The Drip Pan Does Not Drain from the Air Conditioner

Drip Pan Purpose

• During the normal operation of an air conditioner, condensation builds up inside the unit and drips down into a pan that directs the water into a drain. This drain is connected to a pipe that takes the condensation away from the unit and disposes of it properly. This pan's purpose is merely to collect the condensation and guide it away from the working unit to prevent mess and malfunction.

How It Gets Clogged

• The reason a drip pan stops draining usually is because of a clog in the drain or drain line. Over time through normal use debris from outside the unit can find its way into the drip pan in the form of dust for inside units or dirt and buts of leaves or other materials for outside units. Algae may also grow in the water and eventually grow thick enough to clog the line. When any of these materials prevents the water from passing through the drain or line normally, drainage problems are the result. A kink in the drain hose could have similar results.

How to Fix It

• The only way to repair the drip pan drain is to clear it out. Most blockages form in the trap of the drainpipe, so if your drain line has one installed, there is a good chance this is where some debris or algae has been caught. Many traps have an easily removable cleanout to clear any debris. Otherwise, you may need to use a wet/dry vacuum or some kind of auger to clear the line to restore water flow.

If You Don't Fix It

• If you do not repair the drip pan drain, water will continue to rise as you use your system. Eventually the water may overflow onto electrical components causing further malfunction, or it could lead to moisture problems such as mold growth. Mold can be a hazard to your health, and breathing the air circulated through a moldy system is not healthy.