AC leak causing wall mold: call a pro for fix?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah seems to be leaking a bit of water into the wall behind it, and now I’m spotting a patch of black mold that’s slowly growing. I tried wiping it with vinegar but it came right back. I'm worried about it spreading into the AC unit itself. For a job like this in a tricky spot, should I just call a professional, and roughly how much would it cost to get it properly cleaned and the leak fixed?
Posted by Ryan Moore
Asked on April 26, 2026 12:30 pm
Yes, you should call a professional. A recurring mold patch after a DIY treatment, especially with an active AC leak, means the moisture source isn't resolved. In Dubai's high humidity, this situation will only worsen, allowing mold to spread into the wall cavity and potentially the AC unit's internal ductwork, which becomes a much larger contamination issue.

The job requires two separate specialists: an HVAC technician to diagnose and permanently fix the condensate drain line or pan leak, and a mold remediation expert to properly assess and remove the contaminated wall section. Simply cleaning the surface is ineffective once mold has penetrated porous materials like drywall. Professionals will isolate the area, safely remove the affected material, treat the framing, and replace it, ensuring the spores are contained.

Cost is variable and depends entirely on the extent of the water damage and mold growth behind the wall. A small, contained patch will be a modest project, while extensive damage requiring wall reconstruction and AC servicing will be more involved. The only way to get an accurate assessment is to have a certified inspector open the area to see the full scope; any quote given before a proper inspection is just an estimate. For companies with their own microbiology lab, they can also test to confirm the mold type and verify the cleanup was successful, which is recommended for peace of mind.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 26, 2026 7:05 pm