AC leaking, causing ceiling mold. How to fix permanently?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle seems to be constantly leaking water onto the floor, and now I’m finding black spots in the corners of the ceiling in my main bedroom. It’s gotten worse since the humidity started rising again. What’s the most effective way to treat this mold myself and who should I call to fix the root cause with the AC unit permanently?
Posted by Brian Jackson
Asked on March 23, 2026 5:14 pm
The black spots you're observing are almost certainly Cladosporium or Stachybotrys mold, a direct result of the chronic moisture from your AC leak. In Dubai's high-humidity climate, this is a common and serious issue. The water leakage indicates a failure in the condensate drainage system, likely a blocked drain line, damaged drain pan, or improper installation.

For the mold, superficial DIY cleaning with a diluted bleach solution is a temporary measure and will not address the spores within the building materials. Given its location on the ceiling, the drywall is likely saturated and compromised. Scrubbing the surface can aerosolize toxic spores, spreading the contamination. The only permanent solution is to identify the moisture source, stop it, and then properly remediate the affected area.

The root cause is the faulty AC system. You must engage a certified HVAC technician to perform a full inspection. They will need to clear the condensate drain line, check the drain pan integrity, ensure the unit is properly leveled, and verify the insulation on the suction line. This repair is not optional; it is critical to preventing structural damage and health issues.

For the mold itself, this requires professional assessment and remediation. We strongly recommend you call a certified mold inspector. At Saniservice, our IICRC-certified technicians use thermal imaging and moisture meters to identify the full extent of the infestation, often far beyond what is visible. We then perform containment, safe removal of contaminated materials, and industrial-grade antimicrobial treatment to ensure a permanent solution. Do not risk your health or property; this situation requires expert intervention.

For a permanent fix, call our specialists at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive inspection and remediation plan.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on March 25, 2026 4:37 pm