Should the AC Unit Drip Pan Have Water in It?

When it comes to AC units, water is crucial. However, if it appears in places where it should not be, it could be a problem. If there is a problem, you must address it right away before it leads to bigger problems. So, the question is, is an AC drip pan one of those places where water should not be?

What Is a Drip Pan?

The AC unit drip pan is a plain metal pan located under the evaporator coils. Also known as a drain pan, this element collects the water that is dripping off of the evaporator coils. This simple item prevents the water from getting inside the system, which may cause serious damage.

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How Does It Work?

When the AC is on, the chilling process will produce droplets of water. The process is similar to water droplets you find on a glass of cold water. These AC water droplets will eventually drip. Hence, a condensate drip pan is fitted underneath so it can collect all the drops of water. The drip pan is connected to a water drain line that will safely move the water out of the house. Without this simple item, these droplets will go directly inside the furnace. If that happens, you will soon have serious issues with your AC.

Water in Drip Pan

Because it is its job to collect water droplets, it is normal to find water on the drip pan as long as the water can smoothly flow out of it through the line. However, it becomes a concern if the water stays there, builds up, or overflows. This means your drain line is plugged up. If you ignore the problem, the water will overflow uncontrollably. It may flood your house, get inside the system, and even trigger microbiological growth. Therefore, you need to do something about it immediately.

Troubleshooting Tips

A clogged drain line needs to be flushed and cleaned. Use a long, thin brush to poke out the dirt that is clogging the pipes. If that does not solve the problem, you might need to use a dry-and-wet vacuum to suck up the clogging debris. Do not forget to clean the drip pan too. If you are unsure how to do it properly, it’s better to call a professional to do the job.

Preventive Tips

Of course, there are things you can do to prevent such problems. If your AC unit is relatively new, you just need a half cup of vinegar or Clorox, whichever is available. Mix it with half a cup of water. Pour the solution down the drain line once in a month. If your AC unit is an older model, some extra effort might be required. We have a solvent cleaner for the AC drain line that could dissolve any buildup inside. Even if your unit hasn’t been cleaned in 15 years, this cleaner could bring it back to its like-new condition. Prevention is always better than repairs. Therefore, regular maintenance and checkups are always a good idea to keep your HVAC system in prime condition.   ECM Air Conditioning, with its headquarters located in Boynton Beach, FL, provides air conditioning services within Palm Beach County, Broward County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County. If you’re looking to have a new HVAC system installed, we’re on-call and ready to assist you. So if you’re in need of an HVAC installation, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an inspection! Our HVAC installation experts will check your ductwork, measure, check wire sizes, and more before making recommendations to ensure maximum efficiency and comfort. Call us at 561-295-1763 or contact our HVAC installation team online by clicking here.