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By the Al Karama Technical team · Updated November 2026 · 5 min read
Most window ACs leak into the room because they aren’t tilted towards the outside, so condensed water runs back indoors. LG’s installation guidance says the rear should sit 10 to 15 mm lower than the front. Other causes are blocked drain channels in the base pan, a dirty filter that makes the coil freeze and then melt, low gas, and gaps that let humid outside air condense on cold parts.
Window ACs are still everywhere in Dubai, from older buildings in Karama and Bur Dubai to villa maids’ rooms and staff accommodation. When one starts dripping onto the floor or down the wall, it can stain paint, swell wooden frames and, worst of all, reach the socket. This guide explains why it happens and when to call our window AC repair Dubai team.
As warm room air passes over the cold cooling coil, moisture in the air condenses into water, just like on a cold glass. That water collects in the base pan and is meant to flow to the outdoor side. On many window ACs, a ring on the outdoor fan blade picks up that water and throws it onto the hot condenser coil, which helps cooling. So some water sitting in the base pan, or dripping outside, is normal. Water coming into the room is not.
| Cause | Sign | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong tilt | Drips from the front or bottom edge inside | Re-level so the rear sits 10 to 15 mm lower |
| Blocked base pan or drain channels | Water pooling, a musty smell | Clear sand, dust and debris from the pan |
| Dirty filter | Ice on the coil, then drips as it melts | Wash the filter every 2 weeks in summer |
| Low gas from a leak | Ice on the coil and weak cooling | Find and repair the leak, then recharge |
| Gaps around the unit | Sweating front panel and drips | Seal the gaps with foam and trim |
| Very humid nights | Front grille sweating on muggy evenings | Check the seals and run a higher fan speed |
The tilt is the cause we fix most often. LG’s UAE support page says the rear of the unit should be tilted downward by 10 to 15 mm so condensed water flows to the back, and warns that without it water can overflow indoors. Units often settle or get knocked out of level over time, especially on older brackets.
Water and electricity don’t mix. If water is running towards the socket, the plug feels warm or the breaker trips, stop using the AC and call a technician.
Coastal humidity on summer nights means more water to remove, so any drainage problem shows up quickly. Fine sand and dust settle in the base pan and block the channels. Pigeons often nest on the outdoor side of window units, blocking airflow and drainage. In older buildings, drain problems are common across all AC types, as our guide to AC drain lines in older Karama buildings explains.
We re-level and secure the unit, clean the base pan and drain channels, wash the coils, check the gas pressure and seal the gaps around the frame. If the leak comes from a frozen coil, we find out why it froze, because a weak fan or a gas leak will keep causing the same problem.
If you’re thinking of replacing an old window unit, our split AC repair team can advise whether a split AC suits the room better.
If your model has a drain plug or outlet at the back, keep it clear. Some owners block it to stop dripping onto a balcony, which then sends the water indoors instead.
Our technicians fix the tilt, drainage and cooling faults on all window AC brands, usually the same day. Book through our AC repair Karama team or call us now.
Own an O General unit? See how to reset an O General AC.
Yes. Water in the base pan is normal, and many units use it to help cool the condenser. Water dripping into the room is not normal.
Yes, a small amount of water dripping on the outdoor side is normal, especially on humid days.
LG’s guidance is for the rear to sit 10 to 15 mm lower than the front. Check your own manual, as models vary.
Same-day visits across Dubai, with drainage, tilt and cooling checks on every job.