Symptom

AC Leaking Water in Killeen: Causes, First Steps and Cost

Switch cooling off, then check the drain pan under the indoor unit. A clogged condensate drain is the usual cause and a flush costs $75 to $250 (national range, HomeGuide, read November 11, 2026). Dry anything wet within 24 to 48 hours, the window the EPA gives for preventing mold.

Published November 11, 2026 · Figures and rules checked against the sources listed at the end of this page.

What to do first

Turn cooling off at the thermostat so the coil stops making water.
Find the pan. It sits under the indoor unit (closet, garage or attic). Standing water means the drain is blocked.
Soak up the water and move anything that is getting wet.
Check the filter. A clogged filter can freeze the coil, and the ice melts into the pan faster than it drains.

The four usual causes

Cause, what you see and the national repair range (read November 11, 2026)
Cause	What you see	Typical range
Clogged drain line	Full pan, no drip at the outlet outside	$75 to $250
Cracked or rusted pan	Water under the unit with a clear drain	$200 to $600
Failed condensate pump	Pump reservoir full, pump silent	$100 to $450
Frozen coil thawing	Ice on the coil or copper line, weak airflow	See the frozen coil page

Source: HomeGuide 2026. National figures, not Killeen quotes.

When to call a contractor

Water is coming through a ceiling.
The pan refills after you clear the line.
You see ice, or the system shuts itself off on the float switch more than once.

Before anyone starts, check the Texas license, and compare the quote with the repair cost ranges.

Sources and dates

Every figure and rule above names where it came from and the date it was read. Price ranges are national guides; a written quote for your own system is the real number. For permit and license rules, the City and TDLR have the last word. Prices are rechecked at least every six months.

HomeGuide, “How Much Does AC Repair Cost? (2026)” — read November 11, 2026. National ranges, not Killeen quotes
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home” — read November 11, 2026

AC leaking water: common questions

Why is my AC leaking water inside the house?

The usual cause is a clogged condensate drain line, so water backs up into the pan and overflows. A flush runs $75 to $250 nationally (HomeGuide, read November 11, 2026). A cracked pan, a failed condensate pump or a frozen coil thawing are the other common causes.

Is it safe to keep running an AC that is leaking?

Turn cooling off until the water is dealt with. An overflowing pan can damage ceilings and floors, and the EPA advises drying wet areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Can I clear the drain line myself?

Often, yes. With the system off, a wet/dry vacuum on the drain outlet outside for a minute or two clears many clogs. If water returns, or the indoor unit is in the attic above a ceiling, have a licensed contractor look at it.