Why is My Air Conditioner Pan Full of Water?

At Assurance Heating & Air we know that coming home on a hot summer’s day to an air conditioner drain pan full of water is no one’s idea of fun. And neither are the issues you’re likely contending with trying to keep your home cool. Here are some clues to the cause of the problem and what you can do about it.

Potential Causes of Air Conditioner Pan Water Buildup

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drainage problems are one of several issues that can cause your air conditioner to malfunction. A clogged condensate line will cause water to build up in the drain pan. It’s important to correct this problem to protect your AC equipment and avoid unnecessary air conditioning repair costs, while also preventing water damage to your home.

A few other potential causes of standing water in the AC pan include a frozen evaporator coil and improper AC system installation. Like drainage issues, a frozen coil may result from lack of system maintenance, including AC checks and tune-ups and regular air filter changes. Low refrigerant levels, caused by refrigerant leaks or an improperly charged unit, can also lead to a frozen evaporator coil. The Energy Department offers advice on how to properly maintain your AC system.

What Should You Do to Correct the Problem?

Your best course of action includes the following:

• Turn the unit off.
• Cut the power to the unit.
• Check the drain line for leaves and other debris where it exits your home.
• Use a wet/dry vac to remove the standing water from the drain pan.
• Remove the cap from the condensate line.
• Inspect for visible blockage.
• If visible, clear the blockage with a thin wire.
• If not visible, use the wet/dry vac to clear the blockage from the pipe.
• Carefully pour a cup of bleach into the drain line.

Assurance Heating & Air Conditioning can help you keep your Glenview, IL area AC system properly maintained, lowering your air conditioning repair costs. Learn more about regular system maintenance or call our office at (847) 388-0316 to schedule your service.