Why is my AC drain pan full of water?

When an air conditioner’s drain pan is full of water, the most common culprit is a clogged drainpipe. Inside the refrigerant coils and pipes is a breeding ground for algae, mold, and the like. Overtime, algae and mold can clog the drainpipe and cause water to build up and leak into the drain pan.

How do you replace an air conditioner drip pan?

How to Replace an AC Drain Pan in 5 Steps

Shut off power to your AC. Do this as a first step any time you work on your air conditioner, as failing to do so could lead to electrocution.
Remove the front panel of the air conditioner.
Inspect the pan.
Pull out the drain pan.
Slide in the new drain pan.

How do you fix a rusty AC drain pan?

Thoroughly clean and dry the drain pan, removing all water and mold. If necessary, use a hot air gun or dryer. Using sandpaper, remove as much of the rust as possible. Then, using a rust converter, coat all damaged areas and allow to dry.

Should there be water in your AC drain pan?

As a homeowner, you know finding water somewhere it’s not supposed to be is usually a bad sign. However, when it comes to your air conditioner’s drip pan, also known as the drain pan, the presence of water is perfectly normal… but only if it’s flowing out of the pan.

Where is the drain pan on an air conditioner?

The overflow drain pan, located underneath your indoor evaporator coils, catches condensate that forms when warm air passes over cold evaporator coils.

Is it normal for AC to leak water?

Luckily, water leakage from your AC unit can be perfectly normal. However, there are certain circumstances when a leaking AC could be cause for concern and warrant a service call.

What should I do if my air conditioner drain pan is cracked?

You can temporarily fix a cracked drain pan with water sealant, but it is best to just replace the damaged item. Keep in mind that there are usually two drain pans, one located just underneath your evaporator coils (permanently fixed) and the other underneath the unit (removable).

Where is the leak in my air conditioner located?

Cracked or Overflowing Drain Pan Your drain pan is located underneath your indoor air handler (which houses your evaporator coil), and catches any condensation from your air conditioning unit. With the unit turned off, inspect your drain pan and pipe for leaks. The pipe is usually connected to your drip pan and discharges the condensate outside.

Why is my air conditioner drip pan still leaking?

Test your repair by turning the power to the unit back on and running it. If the drip pan still leaks, there may be a problem with the air conditioner creating too much condensation for the drip pan to accommodate. Another problem could be that the drainpipe is not correctly attached to the drain pan or that there is a corruption in the drain line.

How do you replace a drip pan in an AC unit?

Look inside at the bottom of the unit for the auxiliary pan. Remove the drain line if one is present. Use pliers or a wrench to free the line from the coupling with the drip pan. Lift the pan out of place and remove it from the unit. These pans are rarely fastened, but check to make sure. Insert the new pan and reconnect the drain line.

How do you repair a drip pan in an air conditioner?

Once you’ve taken the affected pan out, make sure you drain it thoroughly and dry it completely. Inspect the pan thoroughly to find the source of the leak. Then, place water sealant over the problem area. Self-repair will require a steady hand in order to make sure you actually fix the issue, so take care.

What to do if your air conditioner is leaking?

Leaky drain pans are especially common if your AC is 12+ years old. Go to a home improvement store and ask for a drain/overflow pan. Make sure you know your AC model number. The store attendant can help you find a pan that matches your air conditioner.

What should I do if my drip pan is leaking?

Inspect the pan thoroughly to find the source of the leak. Then, place water sealant over the problem area. Self-repair will require a steady hand in order to make sure you actually fix the issue, so take care.

What causes an AC unit to leak water around it?

If your drain pan (sometimes called overflow pan) is rusted and cracked, it’ll start to leak water around your indoor unit. Leaky drain pans are especially common if your AC is 12+ years old. Go to a home improvement store and ask for a drain/overflow pan.