is there a problem with my air conditioner if water is going into the overflow pan?

Answer 1

Totally normal

As air cools, it can hold less moisture, so water condenses out. Air conditioners can't help but do this. Ever notice the water dripping frm a car when the AC is on?

Answer 2

Yes....the overflow pan is a secondary catch pan for water that is condensed out of your home air. The normal outlet for this should a direct line to your plumbing drain. Typically what happens is the contractor will use too small a diamter drain line, and since the flowrate is low, mold will build up inside the primary drain line and eventually clog the line. When that happens, water will overflow into a secondary pan that is visible to you underneath the evaporator section of your AC system.

Depending upon the primary drain size and location, it can be easy or difficult to snake out the line. I live on the gulf coast so my condensing unit is in the attic and reasonably accessible. If you're good with your hands you can rent or buy a snake, and clear the line yourself. Otherwise you can call a plumber to do it and it will cost you two hours of labor.

Answer 3

I am assuming you are talking about a home air conditioner, and the answer is yes. That would also be true, however, if you are talking about a car air conditioner.

Both type systems will dry the air and condense moisture, which will run off into a drain pan which will lead to a drain hose. In many houses the drain hose leads to an inside drain, but in most houses it leads outside to the ground, usually near the outside unit. With window units it normally just drips down from the unit.

With a car air conditioner the water drips down into the street.

If water is collecting anywhere and staying you may have a clogged drain line. It's not that hard to unclog it--I use a plumber's snake to clear my home drain line. Auto drain clogs are somewhat rarer, but usually can be cleared with compressed air or with a common pipe cleaner.

Answer 4

Well It depends on what kind of unit you are talking about.
This could be a problem and it might not be
The unit has the pan for the water to go into.
All units will drip water ( pending on your unit ) if the water has lets say a 1inch pipe to carry the water away but its not then the water will go into the 2nd overflow pan to prevent water damage.
If you can edit your question with more info or drop me a line at
[e-mail]
Mike

Answer 5

YES!!! There is a primary condensation drain and the overflow pan. The pan is not supposed to fill up. This means your primary drain is clogged. The primary drain from the air handler should have a 'u' shaped piece of pipe very close to the unit then continue to the outside of the house. Depending on your location and age of the house or installation, there may be a piece of open pipe standing straight up close to the 'u' shaped piece of pipe. If there is a piece of pipe standing straight up, open to the air, you might try pouring a little bleach in there. Usually mildew or mold grows in the condensate drains and clogs them up. If you don't have access to the main drain pipe, you should call a pro.

Answer 6

Other than the main drain line being stopped up?? If the the a/c is producing water for the drain, You know its working. but I would find something to clean the main line out with, If the overflow gets stopped up, You going to have a mess

Answer 7

Yes, there is. The primary line is plugged and water is coming out of the secondary line.

If you know where the water usually comes out, you can just simply blow into the line(it works to put saran wrap around the pipe) and the line should clear.

You might want to poor a little bleach in your pan. Sounds like you might have a fungus build up.

Answer 8

if its an overflow pan then its designed to catch overflow , if that's overflowing your float is stuck or not working right

Answer 9

yes. I had the same problem last summer--ended up causing a water leak into my bathroom and kitchen---Call someone with a brain--have them check to make sure your pipes are draining properly---good luck and don't wait

Answer 10

No, that is condensation and is normal. Is it really humid where you live?