If there is standing water in the drain pan, it needs to be removed. You can soak up water with towels or use a shop vac. Suction out water using a wet-dry vacuum until the pan is clear of condensate.
This is what you will do: Get a shop vac, and suck out all the water and possible clogs from that opening under the pipe. You can also run a plumber's snake to clear the clog, and go outside, at the exit, and suck out from there as well with the shop vac.
𝗦𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗘 𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗨𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧: An easy way to empty several gallons of water from an air handler drip pan is to put one end of a tube/hose in the drip pan and suck out or vacuum out the other end of it...and watch the water FLOW!
Drain pans are located in the indoor unit, underneath the evaporator coils. Make sure to turn off the power to the air conditioner unit by flipping the switch that's located near the air handler or furnace. Open the access panel or cover to access the pan to inspect for damage.
A drip pan will not have a drain hole which means the pan will capture your spills and drips but is not required to evacuate the contents through a drain. A drain pan on the other hand will have a hole(s) in the wall or bottom of the pan that will allow for controlled emptying of its contents.
It is normal to find water on the drip pan, provided that water is able to smoothly flow out of it through the line. A problem arises if water accumulates in the drip pan, and overflows. That signals your drain is plugged up. If you don't remedy this problem, the water will overflow uncontrollably.
An inch of water in your air conditioner's drain pan is normal and expected. After all, it's designed to collect condensation from the evaporator coil.
Over time, this line can become clogged with algae, dirt, dust, and debris. When this happens, the line backs up and overflows from the drain pan, causing the water to leak into your home. You can unclog the drain line by removing the debris with a wet/dry vac.
This can cause excess moisture to accumulate in the AC and lead to mould growth or even electrical damage. Another possible reason for this issue is a malfunctioning float switch that's designed to turn off the AC if there's too much water in its collection tray.
You can prevent a clogged AC drain by performing routine cleaning. By pouring a ¼ cup of vinegar into your AC's drain line, you will kill any mold, algae, mildew, and other forms of bacteria or fungi, preventing it from forming a buildup and causing a clog. Repeat this monthly for the best results.
The cost to replace an HVAC drain pan typically ranges from $140 to $205. The exact cost will depend on factors such as the size of the pan, the type of material it's made from, and the complexity of the installation process.
Find the drain hole to remove the excess water. If the hole is plugged or capped, remove it to help pour the water out. Check if the drain hole is clogged or not. If it's clogged, take a bottle brush or a thin wire to clean the debris.
All right, so in summary, don't use bleach; use vinegar. That helps with any mildew growth—keeps you running clean. It's not going to actually clean your A/C drain, but it can prevent some backups.
One of the most common reasons for a clogged drain pan is the presence of a defective drip pan. Drip pans are meant to drain water away from your A/C condenser with an easy-to-use hose. If your AC drain pan has rusted or corroded, there's a good chance that it no longer works.
Where is the Condensate Pan? An AC unit typically has two different drain pans: The primary air conditioner drain pan located underneath the indoor evaporator coils and the auxiliary or back up drain pan. The primary condensate pan is usually welded to the evaporator coil, making it harder to replace.
The easiest way to do this is with a wet/dry shop vac, which you can pick up at your local hardware store. Simply vacuum up all of the water and dispose of it. Finally, remove any sludge or debris that may be at the drain. Check the drain termination outside for obstructions.
The AC drip pan is specifically designed to catch any water that may leak from the unit. Without it, water could potentially damage the floor or other areas around the unit. So, if you notice water in your AC drip pan, don't panic. It is most likely just a normal part of the AC unit's operation.
To unclog an AC drain line, turn off the power to the unit. Locate the drain line and use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog. Flush the line with water using a garden hose or cup of water. Check and clean the drain pan under the indoor unit.