HVAC Drain Pan Replacement vs Repair – Which is Best?
A drain pan is also known as a condensate pan. Condensation from air cooling evaporative coils drips into a pan connected to a PVC pipe that should carry the water out of your home or building. The drip pan can become dirty and rusty. It can crack over the years leading to leaks on the floor of the basement or attic where it is located.
[bctt tweet=”Condensation from air cooling evaporative coils drips into a pan connected to a PVC pipe that should carry the water out of your home or building.” username=”SanAirClean”]
A drain pan can be repaired or replaced, depending on its condition and the type of air conditioning system it supports.
Drain Pan Repairs…
The drip pan should be repaired with a sealer if it has small cracks. A build-up of water leaking on the floor of a basement can lead to mold. This pathogen grows quickly and leads to slime on the floor and walls of the basement or other areas where it is located. Mold and mildew can lead to structural damage if they penetrate the walls and wood frames. Fungus will also grow on wet wood. All of these pathogens can cause allergies and other respiratory problems.
[bctt tweet=”Fungus will also grow on wet wood. All of these pathogens can cause allergies and other respiratory problems.” username=”SanAirClean”]
Drain pans should be cleaned at least once a year in the average home. This is often a do-it-yourself job that is not difficult. The air conditioner must be turned off and disconnected. The pan can be carefully washed out without moving the attached coils. A professional HVAC technician will know how to do this with a larger unit.
Small leaks or cracks can be repaired. An old rusty drain pan should be replaced. The coils may also need replacing. This is a job for a professional technician.
Drain Pan Replacement…
Your air conditioner may actually have a primary and a secondary drain pan. The primary pan is usually welded to the coils. The water should be directed to the drain pipe. If the pan or the pipe is clogged, the water may overflow into the secondary pan rather than on to the floor.
[bctt tweet=”If the pan or the pipe is clogged, the water may overflow into the secondary pan rather than on to the floor.” username=”SanAirClean”]
The drain pipe that carries water outside of the building must also be checked. A clogged drain may cause a backup of water in the drain pan. Rust and debris from the drain pan may have flowed into the pipe causing the blockage. This interferes with your air conditioner and it may increase your energy bill since the HVAC system has to work harder.
Dirty filters may block airflow and cause the coils to freeze. The pan may collect a large amount of dirty water at one time when the coils unfreeze.
It may be time for your entire heating ventilation and air conditioning system to be checked. Filters may need replacement and ducts may need to be cleaned. You may need new coils and a drain pan assembly. Check the warranty on your HVAC system for covered repairs. An older system may need to be replaced by a newer energy-saving HVAC unit.
Drain Pans in Commercial buildings
The drain pan in office buildings and apartment communities is usually large to accommodate coils on an industrial HVAC system. This condensate pan and drain system must be checked frequently to assure that moisture is carried out of the building.
Various products are available to keep the condensate pan clean and leak free with an industrial HVAC installation. A broken or rusted pan is usually replaced to keep the building free of mold and other pathogens.
An energy-efficient HVAC system with a clean condensate pan will increase the value of any property.
For over 20 years, we have been helping people who are working on improving indoor air quality with Indoor Environmental Surveys and Ventilation Systems Cleaning by providing high quality workmanship with unparalleled customer service to both residential and commercial customers. Our staff of professionals are dedicated to serving your specific needs from the moment you contact us until the completion of your remediation project. Visit our website or contact us today for more information or to schedule your mold remediation consultation.
