3 Reasons Your Air Conditioner’s Drain Pan is Full of Water

In the process of cooling the warm air to create a comfortable temperature indoors, moisture forms inside your air conditioner and then drips into a drain pan. This leads to a condensate drain line that drains the moisture out of your home. Water shouldn’t be leaking inside your home at all. So if you notice water pooling in your AC, it means something isn’t right. Here are the 3 reasons your air conditioner’s drain pan is full of water, and why you must call a professional right away:

3 Reasons Your Air Conditioner’s Drain Pan is Full of Water

1. A clogged drain line

A clogged drain line is often the culprit. When the drain line is clogged, condensation comes back instead of being drained out of the house. The condensate pan overflows, leaking water into your home.

Dirt, dust, or bacteria may clog the drain line over time, so it’s important to clean it regularly. A wet/dry vac can be used to remove any debris and unclog the drain line.

Scheduling maintenance at the beginning of summer also helps prevent the problem, since it includes thorough inspection and cleaning of the drain line and pan.

2. A damaged condensate pump

Ideally, the condensate pump automatically turns on and drains water outside of your home, as soon as the water in its reservoir rises to a certain level.

If the condensate pump is faulty, it won’t turn on and pump water outside the AC as it should. Water will accumulate in the pan and overflow.

The condensate pump may need to be repaired or replaced. This is a job that a professional can handle more safely and efficiently.

3. The evaporator coil is frozen

A frozen evaporator coil is often associated with low refrigerant levels. If the evaporator coil gets too cold, it can lead to dripping water that may cause the drain pan to overflow. If the refrigerant level is low, it often indicates a refrigerant leak in the system.

Addressing refrigerant leaks isn’t a DIY job. It requires a professional to find the leaks and seal them properly.

Let’s get your AC back in shape again ASAP

As a homeowner, it helps to get into the habit of routinely checking your attic for signs of moisture, particularly around the drain pan. Aside from water buildup, watch out for any leaks and cracks. We also recommend cleaning the drain pan every 3 months to curb mold and algae growth.

If the drain pan is overflowing, it requires a fast, efficient solution before it leads to mold, mildew, and rot, which then causes more damage to your home. It may also saturate your attic with water, so you’d have to deal with more expensive repairs.

Reach out to our licensed, experienced air conditioning repair specialist in your area to take care of an overflowing drain pan and get to the bottom of the issue. We complete the necessary repairs ASAP to get your home safe and comfortable again. It’s simple and easy to schedule an appointment through our app or online!