If you find water around your air handler or a ceiling stain under the attic unit, the most likely cause in Florida is a clogged condensate drain line.
Why it happens
Your AC pulls a lot of moisture out of the air, and here it can be gallons a day in summer. That water runs through a small PVC drain line. The line stays warm, dark and wet, which is perfect for algae and sludge. Over a few months, that growth narrows the line until water backs up into the drain pan.
Warning signs
- Water around the indoor unit or in the overflow pan
- The AC shuts off by itself (a float switch has tripped)
- A musty smell near the air handler
- Water stains on the ceiling below an attic unit
How to prevent clogs
- Have the drain line flushed at every AC tune-up
- Ask about a drain line treatment to slow algae growth
- Change your air filter regularly, since dust feeds the sludge
- Make sure there's a working float switch so a clog shuts the system off before water damage
When to call
If water is already on the floor or the system has shut down, turn the AC off and call us. A clogged line is usually a quick AC repair, but leaving it can damage ceilings, floors and the air handler.