Portable Air Conditioner Leaking Water? Complete Fix Guide

Is your portable air conditioner leaking water and creating puddles where they shouldn't be? You're not alone! This common issue affects many portable AC owners, but the good news is that most leaks are easy to fix once you understand the causes. At Morris, our portable air conditioners are designed for efficient operation, but like all units, they need proper maintenance to prevent leaks.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain exactly why your portable AC is leaking water and walk you through step-by-step solutions. Whether you're dealing with a slow drip or a major spill, we've got you covered with practical advice to keep your cooling system running smoothly all season.

 

Quick Diagnosis: Where’s Your Leak Coming From?

Front panel leak? → Blocked drain system.

Bottom leaking? → Full water tank needs emptying.

Side vents dripping? → Condensation overflow.

 

"Most leaks take <10 minutes to fix once you know where to look." - Morris Support Team.

7 Reasons Your Portable AC Leaks (+ Morris-Specific Fixes)

After analysing hundreds of cases through our Morris support team, we've identified these key reasons for portable AC leaks, which include and expand upon all the common causes:

 

1. Condensate Tank Overflows

All Morris portable ACs (including our 7000 - 9000 BTU models) collect water in tanks that need manual emptying. In UK summer humidity, you might need to:

 

● Empty the 3-5 litre tank daily during heatwaves.

● Watch for the tank full indicator light.

 

 

2. Improper Unit Levelling

Just a 3-5° tilt can cause leaks. Always:

 

● Place the portable air conditioner on a horizontal sloped floor.

● Check levelling when moving your AC.

 

3. Clogged Air Filters

Our data shows that dirty filters cause 35% of leaks by reducing evaporation.

 

● Clean Morris's washable filters every 2 weeks.

● Use lukewarm water and mild detergent.

 

4. High Humidity Overload

When humidity exceeds 70% (common in UK summers):

 

● Switch to dehumidifier mode on your Morris AC.

● Combine with a standalone dehumidifier in damp rooms.

 

5. Window Installation Issues

The #1 support call we receive involves:

 

● Poorly sealed window kits (letting humid air back in).

● Kinked exhaust hoses (causes condensation backup).

Proper installation is key – especially for Bedroom AC Units where leaks can disrupt sleep.

 

6. Drainage Blockages

Especially problematic in hard water areas:

 

● Lime-scale in drain channels (clean monthly with vinegar).

● Algae growth in hoses (replace every 2 seasons).

 

7. Low Temperature Operation

Running below 18°C risks:

 

● Coil freezing (then melting causes overflow).

● Morris units have auto-defrost to prevent this.

 

Pro Tip from Morris Support:

"80% of leak complaints are solved by just checking the first three items - tank level, unit position and filter cleanliness. Always start simple before investigating complex causes."

 

All Morris portable air conditioners include detailed leak-prevention guidance in their user manuals. Keeping up with basic maintenance prevents most water leakage issues.

For optimal efficiency (and lower running costs), see our UK Air Conditioning Running Costs breakdown.

When to Call Morris Support Immediately

● Water near electrical parts.

● Leaking continues after troubleshooting.

● Strange gurgling/bubbling sounds.

 

Real Fix: Emma’s Story (Leeds Customer)

"When my portable air conditioner leaking water soaked my Leeds flat’s floors daily, I called Morris Support. Their team diagnosed excessive humidity and showed me how to use my portable AC unit leaking water in dehumidifier mode—now it runs perfectly dry! For anyone struggling with a portable AC leaking water, their advice was a game-changer."

 

 

Morris Leak-Proof Technology

All Morris portable ACs include:

✔ Smart evaporation – Minimises drainage needs.

✔ Continuous drain option – For hassle-free operation.

✔ Tank full alerts – Never miss an emptying.

 

Shop Leak-Resistant Models Now

 

Your 5-Minute Maintenance Checklist

✔ Weekly: Clean filter + check hoses.

✔ Monthly: Vinegar drain flush.

✔ Seasonally: Full system inspection.

 

Still Leaking? We can help!

Still dealing with a portable AC leaking water? Our Morris support team can help:

Phone Support

Call our Morris experts: 01562 261026

Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

 

Contact Form

Get a response within 24 hours

Include these details in your message:

1. Your Morris model number.

2. Where the water is leaking from.

3. What troubleshooting you’ve tried.

 

"We resolve the 95% of leak issues."
Need a replacement? Discover our Best Quiet Portable ACs for leak-resistant models.

Unsure about your unit’s capacity? Use our BTU Calculator to find your perfect match.

 

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FAQs

1. Why is my portable air conditioner making the floor wet?

If you're noticing water around your unit, the most common causes are:

 

● The drain hose is kinked, disconnected, or clogged.

● The internal condensate tank is full and needs emptying.

● The unit is not level, causing water to pool and spill.

● The air filter is dirty, reducing evaporation efficiency.

● In very humid conditions, the unit may produce more water than it can handle.

2. Why does my portable air conditioner keep filling up with water?

Portable ACs constantly remove moisture from the air. How quickly the tank fills depends on:

 

● Humidity levels – More humid air = more water extracted.

● Room size vs. AC capacity – An undersized unit runs longer, collecting more water.

● Drainage method – Models with continuous drainage (like many Morris ACs) won't fill up.

● Usage time – The longer it runs, the more water accumulates.

 

3. How much water should come out of a portable air conditioner?

A properly functioning portable AC in moderate humidity (50-60%) might collect:

 

● 1-2 litres a day in normal home use.

● Up to 3-4 litres in very humid conditions or large spaces.

If you're getting significantly more, check for:

● A refrigerant leak (causing excess condensation).

● A malfunctioning dehumidification system.

● Extremely high humidity with poor ventilation.

 

 

 

4. Is water dripping from air conditioner safe?

The water itself is just distilled H₂O and harmless, but:

● Slipping hazard – Wet floors can be dangerous.

● Mould/mildew risk – Standing water promotes microbial growth.

● Electrical concerns – Water near electronics is never ideal.

● Floor damage – Can warp wood or stain carpets.

5. What happens if you don't drain a portable AC?

Consequences depend on your model:

 

● Manual drain units will eventually shut off when full.

● Auto-evaporative models may leak if overcapacitated.

Long-term issues include:

● Reduced cooling efficiency.

● Potential water damage to floors/walls.

● Mould growth in the unit or room.

● Corrosion of internal components.

 

6. How often should I drain my portable air conditioner?

Drain frequency depends on:

 

● Humidity levels – Daily in tropical climates, weekly in drier areas.

● Tank size – Smaller tanks (1-2L) need more frequent emptying.

● Usage patterns – 8+ hours/day use requires more attention.

 

With Morris models that have auto-evaporation, you may never need to drain manually!

7. How do you get water out of a portable air conditioner?

Methods vary by model:

Manual Drain

1.Locate the drain plug (usually at the bottom rear).

2.Place a shallow pan underneath.

3.Remove the plug and let water flow out.

4.Replace the plug securely.

Continuous Drain

1.Attach the included hose to the drain port.

2.Run the hose to a floor drain or outside.

3.Ensure proper downward slope for gravity drainage.

8. How do I stop my portable air conditioner from leaking?

Preventative Maintenance Checklist:

● Level the unit – Use a bubble level to ensure proper positioning.

● Clean filters monthly – Wash reusable filters with mild soap and water.

● Inspect drain hose – Clear any blockages with a pipe cleaner.

● Check drain pan – Remove debris that could obstruct flow.

● Monitor humidity – Use a dehumidifier if consistently above 60%.

● Upgrade if needed – Newer models like Morris ACs have better leak prevention.