Prepared by Home Triage Australia. Updated 6 November 2026. General guidance, not a diagnosis. Not independently reviewed by a qualified tradesperson. How these guides are prepared.
What to do now
Stop the unit with the normal control if it is safe to do so. Keep away from wet wiring, sockets or light fittings. Do not remove covers, enter the roof space or attempt refrigerant work.
What could explain it?
- Restricted condensate drainage
- Tray or condensate-pump fault
- Ice thawing after an airflow or refrigeration issue
- Installation or insulation problem
These are possibilities to discuss with the professional, not a confirmed cause.
Indoor leak or normal outdoor drainage?
Note exactly where the water appears and whether the unit was cooling or heating. Daikin explains that outdoor water or steam can occur during normal operation; indoor leakage can damage finishes and warrants stopping use and arranging assessment.
Tell the technician what changed
Record the model, visible error code, reduced cooling and whether the leak began after a service or installation. Photograph from floor level. Do not open the indoor unit or repeatedly restart it to collect evidence.
Check the relevant licences
For work that risks releasing controlled refrigerant, check the technician’s Refrigerant Handling Licence and its scope with ARC. Electrical or plumbing work may need separate state credentials. A condensate-water leak is not proof that refrigerant needs adding.
What the professional may do next
- Record indoor or outdoor location and operating mode
- Inspect drainage and affected components
- Diagnose before replacing parts
- Test drainage and assess water damage
What affects your quote
A routine air-conditioner service price does not establish the cost of fixing an indoor water leak. Agree the initial investigation separately from parts, repairs and damage to the building.
1. Find the source of the water
Confirm the call-out fee, included diagnostic time, GST and whether the visit covers the indoor unit, drainage path and any relevant pump. Explain access limitations before booking.
2. Price the diagnosed repair
Drain clearing, a condensate pump, a tray or installation-related work can involve different labour and parts. Ask for the identified cause, exact repair scope and how drainage will be checked after the work. Do not assume a refrigerant top-up will fix a water leak.
3. Separate building damage
Ceiling drying, damaged plaster, insulation and painting may require a separate contractor or quote. Ask who will assess affected building materials and whether any opening-up and making good are included.
Illustrative scope: “Investigate indoor leakage and quote the identified repair” does not automatically include pump replacement or ceiling restoration. Confirm parts availability, repeat attendance and warranty conditions. This page does not publish a verified national water-leak repair range.
Before booking
- For refrigerant work, check the technician’s ARC refrigerant-handling licence and scope. Electrical work may require a separate state electrical licence.
- Ask what inspection, parts, labour, GST and follow-up visits are included.
- Get exclusions and approval of extra work in writing.
Find the relevant official licence or authority →
Tenants should report the problem promptly. Responsibility depends on the cause, agreement, common property and local rules; do not assume the person who notices it must pay.
Sources and review status
Safety, licensing and technical sources used for this update are linked below. Content updated and sources checked on 6 November 2026. This is not an expert review or an assessment of your home; the quote checklist is guidance on questions to ask, not a repair-price estimate.
Use the checker to organise what you have observed and prepare questions for a professional.
Check this problem →