Water in air distribution box (?)

6 years ago

Hi there,

I've got a problem in an old townhouse in Montrose, Houston with a very small central AC unit. The blower, evaporator coil (with a tiny drain pan directly underneath it) and air distribution box connected to the air ducts are all laying flat, left to right, and mostly on the same level, above the ceiling on the second floor with no room above or around it.

There's evidence of moisture between the air distribution box (the metal box thing) and the connection to the air ducts, and water occasionally leaks beneath the air distribution box. The drain pan is not overflowing. There's no leak around the drain pan. All pipes are all tight and secure in place.

What would cause water to collect in the box and drip down? Would there be any issue if I cut the box open to see where water comes from? Appreciate any pointers from the experts.

Thanks in advance,

Dustin

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Comment (1)

Izzy Mn
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Possibly the drain/tube/hose that drains the condensation is clogged or partially clogged. That happened to me, was fully clogged and ended up filling pan and overflowing on floor. Detach tube, have a bucket ready to catch draining water. I cleaned mine out using some bursts of air from a air compressor, I guess you could use air in a can if you don't have a home air compressor. I then poured some bleach then a bunch of water to rinse into line because it was kind of gunky. I also used a skewers to help clear the outlet of gunk.

I had no idea this was a thing until I ended up with puddle in basement floor and called to have my water heater checked because I thought it was leaking. My water heater sits next to furnace/AC unit in basement. The guy from the water heater company pointed out the problem was condensation drain was clogged and overflowing pan, yes a lot of people have made same calls thinking it was water heater leak. When I told my mom she said she clears out the tube yearly because her is a smaller tube and gets clogged easier. Why didn't anyone tell me about this!!!!! Would have saved a $80 service call from the water heater guy!!
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