WATER ● FIRE ● MOLD
AC Leak Water Damage Cleanup in Tampa & St. Petersburg
24/7 Water Damage Response | Structural Drying & Repairs | IICRC-Certified Firm
- 24/7 Emergency Response
- Insurance Friendly
- IICRC-Certified + Licensed Mold Remediator
- Free Inspection
In Tampa Bay, the air conditioner runs almost all year, and every hour it pulls gallons of water out of the air. When that water can’t drain, it ends up in your ceiling, walls, carpet and subfloor, often slowly and out of sight. A stained ceiling under the air handler, a soaked carpet by the AC closet or a musty smell when the system kicks on are all signs the water has already spread.
Tidal Restoration handles the water damage side of an AC leak, 24 hours a day, across Hillsborough and Pinellas counties: finding where the water went, drying it out, preventing mold and making the repairs. For the AC unit itself, call your HVAC company. We work alongside them.
We’re a Florida Certified General Contractor (CGC1541935) and a licensed Florida mold remediator (MRSR5578), so one company takes you from dry-out through drywall, ceilings and flooring. See our licenses & credentials.
Common Causes of AC Leaks in Florida Homes
- Clogged condensate drain line. Algae and sludge build up in the line, and the drain pan overflows.
- Rusted or cracked drain pan. This is common in systems 10 or more years old.
- Failed float (safety) switch. The switch that should shut the system off when the pan fills doesn’t trip.
- Frozen evaporator coil. When the ice melts, the water overwhelms the pan.
- Upstairs or attic air handlers. In two-story homes the leak shows up as a stain on the first-floor ceiling. In condos it can reach the unit below.
Signs of AC Leak Water Damage
- Water stains or bubbling paint on the ceiling near the air handler or vents
- Wet carpet or swollen baseboards near the air handler closet
- A musty smell when the AC turns on
- Water in or around the drain pan, or a system that keeps shutting itself off
What to Do Right Now
- Turn the AC off at the thermostat to stop more water from forming.
- Move furniture and valuables away from the wet area. If water is coming through a ceiling, keep people out from under it.
- Take photos of the water and any damage for your records.
- Call your HVAC company about the unit, and call us about the water damage.
How We Handle AC Leak Water Damage
- Moisture mapping. Moisture meters and thermal imaging find water inside walls, ceilings and subfloors.
- Water extraction and structural drying. Commercial dehumidifiers and air movers dry the structure.
- Removing wet materials. Wet drywall, insulation or carpet pad comes out where needed, with containment if mold has started.
- Mold remediation. Handled under Florida license MRSR5578. Any testing is done by an independent licensed mold assessor.
- Repairs. Drywall, ceilings, flooring, baseboards and paint, under Florida Certified General Contractor license CGC1541935.
- Documentation. We document everything and work directly with your insurance company.
Why Speed Matters in Florida
Wet drywall and insulation can start growing mold within 24 to 48 hours in Florida humidity. AC leaks are often slow and hidden, so by the time a stain shows, the materials behind it may have been wet for days.
Condos and Multi-Story Homes
When an AC leak in one unit damages the unit below, we document the damage room by room and unit by unit, so each owner and the association have what they need for their own claims. We work directly with each insurance company and adjuster. Your insurance company decides what your policy covers.
Serving Tampa Bay
Tampa office, (813) 510-6137: Westchase, Carrollwood, Citrus Park, Town ’N’ Country, Lutz, Odessa and Hillsborough County. See water damage restoration in Tampa.
St. Petersburg office, (727) 273-7393: Downtown, Old Northeast, Kenwood, Gulfport, the Beaches and Pinellas County. See water damage restoration in St. Petersburg.
Related: water damage restoration · mold remediation
Frequently Asked Questions About AC Leak Water Damage
Do you fix the air conditioner?
No. We’re a restoration company, so we handle the water damage. Your HVAC contractor repairs the unit, and we coordinate with them.
Can AC leak water damage cause mold?
Yes. In Florida humidity, wet drywall, insulation and carpet pad can start growing mold within 24 to 48 hours, especially in closed-up air handler closets.
How long does drying take?
Most AC leak losses dry in about 3 to 5 days once the equipment is set. We check moisture every day and don’t remove equipment until the materials reach dry standard.
Will my insurance cover it?
Every policy is different, and only your insurance company can decide what your policy covers. We document the cause and extent of the damage with photos and moisture readings and work directly with your insurance company and adjuster. For questions about your coverage, contact your insurance company or agent.
The leak came from the unit upstairs. Who handles it?
In condos, the association and each unit owner may have separate policies. We document the damage in each unit so everyone has what they need.
AC Leak? Call Now.
(727) 273-7393 — Pinellas County
(813) 510-6137 — Hillsborough County
Every call starts with a free inspection and estimate. Our IICRC-certified team is available 24/7.