Based on 155+ Reviews!HVAC units are generally dependable, only requiring occasional maintenance. At Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand how concern may arise when you discover water on the floor around your unit. Standing water or excessive condensation under or near your unit is never normal and often indicates a larger problem.
With sweltering temperatures in the forecast here in Manhattan, KS, and the surrounding areas, ensuring that your HVAC system is in good working order is our top priority. Whether the problem is a clogged condensate pipe or a disconnected drain line, you can guarantee that our industry experts will provide a swift diagnosis and repair recommendation to get your home or business cool and comfortable in record time.
Let’s delve into some of the most common reasons that water accumulates around HVAC systems:
Improper Installation
Water discovered on the floor around new HVAC equipment can usually be attributed to improper installation. Your unit is made of up many important components and the improper placement or configuration of any part can result in a leak.
First, inspect the condensate trap to determine if it’s properly designed. An improper trap design can stop the condensate from draining, causing water to build up in the drain pan and overflow onto the floor.
To prevent this issue, hire a qualified HVAC technician to install your HVAC system. Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning currently offers $0 interest financing and everyday discounts for senior citizens, veterans, and active military.
Clogged Condensate Pipe
Dirt and dust can accumulate in condensate drain lines over time. These pipes can become clogged if not regularly cleaned, preventing condensation from traveling from the unit to the drain pan. When the pipe is blocked, water backs up into your home.
To determine if a clogged condensate pipe may be the problem, consider the volume of the leak. Clogged condensate pipes generally result in a slow drip. If there is a constant flow of water, it could mean that the condensate pipe has been punctured or disconnected.
Dirty Air Filter
Regularly changing the air filter in your HVAC unit can help keep your unit running smoothly, lower your utility bills, and promote good air quality in the home. When you forget to replace the air filter, it can become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris.
Clogged air filters prevent proper airflow over the evaporator coils, which causes them to get too cold and ice over. Ice accumulation on the evaporator coils then thaws, leading to more water than the drain pan can handle. The excess water may then overflow the drain pan onto your floor.
Ideally, air filters should be cleaned about every two weeks, especially during peak cooling and heating seasons, and replaced every three to four months. More frequent replacements may be required in homes with pets, allergy sufferers, or homes located in dusty, dry climates.
Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offers a VIP Program for customers across the Manhattan, KS area. In early spring, we perform essential maintenance on your AC unit, including air filter replacement. Again in the fall, we’ll tune up your heating system to ensure that your system runs smoothly year-round.
Frozen Evaporator Coil
Frozen evaporator coils are generally caused by inefficient airflow. While a dirty air filter is one of the most common causes of ice accumulation on evaporator coils, ice buildup may have other underlying causes, such as backed-up drain clogs or a low fan speed.
The unit’s evaporator coil can get covered in dust, dirt, and grime which prevents it from getting enough airflow to transfer heat, causing the system to freeze over. That is why regular evaporator coil cleaning is a key component of any AC tune-up service.
Damaged Drain Pan
As your HVAC equipment ages, it will show signs of wear and tear. One of the most common signs of an old unit is a damaged or rusted drain pan. This usually occurs when the equipment reaches 12 to 15 years of age. As the drain pan is constantly exposed to moisture, it can degrade over time.
If you see rust inside the drain pan, you may spot weak spots where water may be leaking onto your floor. Closely examine the drain pan for cracks or holes and decide whether they should be repaired. Minor cracks can often be patched with a quality water-resistant sealant. More extensive damage may require a drain pan replacement.
Broken Sump Pump
In a typical setup in which the furnace and indoor AC unit are located in the basement or attic, there is a condensate pump that pumps water outdoors. Once the water level in the condensate pump reservoir rises to a certain level, the float switch inside the pump is triggered, forcing the water to drain outside the home.
If this pump breaks or malfunctions, water can leak onto the basement floor. If you suspect that your condensate pump may be broken or malfunctioning, contact an HVAC technician to test and replace the pump if needed.
Low Refrigerant Levels
HVAC systems contain a chemical known as refrigerant which helps prevent the pressure from dropping too low inside the unit, which can cause the evaporator coils to freeze. When the coils thaw, they can cause the drain pan to fill and overflow. Low refrigerant levels are usually caused by a leak.
Several signs could indicate that your refrigerant levels are low, such as hissing, bubbling, or gurgling noises that come from your refrigerant lines. In addition, you may notice that your unit is not effectively cooling your home. Low refrigerant levels require an HVAC technician to repair the leak and recharge the system.
Drain Line Disconnect
In some instances, water around the floor of an HVAC unit may be due to a disconnected drain line. When the drain line is not properly attached, water can leak from the connections. Drain line disconnect is most commonly caused by improper installation, improper repair, or a line that has become loose over time.
If the drain line is disconnected, call in an HVAC technician to inspect the condition of the drain line and reconnect it. With an A+ BBB rating and Home Advisor Elite Service status, you can rest assured that Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning will handle your problem with the utmost care and promptness.
Problematic Humidifier
Some homes are equipped with whole-house humidifiers that are designed to add moisture to the air to prevent dryness and irritation. These systems are often configured with furnaces where they rely on water to increase the amount of moisture in the air.
However, when the lines attached to the humidifier are poorly fitted, cracked, or otherwise damaged, the excess water that is supposed to travel into the drain line can end up leaking onto the floor. Leaks can also develop when clogs form inside the drain line. Contacting an HVAC technician can stop the leak and related problems, such as water damage and mold growth.
Lack of Routine Maintenance
The best way to prevent water leaks and associated damage to your home is by having your unit regularly maintained by an HVAC professional. Regular maintenance to-do lists should include replacing dirty air filters, inspecting vents and ductwork, cleaning evaporator coils, flushing the drain line, and diagnosing potential problems with the unit.
Let Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning maintain your HVAC system with year-round routine maintenance. For same-day priority service, our VIP Preventative program includes VIP member benefits, such as free air filter installation, cleaning and maintenance every spring, air conditioner condenser cleaning, checking equipment, a 10% discount on all HVAC and plumbing work, and much more.
Call Your Trusted HVAC Professionals
HVAC units can leak for all sorts of reasons, from frozen evaporator coils to low refrigerant levels. Due to the complexity of heating and cooling systems, bringing in a knowledgeable HVAC expert to diagnose, repair, and maintain your unit is always the best decision for the longevity of your equipment.
As one of the oldest businesses in Manhattan and with nearly 100 years of providing impeccable customer service, Standard Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is a trustworthy source for all of your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs. Contact us today at (785) 776-5012 to learn how we can assist you with your HVAC system or to request an estimate.
