water is leaking from the bottom of my portable ac, not from the drain hose, onto my floor.

Diagnosis

Water leaking from the chassis of an LG LP1419IVSM, rather than the designated drain port, indicates a failure in the internal condensate management system. Because this is a Dual Inverter model, it utilizes an auto-evaporation system that splashes water onto the condenser coils to be vented as vapor. When the humidity levels exceed the unit's evaporation capacity, or when the internal drainage path is compromised, water bypasses the collection tray and spills directly onto the floor. The root cause is typically one of three things: a clogged primary drain pan due to biofilm/algae buildup, a displaced internal drain hose that has slipped off the evaporator drip tray, or a cracked plastic collection basin. You can confirm this by tilting the unit slightly forward; if water pours out from the bottom casing instead of the rear drain plug, the internal routing is breached. If the unit is leaking while the "Full" indicator is not on, the sensor is likely bypassed by the leak, meaning the water is escaping before it ever reaches the float switch.

How to Fix It

To resolve internal leakage, you must access the internal chassis to inspect the drainage path. Follow these steps precisely:

1. Power down the unit and unplug it from the wall outlet. Allow the unit to completely drain via the lower drain plug to avoid flooding your workspace.
2. Remove the exhaust hose from the rear connector and set the unit on a stable, waterproof surface or a heavy-duty plastic tarp.
3. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the screws securing the rear plastic shroud. Be careful not to strip the plastic housings; apply firm downward pressure.
4. Carefully lift the rear shroud to expose the evaporator coils and the clear plastic internal drain tube.
5. Locate the connection point where the clear tube meets the drip tray at the base of the evaporator coils. If the tube has slipped off or is pinched by a wire, slide it back into place and secure it with a small plastic zip-tie to prevent future displacement.
6. Inspect the tube for "slime" or biological buildup. If a blockage is present, use a flexible pipe cleaner or a thin 1/16" plastic probe to push the debris through toward the base pan.
7. Check the bottom collection pan for hairline cracks. If a crack is found, dry the area completely and seal it using a waterproof epoxy or marine-grade silicone sealant.
8. Reassemble the shroud and test the unit by pouring a small amount of water into the evaporator tray to ensure it flows directly into the pan without leaking.

If That Didn't Work

• Check the Unit Level: Ensure the AC is sitting on a perfectly level surface. If the unit tilts slightly forward or to the side, the condensate will miss the internal drip tray entirely and leak through the chassis seams. Use a bubble level on top of the unit and shim the base if necessary.
• Deep Clean the Evaporator Coils: Dust and pet hair can create a "bridge" of debris on the coils that redirects condensation droplets away from the tray and onto the internal housing. Use a soft brush and a specialized no-rinse coil cleaner to remove all buildup from the fins.
• Replace the Internal Drain Hose: If the clear plastic tubing has become brittle or cracked due to heat exposure from the compressor, it must be replaced. Use 3/8" ID clear vinyl tubing, ensuring a tight friction fit at both the tray and the pan.
• Verify the Auto-Evaporation Fan: If the internal fan that splashes water onto the condenser is failing, the pan will overflow faster than the unit can handle. Listen for a distinct "splashing" sound during high-humidity operation; if absent, the fan motor may be seized.

Heads Up

• Avoid Over-Tightening: The plastic screw bosses on LG portable units are prone to cracking. Tighten screws until snug, but do not force them, or you will lose the ability to seal the chassis.
• Humidity Management: In extremely humid environments (above 60%), the auto-evaporation system cannot keep up. Use the "Dry" mode or manually drain the unit every 24 hours to prevent internal overflow.
• Biofilm Prevention: Every six months, run a mixture of distilled water and a tablespoon of white vinegar through the unit to kill algae and mold that cause drain clogs.
• Electrical Safety: Never attempt to open the shroud while the unit is plugged in, as the capacitor can hold a significant charge even after the unit is turned off.