A/C Unit Leaking Water into Drain Pan

928 Views | 10 Replies | Last: 18 days ago by CapCity12thMan
Courtesy Flush
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AG
I noticed today water coming from the drain line above the porch. Went into the attic and sure enough, water is dripping from the A/C into the drain pan.

Is there anything I can do to fix this myself or should I just call an A/C technician tomorrow? Fortunately I saw this before it leaked water down into the house.
P.H. Dexippus
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AG
Get you husband to clean out the primary drain line.

9 out of 10 times the issue is algae growth in the primary drain line. There should be a clean out if your contractor installed it correctly. Use a skinny brush, compressed air, and/or vinegar. Bleach gets a lot of recommendations, but can be corrosive to your coil. Sometimes the clog is further down stream, such as where the condensate line ties into a sink drain.
Sweet Kitten Feet
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S
Yep, your drain line is clogged. It's easy to clean, but if you can't reach it call someone. And while they're there have them install a float switch to turn your unit off before that happens again to prevent water damage from overflowing.
agrams
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AG
if you have a bathroom or sink relatively close underneath where the AC unit is (assuming its in the attic) most likely the drain ties into the sink drain. That is where i found out most of the growth of gunk happens that typically clogs up the drain. You may need to disconnect that from the sink and see if you can drain down from the AC unit (FYI, put a bucket under the hose when you disconnect it, because depending how long the drain is, you may have a good bit of water).

Sea Speed
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AG
Oddly enough, I have never had an AC drain in tonthe sink. Always drained elsewhere.
pablof
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Out of curiosity, is it OK per Code to drain the AC drain line into the sink?
SharkinAg
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AG
If you really want to clean it and it drains into your sink, disconnect the line where it ties into the sink and hook it up to your shop vac. Pulling the water instead of pushing it from up top really seems to clear the line when there is water in the pan. Just be ready lol.
P.H. Dexippus
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AG
pablof said:

Out of curiosity, is it OK per Code to drain the AC drain line into the sink?


2024 International Plumbing Code
314.2.1.1 Condensate discharge.
Condensate drains shall not directly connect to any plumbing drain, waste or vent pipe. Condensate drains shall not discharge into a plumbing fixture other than a floor sink, floor drain, trench drain, mop sink, hub drain, standpipe, utility sink or laundry sink. Condensate drain connections to a lavatory wye branch tailpiece or to a bathtub overflow pipe shall not be considered as discharging to a plumbing fixture. Except where discharging to grade outdoors, the point of discharge of condensate drains shall be located within the same occupancy, tenant space or dwelling unit as the source of the condensate.


2024 International Mechanical Code
307.2.1.1Condensate discharge.
Condensate drains shall not directly connect to any plumbing drain, waste or vent pipe. Condensate drains shall not discharge into a plumbing fixture other than a floor sink, floor drain, trench drain, mop sink, hub drain, standpipe, utility sink or laundry sink. Condensate drain connections to a lavatory wye branch tailpiece or to a bathtub overflow pipe shall not be considered as discharging to a plumbing fixture. Except where discharging to grade outdoors, the point of discharge of condensate drains shall be located within the same occupancy, tenant space or dwelling unit as the source of the condensate.

pablof
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Thank you!
htxag09
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AG
Looks like that's a float switch so it would have shut off before overflowing. If not, get a float switch.
CapCity12thMan
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AG
Looks to me from the image that a float switch is already there. Perhaps it is defective. Easy to test manually.
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