Mini-split leaking water?

Water drips from the indoor head or runs down the wall. The most common cause is a clogged condensate drain line. A dirty filter or low refrigerant can also freeze the coil, which then drips as it thaws.

Not sure which one it is? Snap your mini-split and we’ll narrow it down.

Is the room also not cooling or heating?

A frozen coil from a dirty filter or low refrigerant can cause both. Mini-split not cooling or heating

Likely causes

Clogged condensate drain line
Most commonModerate DIY
Water drips from the bottom of the head or runs down the wall, and little or no water comes out of the drain hose outside.
Part: $75–300 (drain line cleaning)
Kinked or pinched drain hose
CommonModerate DIY
The drain hose bends sharply, is crushed behind the head, or sags so water pools in it.
Head not level
CommonCall a pro
Water drips from one end of the head, or the head visibly tilts away from the drain side.
Dirty filter or low refrigerant freezing the coil
CommonCall a pro
Ice on the coil or lines, weak airflow, and dripping that starts when the ice thaws. A dirty filter is the easy one to check; low refrigerant means a leak.
Part: $200–1,500 (refrigerant leak repair); $100–600 (recharge)
Failed condensate pump
Less commonCall a pro
Only if your head has a condensate pump: you may hear it running without moving water, or not at all, and water backs up.
Part: $100–450 (condensate pump replacement)

Quick checks

If water is dripping near wiring or an outlet, switch off the power at the breaker first. Switch off the breaker or the outdoor disconnect before cleaning anything beyond the filters. Don't chip ice off the outdoor unit. Refrigerant work needs a certified technician.

Turn the mini-split off and let any ice thaw. Put a towel or tray under the drip.
Open the front cover and check the filters. If they're clogged with dust, clean or replace them following the manual.
Follow the drain hose from the head to where it exits outside and look for kinks, crushing or sagging.
Check whether water comes out of the drain hose outside when the unit runs in cooling mode; none at all points to a clog.
Look at the head from the front and side to see whether it sits level.

Sharpen the read

Diagnose your mini-split in seconds, for free

No account, no phone number. Fixology’s AI reads your photo and tells you what’s likely wrong, how worried to be, and whether it’s a DIY fix.

Snap one of these:

where water is dripping, with the indoor head in view
the indoor head with the front cover open, showing the filters
the drain hose where it leaves the head or the wall

Add a note or more photos next. Nobody calls you.

When to call a pro

The drip continues after the filter and hose checks, the drain is clogged and you can't clear it, the head isn't level, the coil keeps icing up, or you suspect a refrigerant leak or a failed condensate pump. For upkeep, see the mini-split guide.

Typical cost: $75–300 for drain line cleaning, the usual fix. A pump replacement is $100–450 and a refrigerant leak repair $200–1,500. The service call runs $75–250 flat and often doubles as the diagnostic fee.

Sources: Fixr: How much does heat pump repair cost? (updated January 21, 2026)

After a scan, Fixology can also help you find pros near you.