Condensate Drain Linesand Attic Leaks

Summer cooling runs for months in the Las Vegas valley. As your central air conditioning system cools the house, it also removes moisture from the indoor air. This moisture condenses on the indoor evaporator coil. From there, the water drips into a drain pan sitting under the unit. The pan connects to a condensate drain line, usually a white PVC pipe, which carries the water away to a drain or outside. Because indoor units in many valley homes are located in the attic, a clogged drain line poses a serious risk to the ceilings and walls below.

Why Drain Lines Clog in Las Vegas

The monsoon season in July and August brings strong winds and blowing dust. While your filter catches most of this, some fine particles still make their way to the indoor coil. The dust mixes with the condensation dripping into the drain pan, creating a thick sludge. Over time, this sludge builds up inside the narrow PVC drain line. Algae and mold can also grow inside the damp pipe, especially where water sits still. When the buildup becomes completely solid, the water has nowhere to go. It fills the primary drain pan and eventually overflows.

Some systems have a secondary drain pan underneath the entire unit to catch this overflow, but if that pan also fills up with dirt or if the secondary line clogs, the water will spill directly onto the attic floor. A small blockage can close the pipe when the system runs all day in summer.

Signs of a Backed Up Drain Line

You want to catch a clog before it damages your drywall or insulation. The most obvious sign is water dripping from a secondary drain pipe, which often sticks out above a window or door on the exterior of your house. If you see water dripping from this high pipe, your primary line is blocked. Another common sign is your air conditioner shutting off suddenly. Many modern indoor units have a safety float switch installed inside the drain pan. When the water level rises too high, the switch trips and turns off the system to prevent a flood. You might also notice a musty smell coming from your vents when the fan blows, or you could see a faint yellow water stain forming on the ceiling directly below your attic equipment.

How to Keep the Line Clear

Routine care reduces the chance of a sudden leak. While you cannot stop dust entirely, you can take a few steps to protect your system.

• Check the air filter every month and change it at least every three months to reduce the amount of dust reaching the coil.
• Schedule a cooling tune-up every spring before the heavy heat arrives.
• Keep the area around the outdoor drain pipe clear of dirt and landscaping debris so the water can flow freely.
• Look at the outdoor pipe occasionally to ensure water is dripping while the system runs on a hot afternoon.

During a spring cooling tune-up, the technician clears the condensate drain line to ensure it is ready for the heavy summer workload.

When to Call for Service

If you see water leaking from your indoor unit or dripping from a ceiling, you need service right away. Turn off the air conditioner at the thermostat to stop it from producing more condensation. Place a bucket under the leak if possible to protect your floors. If water is leaking from an indoor unit, technicians go out evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. The technician finds the cause, shows you what failed and gives a written price before any repair begins.

Kestrel Heating & Air offers AC maintenance to help Las Vegas homeowners keep their systems running well. You can request a tune-up to have your drain line cleared and checked, or you can join the Kestrel Comfort Club for a cooling tune-up in spring and a heating tune-up in fall.