Do you have a lot of water leaking from your air conditioner unit? Or is there water coming from the unit itself and not filtering away from the home properly? When you have water leakage coming from your air conditioner this is a common sign there is a problem with the condensate drainage system. New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing will share why the air conditioning’s drainage system will leak water and what needs to be done to correct this problem.
How Does a Condensate Drain Work?
The condensation drainage system is fairly simply. As an air conditioner runs a cycle, condensation will naturally accumulate and begin dripping down. A large condensation drainage pan sets directly underneath the unit to capture the dripping water. The water then flows through a drain and piping system that directs the water safely away from the home. It is normal for water to come out of the drainage system. However at times problems can occur and cause water to leak in the wrong place, causing water damage inside the home. Following are some of the common problems that can occur and will result in water leaks.
What Happens if AC Drain is Clogged?
The drain that sets inside the pan can become clogged. The pan is open to dust and debris where the water can drag them toward the drain, creating a clog. The pan will then begin to fill up with water and over flow. The pan is not very deep and water can leak over the edges, causing water damage near the unit. To correct this problem you will want to clear out the drain and the water should flow safely out.
Holes from Rust in AC Drain Pan
The pan that sets underneath the unit is steel, which over time will develop rust due to the moisture exposure. The water will lead to rust which will slowly eat at the steel eventually creating holes in the pan. As water drips into the pan it will flow out of the holes created by the rust leading to water damage. When rust eats through the pan, you will need to have the pan replaced which will require the assistance of an HVAC technician.
Blockage in AC Pipe
The pipe that the water flows through can also develop a blockage. Debris can flow through the drain and build up inside the pipe. When the pipe becomes blocked, water will begin to build up and flow over the pan. Blockages can occur at any point inside the pipe. The pipe will then need to be cleared out. An HVAC technician often uses an air compressor to put enough pressure on the blockage to push it out of the pipe restoring the drainage flow.
Break in AC Drainage Pipe
On rare occasions the drainage pipe can break, resulting in leaks at the site of the break. You will develop water stains near the site of the break which can help you locate and repair the pipe. Pipes can break due to decay but takes a long time before it can occur. In some cases the drainage pipe is exposed and becomes damaged. The pipe will need to be fixed to prevent water damage and restore the proper flow of the condensation.
Central Air Conditioning Maintenance, Repair, Replacement & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
When you have signs of problems with your condensate drainage system or other HVAC services, contact New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today!
