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water in pan

2K views 19 replies 10 participants last post by  jagans 
#1 ·
Typical A coil 3 ton unit. Water is getting in the over flow pan. The interior pan is plastic so not rusted through. Where do the plastic pans typically leak?

Coil appears clean.
 
#18 ·
There are supposed to be 2 drains:

1) From the unit's cooling coil,
2) From the overflow pan

Sometimes, both drains are combined into one pipe, making it easier to clog up.

The overflow pan, if it gets full has a float switch that shuts off the unit to prevent water damage to your ceiling.

It appears that you solved your immediate problem by sucking out the blockage from the drain line with your shop vac.

You may want to check the main unit's drain to ensure that it is cleared, and not still overflowing into the overflow pan.
 
#11 ·
Did you notice an electrical float switch in your drain pan? That's a good thing to have, shuts the outside unit off in the event that condensate water backs up. Prevents water damage.

It's simply a float that sits in the water and at a certain point of being lifted cuts the electrical signal off. Once you drained the water, it lowered and allowed electricity through the wire again.
 
#10 ·
I use compressed nitrogen to blow out drain lines from the unit outwards. If you have an air compressor it may work.

It's a very simple job in most cases and I'm sure you could do it yourself but I'm going to have to say that you're going to need to call someone out, assuming you don't have a tank of compressed nitrogen or an air compressor.
 
#15 ·
Also Amy, might want to extend that drain line from where it currently terminates right next to the condenser a few feet further away from it and your home. Eventually that condenser will sink due to that water draining right next it.


And it'll leave rust stains on your home and grow algae.
 
#20 ·
I had black mold growing in the plastic condensate pan used for the A coil in a previous home. Clogged the 3/4 inch condensate line completely, and affected air quality in the home. Plasticizer leaching from pan caused severe mold. I cleaned the pan and coil with bleach, water, soap and shop vac.
 
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