The air conditioner’s drainage system may seem like an insignificant part of the HVAC system. However, the drainage system has an important role to play. Air conditioners work by absorbing heat from the air inside your home, which will create condensation. This condensation turns into water that will need to be drained away to prevent water damage. An air conditioning system has a condensate drain line that carries this water from the inside air handler unit to the outside of your home. However, if something goes wrong with the drainage system, it can result in water damage and or mold. Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning would like to share some of the common drainage problems that can develop in an air conditioning system and their solutions.

What Causes AC Drain Lines to Clog?

One of the most common issues that develop with an air conditioner’s drainage system is a clogged drain line. Over time, dust, dirt, mold, algae, or even insects can accumulate inside the drain line, causing the line to become blocked. A clogged drain line can cause water to back up into the air conditioning unit and eventually overflow. If the drainage line overflows it can cause damage to the system or cause water damage to your home. With regular maintenance you can help prevent clogs. You can clean your drain line by using a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the blockage. If you do not feel confident cleaning the drainage line yourself, it is recommended to seek a professional HVAC service.

Drain Line Was Improperly Installed

If the drain line was not properly installed or becomes nudged out of place, it can cause drainage issues. A drain line should always be installed with a slight slope to allow water to flow freely. If the water is not draining out properly, the drain line may have been incorrectly installed. It is best to call in a professional HVC service to assess the situation to make repairs or properly install your drainage line.

Broken Condensate Pump

Some air conditioning units that are installed in crawl spaces will require a condensate pump to help pump the water outside. If the condensate pump breaks or malfunctions, it can lead to water to build up and eventually overflow. If the pump isn’t working, you might need to have the pump repaired or replace it. Again, contact a professional HVAC to inspect the pump and see if the pump needs repair or a replacement.

Dirty or Frozen Evaporator Coil

The evaporator coil that is located in the air handler of the air conditioner system can freeze often due to low refrigerant levels or even restricted air flow. When the coil freezes it can lead to drainage problems. Additionally, a dirty evaporator coil may produce more condensation than the drain pan can handle which can lead to an overflow.

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With regular maintenance that includes changing your air filters and cleaning the evaporator coils, you can prevent most drainage problems. If the coils are frozen, turn off your air conditioner and contact an HVAC service to determine if you have a refrigerant leak. If you notice that your air conditioner is not draining properly, or you have other air conditioning problems this summer season, contact Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning today.