Why is the drain on the side of my house dripping water?

Author: Ulices Adams  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Water dripping and a big ol' rust stain on the side of the house are signs that you have a drain line issue. Typically, we see this whenever the system is in the attic. It probably means that your primary drain line is clogged and is overflowing into your secondary drain pan.

Why is the drain on the side of my house leaking water?

That is likely the drainpipe or downspout from the home's rain gutters. The drainpipe channels water from the gutters down the side of the house and away from the foundation. If it is dripping, it could indicate a clogged or damaged gutter or downspout that needs to be cleaned or repaired.

Why is the tube on the side of my house dripping water?

If you see water coming out of a pipe on the side or rear of your home up high, it means your main condensate line is clogged and you need to call for AC service right away.

What is the small pipe on the side of house dripping water?

The pipe dripping water outside your house is an overflow pipe that's most likely connected to an overflowing toilet cistern, cold water or central heating feed and expansion tank.

Should my exterior AC drain pipe be dripping water?

If it's the drain that comes directly from the unit, then yes, it should be dripping. If it's the drain to the emergency overflow, then no, it should not be dripping.

Is Water Dripping Down the Side of Your House?

Why is my condensate drain constantly dripping?

Restricted airflow, low refrigerant levels, or dirty evaporator coils, can all cause the condensate to freeze on your AC unit's coils. The resulting ice melt can quickly fill the drain pan and lead to water leakage.

How to fix AC dripping water outside?

Check for Obstructions: Inspect the area around your AC unit for any blockages or debris that might be obstructing the drainage system. Clear away any leaves, dirt, or other debris that could be causing a clog. Inspect the Condensate Drain Line: Check the condensate drain line for any signs of blockage or damage.

Why is my drain pipe constantly dripping?

If pipes are too long or too short, you're prone to leaks and even spontaneous bursts. Ill-fitted drain pipes create pressure, which can cause leakage and water damage if left untreated. The best thing to do in this scenario is to contact a professional plumber and have them evaluate your sink's plumbing structure.

How to unclog a condensate drain?

To unclog an AC drain line, turn off the power to the unit. Locate the drain line and use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog. Flush the line with water using a garden hose or cup of water. Check and clean the drain pan under the indoor unit.

Why is my outside overflow pipe dripping?

A leaking overflow pipe can indicate a problem with your heating or water system, such as excessive pressure or a faulty component. While not immediately dangerous in most cases, ignoring the issue could lead to water damage or further system faults, so it's important to address it promptly.

Is it normal for a drain tube to leak?

The fluid may leak around the insertion site if a clot is blocking the drainage flow. If there is fluid in the bulb and no leakage at the site, then the drain is working. You will need to empty your drain in the morning and evening.

What is side wall water leakage?

Buildings encounter seepage from side walls mainly because of faulty plumbing. In addition, prolonged exposure to rainfall and other climatic hazards often leads to cracks and fissures on the sidewalls of buildings and houses. It leads to water seepage and dampened walls.

What is the PVC pipe coming out of the side of my house?

One pipe is an air conditioning condensate drain, also commonly referred to as an AC drain line. These pipes are usually white in color and are made from PVC piping. Another pipe you may find on the outside of your home is a water pressure relief valve, also known as a PRV drain line.

Is leaking drain pipe an emergency?

One of the most common plumbing emergencies is a leaking or burst pipe. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as freezing temperatures, old and corroded pipes, high water pressure, and more. If you notice any leaking water coming from a pipe, it is essential to act quickly to prevent any further damage.

How do I know if my water pipe is leaking underground?

Signs of an underground water leak
  1. Sudden increase in water usage and costs. ...
  2. Cracked areas or bulges of pavement. ...
  3. Unpleasant smells. ...
  4. Low pressure in the water supply. ...
  5. Dirty water. ...
  6. Sounds from pipes. ...
  7. Thermal imaging. ...
  8. Acoustic leak detection.

What is the overflow pipe on the side of my house?

An overflow pipe leads from a water storage tank or cistern inside your home to the outside. If the water in the tank or cistern fills up to a higher level than it should, the excess water flows down through the overflow pipe and runs outside, rather than leaking into your home.

How much does it cost to fix a clogged condensate drain?

Clogs in the condensate drain line cause moisture to back up in the air conditioner, which can be damaging. The repair cost to have the drain line flushed runs between $75 to $250. If replacement is needed because the condensate drain line is damaged, a new condensate drain line is usually only around $20.

How to tell if a condensate line is clogged?

One of the most obvious signs is a puddle of water in your AC's drain pan, which proves the water isn't draining as it should. Other signs include: Standing water near your air conditioner's condenser unit. A moldy smell around the drain or from your system's vents and registers.

Will vinegar clean a condensate drain?

Once you've removed easy-to-reach blockage, it's time to flush with vinegar. Pour ¼ cup of distilled vinegar into the opening of the drain line. Distilled white vinegar is preferable for this job as its high acidity levels work hard to remove the buildup lodged in your drain.

Why is the side of my house dripping water?

Water dripping and a big ol' rust stain on the side of the house are signs that you have a drain line issue. Typically, we see this whenever the system is in the attic. It probably means that your primary drain line is clogged and is overflowing into your secondary drain pan.

How do you stop a drain from dripping?

Replace seals

Plumber tape is the best tool since it creates a watertight seal in the drain. However, always ensure that you remove the old seal before applying new sealants. To start with, cut the caulk using a putty knife and remove the entire sealing. To keep the drain tight, apply pressure to the valve and tape.

What is the drain on the side of the house?

In New York City the definition of a house drain ends at the exterior side of the foundation wall of any building. Main Sewer Line: The main house sewer, or building sewer, is the pipeline that connects a building's plumbing system to the municipal sewer system or septic tank.

Why is my AC condensate drain line constantly dripping?

This can happen from build-up in the line, mold growth, and mildew. Pressure can build up in the line and cause it to split. Blockages can also contribute to backup, which would then cause your drain pan to overflow.

How to clear a clogged AC drain line?

How to Unclog Your AC Drain Lines in 9 Steps
  1. Turn Off Your Air Conditioner. ...
  2. Locate the Drain Line Pipe. ...
  3. Remove the Cap From the Pipe. ...
  4. Inspect the Drain Line Pipe. ...
  5. Unclog the Drain Line Pipe. ...
  6. Pour in Vinegar. ...
  7. Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner. ...
  8. Reconnect the Cap to the Drain Line Pipe.

Is it normal to have condensation on outside of an AC unit?

Moisture can be a result of normal operations, but depending on the amount of water and how long it persists, it could also be a sign of a problem. The outside unit of your air conditioner contains the condenser and compressor, while the inside unit contains the evaporating coils.

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