Aircon drain pan
The drain pan collects water from the indoor coil before it flows into the drain pipe. If the pan is cracked, shifted, or dirty in the wrong way, water can leak from the indoor unit.
Parts summary
Warning Signs
What it is and where it sits
The drain pan is a plastic or metal tray under the cold coil. It collects water that drips during cooling.
Think of it like a saucer. Water drips in, and then flows out into the drain pipe.
If the pan cracks or shifts, water leaks out the bottom of the unit instead of going down the pipe.
Failure modes and warning signs
Drain pans crack from age or get shifted out of position. Cracks let water escape.
You see water dripping from the indoor unit. The leak might happen only during longer cooling runs when more water collects.
The drip location is the biggest clue. Water at the front of the unit suggests a pan crack.
- Water dripping from the indoor unit front or base
- Leak repeats during cooling runs
- Water stains near the indoor unit
How we verify the problem
Technicians first check if the drain pipe is blocked. This is more common than a cracked pan.
They visually inspect the pan for cracks, corrosion, or poor seating under the coil.
They flush the drain line to confirm water flow is working properly.
| Test Finding | What It Means | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Drain pipe is blocked | Blockage is backing up water | Clear the drain |
| Pan is cracked or misaligned | Pan is damaged or loose | Repair or replace pan |
| Pan is fine but water still leaks | Ice-related overflow | Check coil condition |
| Everything seems fine | Issue may be elsewhere | Check other drainage paths |
Should you fix it now?
Replace only if the pan is cracked. Most water leaks are from blocked drains, not broken pans.
You can wait if the drip is small and water is not damaging anything.
Do not wait if water is dripping on the ceiling, electrical points, or furniture. This causes damage.
What to expect
Most drain problems are solved by flushing the drain, not replacing the pan.
If the pan is cracked, replacement is straightforward once the problem is confirmed.
Finding the real cause first saves time and money.
Common questions
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