skip to main content

Heating & Air Conditioning

Central AC leaking through ceiling

16 years ago

Central AC was leaking a few months ago. Called AC Tech in. He couldn't find the location of the leak because it wasn't leaking when he came. He cut the pipes in the attic and blew out the lines. AC didn't leak for a few months ago.

This past week it was really hot, and this morning I noticed that there was a slow leak as the ceiling was wet. This evening it started pouring water out of the ceiling. I shut the air off for now, but any ideas what it can be?

It's hard to see where exactly the problem is. The Unit in the attic is lying on some 2x4's or something flat where you cannot see under it.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

deweymn
16 years ago
Possible causes:
Dirty filters cause coils to freeze into ice ball, the outside of the icy coil melts but does not go in the condensate collection pan and goes below unit.

Low freon level does same as above

Plugged drain line for the condensate removal.

Lack of secondary drain line

No safety pan under unit in case condensate pan of unit overflows

No overflow switch in case condensate pan fills up. Cheaper than a ceiling repair job

So, what did the tech tell you last time he/she was there?
billyknep
Original Author
16 years ago
Tech only said they couldn't find the problem since it wasn't leaking when he came at the time. He did have to add about 1/4 pound of freon.
I change the filter monthly, and had just changed it two days before it started leaking again. It was very humid yesterday when it really started leaking.

I know there is a secondary pan, and I have to check on a secondary drain line today.
Related Discussions
Central A/C Proposal
Q
Comments (5)
Since this isn't a typical replacement but rather a completely new installation with new ductwork, a load calculation is necessary. A new system sized and designed based on guesswork will do you no favors down the road. It's possible that one has been done, although often times they are not done, especially if it is a straightforward changeout and the previous size equipment "did the job." You should ask for the heating and cooling loads, in btu/h, from Manual J (method for load calculations). If a 4 ton is more appropriate, even if it's a 2-stage unit, a 5 ton system will be less efficient, cost more upfront, and likely dehumidify worse (due to running shorter cycles).
...See More
evaporator coil condensate leaking through ceiling
Q
Comments (5)
First has made the same products for many years. You can probably buy a new pan from them. If they won't sell to you, make sure they have a pan available, then find a distributor willing to sell to you. Many local suppliers have bought from first over the years. First may have discontinued the product, but the replacement product may be the same size. You need to ask them if this happens. Pans can be made by a local sheetmetal shop. In the past they would have cost less than $50. I have not had the need for a replacement pan in more than 10 years, so prices are not current. Depending on where you live in Dallas, the prices for service can vary. Park Cities pay more for service. Frisco pays more. The company makes indoor coils and air handlers for York. It is a large company that has proved helpfull to me in the past. Before you call them know the model of the coil if possible, and the dimmensions of the pan. I saw a repair kit at a local supply store. I have used epoxy on evaporative coolers in the past, but never on an AC pan. The repairs I made were on the roof. Leaks would only reduce efficiency of the cooler. I recently saw a repair made on a tub with exoxy. It looks strong 2 months later. I would not normally consider this type of repair, but the customer was willing. I have gone back several times to fix problems at that house.
...See More
Perplexing Central AC problem
Q
Comments (7)
mike_home, this weekend I will check the insulation surrounding the ductwork. I mentioned the roof exhaust fan because I thought that when working it probably lowers the attic temperature a bit and by doing that I was unsure whether it would make a difference in how well my system can move cold air. Juliek, I live in New Jersey and current temps for the last 2 days have been well into the 90's. Today my area hit 97 degrees and the house was unable to maintain a temperature below 78 degrees with the system running most of the afternoon. ionized, Would you be able to offer any more insight as to why an exhaust fan would make no difference? I dont not believe you, I am just trying to gain as much knowledge as possible. Thanks for all the help guys!
...See More
Central AC debate
Q
Comments (31)
tete-a-tete, That is basically what we have done. When we built, we used blown-in insulation, as our landscaping matures, it is beginning to help cool the house. We use window treatments and the opening and closing of windows at the right times to help regulate the temperatures and use ceiling fans. For us, part of it is budget. We could not own the home we do and spend a lot of money on climate control. Part of it is environmental responsibility. One thing that helps us though, is our climate is generally dry and the temperatures drop significantly in the evenings. However, tight insulation restricts air flow so when the nights get cooler, there is a period of time when it is much more comfortable outside. If I were to build again, I would have added a sleeping porch upstairs that was screened in for some of the summer nights. Some things that help too are that I work at home, so I can manage the opening and closing of windows and the windows can be open during the day as someone is home. If I was not home, the windows would have to be closed as a theft deterrent and in case of rain (which would be bad for the wood floors). Also, all of our sleeping quarters are upstairs so we can leave the windows open with less worry. I would not be inclined to allow my kids to sleep with open windows if they were on the ground floor. It is a complicated thing.
...See More
deweymn
16 years ago
Find where the drain line exits the house and if possible connect a wet vac to the pipe and see if you can remove anything that way. You might even pour some water into the pan if you can (10% bleach solution). Open up the panel on the unit near the coil if possible and do a visual inspect of the area where the drain line connects to the pan.

You eliminated the frozen coil possiblility so you are now left with a plugged drain line/overflowing pan or a crack in the condensate pan. Only further checking will tell you. If you are balancing on joists, bring up some pieces of plywood with you and begin making a solid surface around the unit for further needs.
Heckmonkey_hotmail_com
12 years ago
I too had this problem, got three units on top of our bar, first unit started leaking through roof, pulled air filters and replaced, cleaned out drain pipes which were full of gunk from dirty air filters and were clogging drain, added some bleach/water to drain, cleaned condensation pan, and unit is no longer leaking. Did this maintenance to all units. HVAC guy was going to charge standard 150 an hour plus parts, plus a possible emergency call which was going to cost me close to 800 an hour during this texas peak season heat/humidity, was literally going to break the bank! This post has saved me! Small business that is staying afloat no pun intended, says thank you for honest answers! Cheers!

Related Stories

BATHROOM WORKBOOK Standard Fixture Dimensions and Measurements for a Primary Bath

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Create a luxe bathroom that functions well with these key measurements and layout tips

TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE Roots of Style: Georgian Homes Offer Familiarity Through the Ages

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Americans have been embracing this interpretation of classical architecture since the 1700s. Does your home show off any Georgian details?

LIFE 6 Ways to Cool Off Without Air Conditioning

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

These methods can reduce temperatures in the home and save on energy bills

MOST POPULAR 5 Ways to Hide That Big Air Conditioner in Your Yard

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Don’t sweat that boxy A/C unit. Here’s how to place it out of sight and out of mind

RANCH HOMES My Houzz: Warm and Airy Kitchen Update for a 1980s Ranch House

By Caela McKeever

A dark and cramped kitchen becomes a bright and open heart of the home for two empty nesters in Central California

GREEN BUILDING Insulation Basics: Heat, R-Value and the Building Envelope

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Learn how heat moves through a home and the materials that can stop it, to make sure your insulation is as effective as you think

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Invite Entertaining Hummingbirds Into Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Hummingbirds — unique to the Americas — zip through open landscapes seasonally or year-round. Here’s how to attract them

ATTICS Room of the Day: Awkward Attic Becomes a Happy Nest

By Becky Harris

In this master bedroom, odd angles and low ceilings go from challenge to advantage

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 11 Ways to Make Your Sleeping Porch Even Better

By Becky Harris

Turn off that air conditioner and tune in to the delights of slumbering in the nighttime breeze

FLOORS Is Radiant Heating or Cooling Right for You?

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Questions to ask before you go for one of these temperature systems in your floors or walls (yes, walls)

Sponsored

More Discussions

Mount range hood to wall or ceiling?

19

Installing a powder room on main floor with hydronic radiant heat theo

3

Moving the furnace? How difficult and how costly?

5

Typical charge to install fuse

26

humidifier for a furnace in a closet

0