Sunny Windows, Shady Trees and Other Non-Electrical Supports to HVAC

If the flooring around your indoor air conditioning unit is soaked with water, you might think you have a leak in your plumbing. The water may actually come from the unit's drainage system. The system can experience a few issues over time, including clogs. With the information below, you can try to solve the problem yourself.

How Can the Drainage Line and Pan Leak?

Your cooling system breaks down into two separate parts: an indoor air handling unit and an outdoor condensing unit. The condenser unit contains parts that release heat from your cooling system. The air handler consists of an evaporator coil, a condensate drainage pan, and a drainage line.

The drainage pan and line collect and empty water out of the cooling system. The water may enter a special pumping system, or it may empty outdoors. If the parts clog with algae, mold, and other organic debris, water can back up and spill out onto the flooring beneath the air handler instead out of the home.

Algae and mold usually show up beneath the evaporator coil first before it spreads to the condensate pan and line. Over time, the contaminants form a slimy residue inside the line that eventually blocks the flow of water through it. You might not notice that you have a clogged drainage line until water shows up on the flooring. Some homeowners won't see any signs of water until they experience damage in their home. 

Mold and algae can grow on the wet flooring and later spread throughout your home. Algae and mold can be harmful to some individuals, so it's important to clean out your condensate line and pan right away. You can do so with the right tips.

How Do You Solve Your Drainage Problem?

First, turn off your cooling system. You don't want to remove the pan or drainage line while the system is running. Next, use rags or a vacuum to soak or suck up the water on the flooring. If you can do so, place a fan in the closet to speed up the process. It may take some time for the closet's flooring to dry up, so monitor the flooring regularly.

After you complete the tips mentioned above, you can begin unclogging the drainage line and cleaning the pan. Follow these steps:

1. Place a large towel beneath the air handler. It'll catch any water that spills out of the pan when you remove it.
2. Grip the ends of the pan with both hands, then gently pull it from its compartment.
3. Empty the pan outdoors. Don't pour the contents into your sinks or toilet. Algae may grow in the plumbing pipes if you do.
4. Wash out the pan with 1/2 cup of bleach and cold water. Place the pan in front of your fan and allow it to dry.
5. Pull the condensate drainage line from the air handler. Look inside the line. If you see debris, then flush it out with bleach and water. 
6. Repeat step 5 until the line appears clean and clear. 
7. Replace the line and pan, then turn on your cooling system.

Monitor the flooring around your air handler for signs of water. The monitoring time may vary, so follow your best judgment. If you still see water around the unit after a few days or so, contact an air conditioning contractor for help. You may have something wrong with the evaporator coil. Evaporator coils can drip water if they clog up or become coated with dirt.

For more tips or help with your condensate drainage line or pan, contact an AC specialist at a company like Air Time Heating & Cooling.