After a long day outside, you’re relaxing in the living room when you look up and notice water dripping from the ceiling above the television. Your first reaction is to assume there’s some kind of roof leak, but the problem with that theory is that it hasn’t rained in weeks. The first thing to do is don’t panic. Just pick up the phone and call your local air conditioning contractor at A&A Air.
Why? Water dripping from the ceiling likely means that your AC unit drain line is clogged and the drip pan in the attic is overflowing. If left unresolved, this can lead to a damaged ceiling and pricey repairs for what would otherwise be a simple fix.
Why Is My Drain Line Clogged?
When warm air blows over your AC unit’s indoor evaporator coils, condensation forms. Those tiny water droplets should drip into a drain pan immediately underneath the coils and be safely removed from your home via the drain line.
It’s actually a pretty simplistic setup, but the problem is that drain lines become clogged over time by dirt, mold, debris, and other airborne particles. As a result, the water that’s been collecting in your drain pan backs up and overflows the pan because it has nowhere to go. This is a silent process that many homeowners don’t realize is happening. But the next thing you know, water begins to collect in your attic and eventually makes its way into the rest of your home.
This is likely why you just noticed an active leak in your ceiling.
What To Do When a Clogged AC Unit Drain Line Causes Water Dripping From the Ceiling
1. Turn the system off immediately.
2. Move anything in the room where the leak is located to avoid further damage.
3. Call your local AC repair man.
You can locate the drain line and flush it with distilled vinegar if you like. This typically resolves any clogs. But when you have water dripping from the ceiling as a result of a clogged drain line, it’s better to call in an AC repairman to have the line professionally cleaned and de-clogged. In some cases, they can install a float switch or “ceiling saver” so that your system automatically shuts off when the drain pan is full. Regular cleanings can also prevent fungus and excess water from building up and causing these issues.
Your HVAC contractor should also change out your air filters. Clogged air filters force the unit to work harder and can lead to issues with clogged drain lines. Most air filter manufacturers like General Electric, Filtrete, HEPA, and Honeywell and HVAC companies recommend changing your air filter every three months. But that depends on the size and quality of your air filter.
Click here to see what’s included in A&A Air’s Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter preventative maintenance checklists.
Call A&A Air in Lantana, TX, Today!
It can be frustrating when a clogged drain line you never knew existed causes water to drip from the ceiling. But preventative maintenance from a trusted HVAC repair technician can avoid many of these dangerous and costly situations. At A&A Air, we take your family’s comfort seriously. We know our job inside and out and respond promptly.
All you need to do is give us a call today!
We proudly serve Lantana, TX, and surrounding areas. You can email us at customercare@AAair.net or call 972-951-1320.