pan tablet
Float switch installation or replacement $145 $279 New float switch wired and tested, shut-off function verified
Primary drain pan replacement $399 $799 New plastic or metal pan matched to air handler model, drain line reconnected
Secondary drain pan installation $195 $395 Installed under existing air handler, drain line routed to exterior
Condensate drain line replacement (PVC) $299 $699 New PVC line routed with correct slope, glued connections, biocide treatment
Frozen coil thaw and repair (filter/refrigerant; diagnosis FREE) $89 $1,098 Low end = filter swap; high end = refrigerant leak repair at the outdoor unit, refrigerant extra (the leak search is FREE with our diagnosis)
Air handler replacement (Goodman or Daikin) $1,800 $3,500 New air handler installed with new drain pan, refrigerant reconnect, tested

FREE diagnosis on every call. Written estimate before any work begins.

Florida Code Corner: Condensate Drain Requirements and Permits

Florida Building Code Section 1411.3 (FBC Mechanical) requires that all HVAC installations in attic spaces or in locations where condensate overflow could cause structural damage include secondary overflow protection. For attic installations, this means either a secondary drain pan with an independent exterior drain line visible from outside the home, or a float switch wired to shut down the air handler when water accumulates in the primary pan. Hillsborough County inspectors typically require the float switch on horizontal attic systems. Units installed before the 2007 Florida Building Code adoption may not have either protection. Adding secondary overflow protection to an existing system does not require a new permit in Hillsborough County, but work must be performed by a licensed CAC contractor under Florida Statute 489.105. At home sale, a missing float switch or absent secondary drain are flagged as deficiencies by home inspectors, and some lenders require correction before closing.

Installing a float switch on a condensate drain line in Tampa, FL 33604.
Installing a float switch on a condensate drain line in Tampa, FL 33604.

Tampa Peak Season: When AC Water Leaks Are Most Likely

June through September is when indoor AC water leaks peak in Tampa homes, for two reinforcing reasons. First, the AC runs almost continuously during these months because Tampa’s average daily high from June through September exceeds 89 degrees Fahrenheit and the overnight low rarely drops below 75. Continuous operation means the air handler produces more condensate per day (up to 5 to 6 gallons on a humid July afternoon in a 2,000-square-foot home) than in spring or fall when the system cycles more moderately. Second, Tampa’s rainy season produces high indoor humidity even when the AC is running, because doors and windows get opened during storms and outdoor air at 80 to 90 percent relative humidity floods the conditioned space. More moisture in the air means more condensate on the coil, more water in the drain line, and faster algae growth in the humid PVC pipe. A drain line that flows freely in April can be 80 percent blocked by the second week of July.

AC Water Leak Maintenance Schedule for Tampa Homes

  • Every month (year-round): Pour one cup of distilled white vinegar through the condensate drain access cap near the air handler. Vinegar kills algae and prevents biofilm from forming on the pipe walls without damaging PVC, float switches, or drain pan coatings.
  • Every spring (April before rainy season): Have the drain line professionally flushed using a wet-vac pull and nitrogen blow. This clears blockages that vinegar cannot reach and verifies the line slopes correctly to the exterior exit.
  • Every year: Inspect the primary drain pan for rust blisters, cracks, or calcification around the drain outlet. A pan failure discovered during a tune-up costs $399 to $799 to replace. A pan failure discovered after it has soaked the utility room floor costs that plus remediation.
  • Every 2 to 3 years: Test the float switch operation by adding water to the primary pan. The air handler should shut down within 30 seconds. Replace it if it fails the test.
  • Every 5 years on systems over 10 years old: Replace the condensate drain line if it has never been replaced. Older PVC can develop micro-cracks and fittings can loosen over time. A proactive drain line replacement prevents a water damage event that costs multiples of the repair to remediate.

What to Do Right Now

  1. Turn off AC immediately to stop water damage.
  2. Place towels/buckets under the drip. Move any valuables.
  3. Go outside to the condensate drain line exit (usually white PVC near the outdoor unit). Use a shop-vac to suction out the clog.
  4. Check the air filter. Replace if dirty.
  5. If water continues after steps 3-4, call (813) 343-2212. Likely pan issue or refrigerant problem.

What Does This Fix Cost in Tampa?

Tampa AC water leak pricing: Drain line flush $279, PVC drain line small repair $279, PVC drain line replacement $699, secondary metal pan install $399, vertical primary pan replacement $699, horizontal primary pan replacement $799, float switch install $279. Refrigerant leak repair adds $1,098 (air handler, line set or outdoor unit), plus refrigerant. Full AC repair pricing.

What Tampa Bay customers say

“Great Team. Arrive on Time and do complete maintenance on our system. Recommend to anyone looking for quality service.”
Richard M., Google review
“They have been amazing from the quote to the installation. They were able to accommodate us last minute. Made all the updates needed and in less than 5hrs we had a new HVAC unit installed. We'll be using them for all of our upgrades”
Rona B., Google review

4.8 from 1,398 reviews · Read more reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What to do if AC is leaking water inside house?

    Turn the AC off at the thermostat first, so the system stops making more water. Then switch off the breaker if water is near the air handler, put a towel or pan under the drip, and dry the area. Call us for a FREE diagnosis, open 24/7.

  • How much does it usually cost to fix an AC leak?

    Cost depends on the root cause. A clogged condensate drain flush is a straightforward repair, while a frozen evaporator coil, failed condensate pump, or cracked drain pan costs more. Home Therapist provides a FREE diagnosis on every visit so you know the exact price before any work begins. Call (813) 343-2212.

  • Who to call if your AC is leaking water?

    Call a licensed HVAC contractor, not a general handyman. In Tampa Bay, Home Therapist holds HVAC license CAC1819196, offers same-day service, and provides a FREE diagnosis on arrival. With 1,300+ five-star reviews, we are the local team built for Florida's high-humidity conditions that accelerate drain-line clogs and coil freeze-ups. Call (813) 343-2212.

  • Why is my air conditioner dripping water in Florida?

    A clogged condensate drain line is the most common cause. Tampa's intense humidity means your AC pulls large amounts of moisture from the air, and if the drain line is blocked by algae or debris, water backs up and overflows the drip pan into your home.

  • Why is my AC blowing water?

    Your AC blows water droplets when the evaporator coil freezes and then thaws rapidly, sending water into the airstream. Restricted airflow from a dirty filter or low refrigerant are the usual triggers, and Tampa's salt-air environment can also corrode coil fins, worsening the problem.

  • What causes the coils to freeze up on an air conditioner?

    Frozen coils result from restricted airflow, low refrigerant, or a dirty evaporator coil blocking heat transfer. In Tampa's high-humidity summers the coil is already working hard, so even a partially clogged filter can tip the system into a freeze. Home Therapist offers free diagnosis on every visit at (813) 343-2212.

  • AC leaking indoors in my Florida home, should I book drain cleaning or a plumber first?

    Book an HVAC tech first. Most indoor AC leaks come from a clogged condensate drain line, a dirty coil, or a failed pan or float switch, all HVAC issues. Call (813) 343-2212, open 24/7. We diagnose for FREE at any hour and bring in plumbing only if a water line is the source.

  • Can I still run my AC if it's leaking water?

    No, it is best to turn the AC off while it leaks. Running it can overflow the drain pan, damage ceilings, floors and insulation, and can trip the float switch or ice up the coil. Turn the system off, dry the area, and have the cause diagnosed. The diagnosis is FREE.

  • How can I fix my air conditioner if it's leaking water?

    The most common cause is a clogged condensate drain line, which is common in Tampa Bay's heat and humidity. Turn the AC off, replace a dirty filter, and clear the drain line opening if you can see a clog. If water keeps coming back, a frozen coil, a cracked drain pan or a failing part needs a licensed tech. You approve a written quote before any repair begins.

  • What is the $5000 rule for AC?

    It is a rule of thumb for repair versus replace: multiply the system's age in years by the repair quote. If the result is over five thousand, replacement usually makes more sense. A leak from a clogged condensate drain is a small repair, so it rarely triggers the rule. We give FREE estimates and a FREE diagnosis, and you approve a written quote before any repair begins.

Why is water dripping from my AC in Tampa?

Most of the time: clogged condensate drain line. Tampa humidity produces gallons of condensation daily; algae blocks the drain. Try the shop-vac fix first, then professional flush ($279).

How do I clear a clogged AC drain line myself?

Find the white PVC pipe exiting your outdoor unit. Attach shop-vac to the end and run for 5 minutes. Should pull clog free. Monthly: pour 1 cup distilled white vinegar into the inside cleanout cap to prevent algae.

Will water damage my drywall if AC leaks?

Fast. Tampa humidity accelerates drywall saturation. Mold starts within 48 hours. Shut off AC and address the leak same-day. Small drywall repairs are cheap; full ceiling replacement is not.

How much to fix AC water leak?

Simple drain clog: $279 (drain flush). Drain line replacement: $699. Primary pan replacement: $699-$799. Float switch install (prevents future overflow): $279. Refrigerant leak repair: $1,098 at the air handler, line set or outdoor unit, plus refrigerant.

Do I need a new air handler if drain pan is rusted?

Not necessarily. Pan replacement alone is $699-$799. But if your system is 12+ years and the coil is also showing rust, replacing the whole air handler may make more sense (saves duplicate labor).

Why does my AC only leak in summer?

Tampa humidity peaks June-September. Your AC pulls 3-5 gallons of condensate per day during peak. If the drain can’t keep up (partially clogged), you see leaks only in summer when volume is highest.

Is AC water leak covered by home warranty?

Usually yes for the AC repair itself (drain cleaning, pan replacement). Usually NO for the resulting drywall/flooring damage. Check your policy. Document everything for claims.

How often should I clean the AC drain line?

Monthly vinegar flush (DIY, 2 minutes). A professional drain line flush at each Home Therapy Club tune-up (included). Tampa humidity demands more frequent care than northern climates.

Can I use bleach in my AC drain line?

We don’t recommend it. Bleach corrodes metal drain pans and can damage newer AC components. Use distilled white vinegar instead, kills algae, won’t corrode.

What's causing water to drip from vents?

Either ductwork condensation (poorly insulated supply ducts in hot attic) or coil overflow reaching ducts. Both need a pro, duct insulation wrap $99/ft for exposed attic runs.

Why is water dripping from my AC in Tampa?

The most common cause is a clogged condensate drain line. Your AC removes humidity from the air as part of cooling, and the resulting water drains through a PVC line. In Tampa’s climate, algae grows in that line year-round. When it blocks, the drain pan overflows at the air handler. Secondary causes include a cracked drain pan, a frozen evaporator coil thawing rapidly, or a refrigerant leak causing the coil to freeze and drip as it thaws. All four causes need a diagnostic visit to distinguish. Call (813) 343-2212 for same-day service. Licensed CAC1819196.

How do I clear a clogged AC drain line myself?

Pour equal parts white vinegar and warm water into the condensate drain access cap near the air handler. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush with clean water. This works for minor early-stage algae growth. It does not work for full blockages, hard mineral deposits, or root intrusion deeper in the line. If you hear no flow movement after the vinegar treatment or the drain pan is still collecting water, the blockage requires a professional wet-vac pull or nitrogen blow. Do not use bleach in drain lines with copper fittings or rubber seals. Call (813) 343-2212. Licensed CAC1819196.

Will water damage my drywall if the AC leaks?

Yes, and faster in Tampa than most other climates. Wet drywall in Tampa’s 74 percent average humidity begins losing structural integrity within 24 hours. Mold spores can germinate on saturated drywall within 24 to 48 hours at ambient temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is year-round in Tampa. A drip discovered quickly is usually a cosmetic stain. A drip running for two or more days before discovery may require drywall replacement plus mold remediation costing $1,000 to $5,000 beyond the HVAC repair itself. Call (813) 343-2212 the same day you find the leak. Licensed CAC1819196.

How much does it cost to fix an AC water leak in Tampa?

A drain flush to clear a clog is $279. A drain pan replacement runs $399 to $799 depending on pan type and air handler model. A float switch installation is $279. A PVC drain line replacement is $299 to $699. The FREE diagnosis on a frozen coil causing leak-like symptoms can end in anything from an $89 filter replacement to a refrigerant leak repair ($1,098 plus refrigerant). Diagnosis is FREE. We provide a written quote before any work begins. Call (813) 343-2212. Licensed CAC1819196.

Do I need a new air handler if the drain pan is rusted?

Not necessarily. A drain pan replacement is a standalone repair that does not require replacing the air handler. If the air handler itself is over 12 to 15 years old and showing multiple component failures alongside the pan rust, a full air handler replacement becomes worth considering: a Goodman or Daikin air handler replacement starts at approximately $1,800 installed. But a rusted pan alone does not force that decision. We assess the full system condition during the diagnostic visit and give you the complete picture. Call (813) 343-2212. Licensed CAC1819196.

Why does my AC only leak in summer?

Because Tampa summers produce the most condensate volume. In June through September, your AC removes 3 to 6 gallons of water per day from the air in a typical home, versus 1 to 2 gallons per day in mild spring and fall weather. A drain line with partial algae blockage flows adequately at low condensate volume but overflows when summer operation pushes maximum condensate production through the partial restriction. Annual spring drain service catches partial blockages before the summer surge exposes them. Call (813) 343-2212. Licensed CAC1819196.

Is AC water leak covered by home warranty?

Most home warranty plans cover condensate drain clogs and drain pan failures under their HVAC coverage, but terms vary significantly. Some plans cover the drain flush only and exclude pan replacement. Read the specific plan language under HVAC exclusions before assuming coverage. If your system is not under a home warranty, call (813) 343-2212 for FREE diagnosis. Licensed CAC1819196.

How often should I clean the AC drain line?

Monthly vinegar treatment and annual professional flush is the correct schedule for Tampa homes. Monthly vinegar costs nothing beyond the product and keeps algae from establishing. Annual professional flushing in April or May before peak season clears any biofilm that built up through the winter and verifies slope and flow rate before the high-volume summer months. Call (813) 343-2212. Licensed CAC1819196.

Can I use bleach in my AC drain line?

Not recommended. Bleach is corrosive to copper fittings, rubber gaskets, and some drain pan coatings. It also reacts with some PVC formulations over time. Vinegar is equally effective at killing algae and biofilm and completely safe for all materials in the drain system. If you have a severe blockage that vinegar has not resolved, call for a professional wet-vac drain clear rather than using bleach at higher concentrations. Call (813) 343-2212. Licensed CAC1819196.

What is causing water to drip from vents instead of the air handler?

Water dripping from supply vents rather than pooling at the air handler has a different cause than a drain clog. It typically means the vent itself is below the dew point. In Tampa’s summer humidity, if a supply vent delivers very cold air into a humid room, condensation forms on the vent surface and drips. This is more common in rooms with high infiltration, near exterior doors, or in rooms where supply air temperature is unusually cold. A tech can verify supply air temperature and duct insulation condition to identify the specific cause. Call (813) 343-2212. Licensed CAC1819196.

Does Florida require a float switch on AC systems that could leak into a ceiling?

Yes. Florida Building Code Section 1411.3 requires overflow protection for HVAC installations where condensate overflow could cause property damage, specifically attic-mounted systems. Hillsborough County requires either a secondary drain pan with an independent exterior drain line or a float switch wired to shut off the system. Units installed before 2007 may lack this protection entirely. Adding a float switch does not require a permit but must be done by a licensed CAC contractor. Call (813) 343-2212. Licensed CAC1819196.

Related Problems

Where we work

We serve the three counties of Tampa Bay from our shop at 1408 W Linebaugh Ave in Tampa.

Hillsborough County

Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Carrollwood, Town ’n’ Country, Plant City, Ruskin, Sun City Center, Apollo Beach, Valrico, Lutz, Seffner

Pinellas County

St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Tarpon Springs, Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach

Pasco County

Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, New Port Richey, Holiday, Hudson, Trinity, Zephyrhills, Dade City

See every city and ZIP code we serve

AC Leaking? We Can Fix It Today.

Same-day Tampa Bay service. FREE diagnosis on every call. CAC1819196.

Call (813) 343-2212Text usBook online

4.8 from 1,398 reviews · Open 24 hours, 7 days a week · Licensed HVAC + Plumbing · Hablamos español

Related Tampa Bay resources

★★★★★★ 4.8 (1,398 verified reviews)
Verified4.8★ · 1,398 reviews
🛡 FL Licensed: CAC1819196 · CFC1431159💼 $1M General Liability + Workers’ Comp🏠 Family-owned since 2017⚡ Same-day service
★★★★★Maintenance

Great Team. Arrive on Time and do complete maintenance on our system. Recommend to anyone looking for quality service.

Richard Myberg · · Google
★★★★★Plumbing

Happy with the service and excellent communication with Home Therapist for help with a plumbing/ drain issue. Can recommend!

Jenn Bonilla · · Google
★★★★★AC repair

I have the Service Maintenance Plan with them for my a/c and plumbing, their visit was pleasant making sure all was clean and functioning properly. I pay monthly $20 of which is…

Juanita Rosa · · Google
★★★★★Plumbing

Excellent service and fair pricing from Home Therapist. Their quote was $180 less than similar plumbing company for simple disposal replacement. Plumber arrived promptly, worked efficiently, and answered all of my questions…

thomas rickard · · Google
★★★★★Water heater

I had the best experience with this company. From the free estimate to everything in between. I have my beautiful new water heater and more room under my sink when he took…

Patti Send · · Google
★★★★★Water heater

I had a great experience with Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing. We were getting our house ready to sell and the home inspection identified several plumbing issues that needed to be…

Manny Velasquez · · Google
★★★★★AC install

I was in need of air conditioning for my detached garage. My AI search for the most trustworthy mini-split AC installer led me to Home Therapist; my expectations were exceeded. Scheduling a…

Ricardo Gonzalez, M.D. · · Google
★★★★★AC install

Excellent service from Richard! He was professional, courteous, and very knowledgeable. He fixed my A/C problem quickly and explained everything clearly. I highly recommend Richard for anyone needing A/C service. had a…

mohammed suleiman · · Google
★★★★★AC repair

I had a great experience with Home Therapist AC Repair. Alejandro arrived on time to diagnose why my AC wasn't cooling and quickly found the problem that the previous company had missed.…

AK · · Google
Latest review: October 2026 · auto-refreshed daily
Reviewed by Richard MoralesCo-Owner & FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor, Home Therapist

Richard co-owns Home Therapist Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing and holds the FL Class B Air Conditioning Contractor license (CAC1819196) since 2017. The company holds licenses CAC1819196 (FL Class B AC Contractor, Richard Morales) and CFC1431159 (FL Plumbing Contractor, Alex Morales), serving Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties with a four-technician field team and 1,300+ customer reviews averaging 4.8 stars.

Published: Last reviewed: