ResMed CPAP Leaking Water: Causes and Fixes for Water in Tubing

Quick Answer

Water leaking from a ResMed AirSense 10 or 11 falls into two distinct categories: rainout (condensation inside the tubing that drips toward the mask or pools inside the tube) and chamber leak (water escaping from the HumidAir water tub itself onto the nightstand). Rainout is by far the more common issue and is caused by warm humid air cooling as it passes through standard non-heated tubing in a cold bedroom. The definitive fix for rainout is switching to ResMed ClimateLineAir heated tubing, which maintains air temperature throughout the tube length. For chamber leaks, the cause is almost always overfilling above the MAX line, a cracked tub, or a worn-out rubber seal gasket on the chamber lid.

ResmedCpapSeverity: low90% DIY Success

Time to Fix

5–15 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$0 – $0

Tools Needed

Soft dry cloth, Distilled water

What Does the LEAK-WATER Code Mean?

Water in your CPAP tubing is condensation (rainout) from warm humid air cooling in the tube. Use heated tubing or reduce humidity. Water from the chamber means overfilling, a crack, or a worn seal.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Warm humid air condensing in cold standard tubing (rainout)40%

Water chamber overfilled above the MAX line24%

Humidity level set too high for room temperature14%

Chamber seal gasket worn or missing12%

Water chamber cracked from dropping or dishwasher use10%

Symptoms You May Notice

Water droplets inside the CPAP tubing
Gurgling sounds during therapy
Water spraying or dripping at the mask connection
Water pooling on the nightstand around the device
Splashing sound when moving the tubing

Can you reset a Resmed cpap to clear the LEAK-WATER code?

AirSense 10: Settings > Device > Reset Device restores Climate Control to Auto defaults. AirSense 11: My Device > Factory Reset. A reset can help if humidity settings were accidentally set too high, but physical causes (overfilling, cracks, gasket wear) require hardware fixes.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Soft dry clothDistilled water

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

Determine the water source

Determine the water source. Disconnect the tubing and check inside for pooled water - this is rainout. Then check around the water chamber and device base for water on the nightstand - this is a chamber leak. The fix depends on which type you have.

For rainout

For chamber leaks

Ensure the device is positioned correctly

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name	OEM Number	Estimated Price
ResMed ClimateLineAir Heated TubingN/A · $0–$0	N/A	$0 – $0
ResMed HumidAir Water ChamberN/A · $0–$0	N/A	$0 – $0
ResMed HumidAir Water Chamber Seal GasketN/A · $0–$0	N/A	$0 – $0

Verify part fitment for your Resmed model

Repair vs. Replace Calculator

Appliance Age (Years)7 Yrs

Labor Approach

Our Verdict

REPLACE

Estimated Cost: $0 (Parts) vs $800 (New Machine)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPAP rainout?

Rainout is condensation that forms inside the CPAP tubing when warm humidified air cools as it travels through the tube. The water droplets collect and can pool in the tubing, causing gurgling sounds or dripping water at the mask. It is the same principle as water forming on a cold glass on a hot day.

Can water damage my ResMed CPAP?

Water that flows backward through the tubing into the device outlet can reach the motor and cause damage. This is why ResMed recommends keeping the device level or below the tubing connection point and never tilting it. Normal rainout in the tubing does not damage the device as long as water does not flow back into the unit.

Is heated tubing worth the cost?

For users who experience regular rainout, the ResMed ClimateLineAir heated tubing is the most effective solution. It costs $30-50 and lasts 6-12 months. Most insurance plans cover heated tubing as a replacement supply. It eliminates condensation by maintaining consistent air temperature throughout the tube length.

Related Resmed Cpap Error Codes

Code: HUBResMed CPAP Error Codes: Complete AirSense 10 and 11 Fault Guide Code: HUMID-FAULTResMed CPAP Humidifier Not Working Code: SNOWFLAKEResMed CPAP Snowflake Symbol Meaning Code: AIR-WARMResMed CPAP Air Too Warm

Models Known to Experience LEAK-WATER Errors

This repair applies to most Resmed cpaps with this error code. Common model numbers include:

AirSense 10 AutoSet, AirSense 10 CPAP, AirSense 10 Elite, AirSense 10 For Her, AirSense 11 AutoSet, AirCurve 10 VAuto, AirCurve 10 ST

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026