Air conditioners pull moisture from the air and send it down a condensate drain. In attics and closets, a clogged drain or cracked pan can drip into ceilings and walls for weeks.
- Look for stains on ceilings under the air handler.
- Ask your HVAC tech to clear the drain line and check the float switch at each service.
- If a ceiling is wet, turn off the AC and call for service; a restoration contractor can check the drywall and insulation.
Why desert ACs drip so much water
An AC that runs for most of the year, often for long hours in summer, sends a steady stream of condensate down its drain. When the drain clogs with algae or dust, water backs up into the pan. If the pan is cracked or the float switch fails, water reaches the ceiling or the closet floor.
Simple habits
- Know where your air handler is: attic, closet, or garage.
- Look at the secondary drain outlet, often above a window or eave. Water dripping there means the main drain may be clogged.
- Ask about a float switch that shuts the AC off if the pan fills.
- Replace filters on schedule; dust feeds clogs.
If water is already in the ceiling
- Turn the AC off at the thermostat.
- Catch drips and move belongings.
- If the ceiling sags, keep clear and do not poke it.
- Call your HVAC company for the drain and ask for a restoration referral for wet drywall or insulation.
Related: water damage · slab leaks · burst pipes · mold · guides
Guides: What Tropical Storm Hilary Taught Valley Homeowners · Leaving for the Summer: A Leak-Prevention Checklist · Hard Water, Copper Pipes, and Pinhole Leaks · AC Condensate Leaks in Desert Homes
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