Tiffany Haney
If your AC unit is leaking water, it could be because the drain pan is clogged or has holes in it. The drain pan sits underneath the evaporator coil and can be accessed by locating the PVC drain line entering or exiting the unit cabinet. With the system turned off, carefully remove the cover to reveal the drain pan. If it is an upflow application, the drain pan will be at the bottom of the evaporator coil cabinet, and you will see a 3/4-inch drain pipe coming out of it. If it is a horizontal application, the drain pan will still be at the bottom of the evaporator coil cabinet, but the drain pipe will be on the side.
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What You'll Learn
Locate the PVC drain line
To locate the PVC drain line, first, turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat or circuit breaker box. Next, look for the drain line and carefully remove the cover. The drain pan should be revealed. If it is an upward-flowing application, the drain pan will be at the bottom of the evaporator coil cabinet, with the coil sitting above the furnace. You should see a 3/4-inch PVC pipe coming out of it. If it is a horizontal application, the drain pan will still be at the bottom of the evaporator coil cabinet, and you will again see a 3/4-inch drain pipe.
The AC drain line is located inside your home at the indoor HVAC unit. Your split system air conditioner or heat pump system consists of the outdoor condenser unit and the indoor evaporator coil, housed in the air handler or next to the furnace. The PVC drain line is a pipe that drains to the outside of your home. It may be visible in a crawl space or attic, but it may also be underneath the concrete floor of your basement.
If you are having trouble locating the PVC drain line, it may be necessary to call an HVAC technician for assistance. They will be able to locate the drain line and provide any necessary maintenance or repairs.
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Turn off the unit
Turning off your air conditioning unit is the first step in accessing your AC drain pan. This is important to prevent further damage to your unit and your property.
If you suspect a clog in your AC drain pan, turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat or circuit breaker box. This will prevent the system from running and causing further issues. If your unit has a safety float switch, it will automatically shut off when it detects a backup.
Turning off the unit will allow you to safely inspect the drain pan and drain line for any clogs, leaks, or water build-up. This is important because even a small amount of leaked water can cause floors to warp and create stains on walls and ceilings.
If you have a Trane AC unit, you may need to turn off the air handler specifically. This will allow you to perform a more thorough inspection and cleaning of the drain pan and lines.
It is recommended to have a professional HVAC technician service your unit regularly to prevent clogs and other issues. They will be able to properly clean the drip pan, check for leaks, and use PVC pipe cleaner on the drain line to prevent clogs.
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Remove the cover
To remove the cover of your Trane AC to access the drain pan, first turn off the unit at the thermostat or the unit's power switch. You will need to locate the screws that hold the cover in place. There are usually two screws on the side of the unit that need to be removed. On some models, there may be additional screws at the bottom that need to be taken out as well. Once all the screws have been removed, you can carefully lift the cover up and pull it away from the unit. It may be necessary to slightly tilt the cover to one side to disengage it from the unit. Be cautious not to damage any pipes or cables attached to the AC. If there are pipes or wires blocking your access to the screws, carefully move them aside without causing any damage or strain.
Some Trane AC units have a different design where the cover is held in place by a series of tabs instead of screws. In this case, you will need to carefully insert a flat-head screwdriver or a putty knife between the cover and the body of the unit to gently pry it open. Work your way around the cover, slowly releasing each tab until you can lift the cover away. Be cautious not to apply too much force, as this may damage the tabs or the cover itself.
If your unit is mounted on a wall, you will need to take extra care when removing the cover. Make sure you have assistance to help support the weight of the cover as you remove it. Once the cover is removed, place it aside in a safe location where it won't be accidentally knocked over. Ensure that you keep the screws or tabs that you removed in a secure place so that you can easily locate them when it's time to put the cover back on.
When you need to access the drain pan, it's important to take your time and be cautious to avoid any damage to your AC unit or accidental injury to yourself. Always ensure that the unit is turned off before beginning any maintenance work. If you encounter any unusual obstructions or complications, it may be best to consult a professional HVAC technician for further advice or assistance.
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Check for holes in the drain pan
To check for holes in the drain pan of your Trane AC unit, you must first locate the drain pan. The drain pan sits underneath the evaporator coil. To access it, turn off the unit, then remove the cover and/or the access panel.
Once you have located the drain pan, use a flashlight to inspect it for any holes, cracks, leaks, debris, or signs of clogging. If you notice any holes, cracks, or leaks, you will need to repair or replace the drain pan. Small cracks or leaks can be fixed with epoxy glue or waterproof sealant, but larger ones may require a replacement. It is recommended to consult a professional for advice, especially if your unit is under warranty, as attempting to fix it yourself could void the warranty.
If the drain pan is full of water, this could indicate a blockage in the drain line. To check for this, pour a continuous stream of water into the drain pan and observe how effectively the water drains through the drain line. If it is slow or backs up, there may be a clog.
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Clean the drain pan
To clean the drain pan of your Trane AC unit, you should first locate the indoor AC unit and turn off the power to it. Next, remove the access panel and inspect the drain pan for any cracks, holes, rust, or mould/algae buildup. You should also check the drain pipe for any clogs or debris. If there is standing water in the pan, use a wet/dry vacuum with a hose attachment to remove it, along with any mould, algae, bacteria, or residue. You can also use a towel or rag to clean out the drain pan.
If your AC unit is equipped with an overflow pan, you can remove, clean, fix, and replace it yourself. However, for the permanent condensate pan, you will need to contact an HVAC professional for cleaning or maintenance.
To prevent clogs, you can pour a cup of vinegar down the drain to kill mould, algae, and fungi. You can also pour a gallon of warm water and several cups of bleach into the secondary pipe to clear clogs in the primary drain fitting.
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Frequently asked questions
The drain pan sits underneath the evaporator coil. To access it, first, turn off the unit, then remove the cover and the drain pan should be revealed. The drain pan may require further dismantling to gain access for drain clearing/treatment.
If your AC drain pan is clogged, the issue is water leaking and potentially causing water damage to your home. Turn off your air conditioner at the thermostat or circuit breaker box and call for AC repair. A technician will likely start by checking the drip pan for any excess water build-up and clean it out with a towel or wet vac.
Schedule professional air conditioner maintenance every spring. During these routine visits, your technician will inspect and clean air conditioner parts, including the condensate pan and condensate drain line. Keeping both your outdoor and indoor HVAC units free of debris will also help prevent drain line clogging.
