Fix AC Drips in Hong Kong: 3 Steps

In Hong Kong, air conditioning is almost always on year-round in offices, shopping malls, and public transport; as for residential buildings, it runs continuously during the peak of summer. Long hours of operation combined with improper installation or maintenance make air conditioners most prone to 'drip-drip' issues, often causing distress to downstairs residents—wet windowsills, slippery corridors, and nightly disturbances to sleep. Moving house might not solve the problem; rather than 'putting up with it,' follow these three steps for 'self-help + complaint' to effectively handle air conditioner dripping issues.

Method 1｜Do Homework First, Then Notify Upstairs

• Take a short video or photos (must show the drip trail and source direction)
• Communicate directly with the upstairs neighbor or send a written notification to the mailbox or under the door
• Convey through the management office or security guard

Method 2｜Complain to the Management Office

Provide the unit involved, the water dripping situation, and your contact information, requesting a formal case to be opened and followed up. The management office will typically arrange for staff/security to visit and investigate; once confirmed to be true, they will notify the upper household to rectify within a deadline and report the progress back to you.

Method 3 | File a Complaint with the FEHD

Private Housing / HOS Flats

• Call 1823 or fill out the online form, providing details such as the suspected unit, common time periods, and whether you consent to personnel entry.

Public Housing

• You can also report it to the Estate Office / Housing Department; there is a scoring and follow-up mechanism in place.

Cold Air Conditioner Dripping: 3 Common Causes & Instant Solutions

• Drainage Pipe Issues (Clogged/Loose/Not Connected to Drain)
  • Symptoms: Water tray is full, continuous dripping outside the unit.
  • Solutions: Clean the water tray and drainage pipe, connect to a legal drain and secure it; if severe, call a technician to unclog/replace parts.
• Incorrect Installation Angle (Unit Tilted Inward)
  • Symptoms: Dripping starts shortly after turning on, more noticeable during rain.
  • Solutions: Slightly tilt the unit outward, adjust the bracket; replace if rusted or deformed, add anti-drip accessories if necessary.
• Dirty Filter/Evaporator or Icing Up (Low Airflow/Insufficient Refrigerant)
  • Symptoms: Weak airflow, not cool enough, more dripping after shutdown.
  • Solutions: Clean the filter and fins, increase fan speed; suspect "refrigerant" shortage → call a technician for leak detection + refrigerant recharge, check for cracks in the water tray.