How Issues with Your Condensate Array Can Lead to Leaking

If you have a traditional split system air conditioner for your home, the system has two distinct units: the outdoor unit, which holds the condenser, compressor and condenser fan, and the indoor unit, which holds the blower and evaporator coils. Depending on your home and your preference, the indoor unit may be placed in a basement above your furnace or in your attic space. In either location, the moisture the system pulls from your indoor air as it dehumidifies has to go somewhere, and this moisture gets to your sewer line from two components known as the condensate array. When the condensate array is working properly, it directs the excess moisture, in the form of water, to your sewer line; when it isn’t working properly, it can cause major leaking issues.

What Is the Condensate Array?

The condensate array consists of the condensate tray (or pan) and the condensate drain line. The pan lies below the evaporator coils where it catches the dripping water coming through the coils, and has a slanted bottom so that all water flows easily into the connected condensate drain line. The drain line is connected directly to your outflow plumbing pipe, so all discharged water flows right to your sewer.

Why Does Leaking Develop?

There are a few reasons that can create a situation where the water in your AC system doesn’t drain properly:

• The tray has shifted – the condensate tray can shift, and if it does, the water may not land in the tray or the tray may disconnect from the drain line. In either case, the water can end up on the floor of your attic space or on your system’s air filter, causing a number of problems.
• The tray has corrosion – should the tray develop holes or cracks due to corrosion, the water will drip right through the bottom instead of being captured.
• The condensate line is clogged – debris can block up a condensate drain line as can mold or mildew growth inside the line. If the line is clogged, the water will back up in the drain line and then the tray eventually spilling over the edge.

Water can do a great deal of damage to your home in Mt. Lebanon, PA in a short period of time. If you see any water leakage from the area around your air conditioner, call the AC experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for repair help right away.