Three Common Reasons That Cause Your Condensate Pipe To Overflow

Suter Air > Blog > Three Common Reasons That Cause Your Condensate Pipe To Overflow

Three Common Reasons That Cause Your Condensate Pipe To Overflow

The condensate pan in your air conditioning unit is designed to collect all the condensate and discard it outdoors via a drain line. If this component is not functioning properly, the condensation can drip into the electrical components and cause a short circuit. 

A leaking condensate pan or overflowing condensate line is a major concern as water can cause all kinds of damage to your system, floor, walls, ceiling, and furniture if left unattended. 

Having a routine annual checkup will let the technician identify the issue and treat it before it even arises. If you notice your condensate pan overflowing, then there are several reasons why that happens. Three of them are given below.

  • Clogged Line!

If the line is clogged, then the water will not be able to drain and fill up inside the pan gradually. Many factors can cause the line to clog, such as dust, debris, and even the minerals in the water itself. 

Dirty air filters will also cause clogs. This clog is because if the air filters are not cleaned, the dust build-up on them will enter into the inside unit of the air conditioner. This dirt will mix up with the condensate and cause a clog. A trained and experienced technician will be able to provide the solution with AC tuneup in The Villages.

  • Tilted Pan!

This factor might seem simple but has a huge effect on your air conditioner. If the condensate pan is moved or tilted to a different angle or is broken down inside, it will cause the water to fill up rapidly and cause overflow. Schedule an air conditioning service in The Villages to repair the damaged pan.

Additionally, improper installation of your air conditioner will also cause the drain pipe to be angled in the wrong direction. The outlet of the drainpipe should always be on the lower side of the pan to allow the water to flow towards it.

  • Excessive Water Flow!

The drainpipe has a capacity at which it can remove the condensate. If the water inside the system builds up more than the capacity of the pipe, then it overflows. 

It happens usually when the refrigerant levels on the air conditioner are low. The refrigerant is used to absorb heat and exchange cold air. If this fluid is in low quantities, then the evaporator coil freezes and creates ice. As this ice melts, the water puts an extra load on the pipe, which causes it to overflow.

Many air conditioning units have a floater in the place near the condensate pan which will automatically turn the unit off in case the pan is about to overflow. You can dial up for a professional to reset the floater switch and correct the pan angle too. 

Remember to never leave your air conditioner unchecked if the issue causes leaks or water overflows. Contact us at (352) 787-9550 for all your HVAC repairs in The VillagesYou can contact us through email at [email protected].