Air Conditioner Condensation Line Leaks Cause Major Water and Mold Damage

Condensation line leaks from your air conditioning unit could be causing damage to your house – learn how to prevent the problem before it begins.

Water damage resulting from an air conditioning condensation line leaks is more common than you might think. Condensation line leaks can be very devastating as they usually go unnoticed, mostly because they are inside walls and located in low traffic areas.

The high humidity and dark space around those lines can also make them prone to mold growth. As the mold grows, it gets distributed through the HVAC system to the rest of the home.

So how do you prevent A/C condensation line leaks? The most important thing you can do is inspect it regularly, as even a slight sign of condensation is a sign you may have a problem. Here are a four tips on maintaining your A/C condensation line:

1. Inspect it regularly – Every time you change your HVAC air filter, which should be about every 30 days on average, you should visually inspect the AC condensation line for moisture.
2. Ensure proper AC condensation line pitch and reduce elbow connection angles – Having your AC condensation line leaks run straight as possible is ideal, and a drop of 1/8-inch for every 12 inches of length is the minimum pitch. Remove any elbow connections with 90-degree angles and replace them with 45- degree elbow connections when possible.
3. Check the AC condensation line opening and exit – When your AC unit is running, check the condensation line opening to make sure you see water flowing to the drain. The amount of water you see will depend on the humidity level in the house.
4. Clean the line every 3 to 6 months.  Calcium deposits from San Diego’s hard water can build up overtime and clog your lines.

One easy way to clean an A/C condensation line leaks is by using a nylon string and a small piece of cotton rag. Use a shop vacuum to suck out the nylon string on the exit side, then tie the small piece of cotton rag to the other end and just pull through. This will bring all of the debris in the line out the exit side. Do not make the rag piece too large or it will get stuck in the line with no way out. It should be small enough to fit loosely in the pipe.

Finally, if you have no room to create the minimum pitch, you may have to use a condensation pump to help move the water out. Consult your HVAC serviceman for installation and make sure you have an emergency cut-off if it fails.

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