What causes damage to the condensate drain pan?

Condensate drain pans usually get damaged during winter. Since it mainly gets utilized during the summer when air conditioning is needed, its function comes to a halt during winter. Since most of these pans are situated on top or next to the furnace, the heat from the furnace regularly grazes the pan, and the alternating cold and heat could consequently cause cracking.

While the cracks are not discovered until the AC needs to be used in the summer, the homeowner will soon discover them. The water will drip into the furnace and cause damage. The excess water can also drip beneath it and cause water damage to the surface where it pools.

Another common damage is a blockage in the condensate drain line. Clogging can occur when the air filters are dirty, there is a foreign object that obstructs the area, or usual wear and tear. When the line is clogged, the water backs up and overfills the drain pan. Since the drain pan cannot hold a large amount of water, the excess water can spill over the furnace or other surfaces beneath it. The drain pan is usually just large enough to get filled with water for a cycle, so when the drain line is blocked and water cannot flow, it will surely get overfilled.

Condensate line clogging and damaged condensate pans can cause serious issues which include:

1. Mold or microbiological growth
2. Safety issues
3. Lower indoor air quality
4. The internal build-up of water
5. Unpleasant AC odor
6. Water damage

With this, homeowners should stay alert for pooling water coming from the AC system. Never postpone repairs as it can save the household from serious HVAC issues that are expensive to resolve.