What is an auxiliary drain pan?
The secondary pan is called the auxiliary drain pan. This pan is located beneath the air handler and serves as a warning to the homeowner and professional HVAC technician. If the auxiliary drain pan is overflowing, then it is logical that the primary drain is backed up, clogged, or in need of servicing in some manner.
What is a secondary drain pan on an AC unit?
So for these instances, you should have a secondary drain pan, sometimes called a back-up drain pan. This is a large pan that is placed underneath the unit, and should be large enough to cover the length and width of the unit so it can collect any water that isn’t caught by the internal drain pan.
Is a drain pan required for air conditioner?
That’s because this little part plays a big role in the overall health and safety of your HVAC system. Without the condensate drain pan, you could be looking at a lot of water damage to your home and HVAC system, today we’re explaining what it is and why it’s so important.
Is secondary drain pan necessary?
3, a secondary drain or auxiliary drain pan shall be required for each cooling or evaporator coil where damage to any building components will occur as a result of overflow from the equipment drain pan or stoppage in the condensate drain piping.
What is the purpose of an auxiliary drain pan when the evaporator is in the attic?
“An auxiliary drain pan with a separate drain shall be installed under the coils on which condensation will occur. The auxiliary pan drain shall discharge to a conspicuous point of disposal to alert occupants in the event of stoppage of the primary drain.
Why is my AC drain pan full of water?
When an air conditioner’s drain pan is full of water, the most common culprit is a clogged drainpipe. Inside the refrigerant coils and pipes is a breeding ground for algae, mold, and the like. Overtime, algae and mold can clog the drainpipe and cause water to build up and leak into the drain pan.
Why does my AC have 2 drain pipes?
The main air unit is equipped with two condensate drain outlets: a primary drain for conveying water outside and a secondary drain as a backup, in case the primary becomes blocked or congested.
Why is AC pan full of water?
Causes of an AC Drain Pan Full of Water An AC drain pan full of water may be caused by drainage problems, a frozen coil, improper installation, or low refrigerant levels. A clogged drain pipe is the most common reason, which can cause significant damages to your AC unit.
Why are there two drains on a portable air conditioner?
Models with Dehumidification Mode have two drains. The upper drain plug is provided to allow automatic draining when there is a full tank, like in Dehumidification Mode or Cooling Mode in high humidity areas. This connection is threaded to allow connection to a garden hose fitting.
How much water is normal in AC drip pan?
Generally, AC drains water around 5 to 20 gallons per day, depending on how long the unit is running and the humidity level outside.
How do you unclog an AC drip pan?
How to Unclog Your AC Condensate Drain Line
- Turn off your air conditioner.
- Remove the cap from the pipe.
- Check to see if there is any debris stuck in the drain.
- Remove any visible debris and retest for proper drainage.
- Pour in Vinegar.
- Replace the drain cap.
- Remove the drain cap.
What is a secondary drain line?
The secondary drain provides an outlet for the water in case the primary gets plugged up. Since the secondary connection is a backup drain, it is located slightly higher than the primary connection. Sometimes this is done using an internal dam which forces water to go through the primary drain unless it is plugged up.
How many drain lines does AC have?
two drain lines
Your a/c system needs to have two drain lines. The first one, your “primary”, which comes directly off the coil, and needs to be run into your home plumbing lines.
How do I get water out of my AC drain pan?
The easiest way to do this is with a wet/dry shop vac, which you can pick up at your local hardware store. Simply vacuum up all of the water and dispose of it. Finally, remove any sludge or debris that may be at the drain. Check the drain termination outside for obstructions.
How do you get water out of an AC drain pan?
Your best course of action includes the following:
- Turn the unit off.
- Cut the power to the unit.
- Check the drain line for leaves and other debris where it exits your home.
- Use a wet/dry vac to remove the standing water from the drain pan.
- Remove the cap from the condensate line.
- Inspect for visible blockage.
Why is my AC drip pan full of water?
Is it OK to have water in the AC drip pan?
However, when it comes to your air conditioner’s drip pan, also known as the drain pan, the presence of water is perfectly normal… but only if it’s flowing out of the pan. If you ever find your drip pan full of stagnant water, it usually means your drainpipe is clogged.