How to Repair a Condensate Drain Pan Leak

Air conditioners are equipped with what is known as a "condensate pan," often referred to as a "drip tray" or "drip pan." This pan catches condensation as it drips from the evaporator coils on the air conditioning unit. Over time, the condensate pan may become filled with grime or algae. It may even rust and cause a hole to form. Rather than trying to replace a leaking condensate pan, you can simply remove it from the air conditioning unit and patch it.

Rubber gloves
No-rinse aerosol alkaline evaporator coil cleaner
Scrub brush
Hose
Cloths
Cold weld kit (liquid steel resin and hardener)
Plastic putty knife

Instructions

- 1
  Put on rubber gloves and liberally spray the condensate with no-rinse aerosol alkaline evaporator coil cleaner.
- 2
  Let the cleaner break up any dirt and grime, then scrub with a scrub brush and rinse thoroughly with a hose.
- 3
  Wipe the condensate pan dry with clean cloths, leaving no moisture or water beads on either side of the drip tray.
- 4
  Squeeze equal amounts of liquid steel resin and hardener from the tubes over the hole in the condensate pan and spread smooth with a putty knife.
- 5
  Allow the mixture to dry for four to six hours, or as long as suggested by the manufacturer, then put the condensate pan back into the air conditioning unit to finish.

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