Repairing a Leaking Air Handler in North Augusta
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Air Handler Case Study in North Augusta
AC Leaking Water in a North Augusta Attic
02/03/2026
The Situation
Attic leaks are never fun, and one North Augusta homeowner was decidedly not having fun. Their Ducane air handler was leaking water into their attic. Whenever it ran, water would slosh out of the unit onto the floor.
They knew that leaving this alone over time would result in serious problems. After all, water damage is no joke. Left unattended, leaks can result in thousands of dollars in damage, including dangerous mold growth. Rather than risk long-term damage, they called Bailey's Comfort Services for Ducane air handler repair.
When we inspected the unit, we found the root cause of the leak. Fortunately, it wasn’t a drain blockage or broken component. The air handler just wasn’t level.
The Solution: Leveling the Air Handler for Optimal Drainage
As an air conditioning system runs, it produces condensation. Normally, that condensation runs off from the evaporator coils into a metal pan that funnels it into a drain. On this particular Ducane air handler, the drain was at one end of the pan. The issue was that the air handler wasn’t level, causing water to build up in the wrong end of the pan. Instead of draining out, it regularly overflowed.
To fix this attic AC water leak, one might think the solution is just to make the unit perfectly level. However, we wanted to make sure this situation never occurred again. Our technicians took it a step further and pitched it slightly toward the condensate drain line. We decided to take this course of action because it was a simple, prompt solution for our customer, and a more elaborate fix would have been unnecessary. With a mere tilt of the drain pan, all condensation would be sure to drain properly. No more buildup. No more leaks!
We finished our repairs by testing the system with two gallons of water. When we saw that the unit drained the way it was supposed to, we cleaned up. Another job completed to the customer’s satisfaction!
What Causes an Air Handler to Leak?
The main issue behind air handler leaks is moisture. Any system that shifts air temperature will create condensation. It’s like how water beads up on a drink at Brink’s Tavern. A similar phenomenon occurs on your air conditioner’s evaporator coils. As they cool, they’ll accumulate moisture.
Most air conditioning systems produce about a gallon of water per hour. That’s quite a lot of water over the course of a day, and it has to go somewhere. That’s why conventional air conditioning systems have condensate pans.
Much in the way that Brick Pond Park collects water from storm drains in North Augusta, your air handler’s drain pan is designed to collect condensation as it drips from the evaporator coils. Because of this, most AC condensation leaks stem from the condensate pan and drainage lines.
When we approached this air handler repair, we knew we might be dealing with an issue related to a condensation overflow. Common drain pan issues include:
Wrong Drain Pan Pitch
As with our customer in North Augusta, a wrong pitch on your air handler can result in drainage issues. Most condensation pans have the drain on one side of the pan. If water accumulates on the other side, it could overflow.
Improper Condensate Pan Installation
Even if the unit is level, there may be other issues with the condensate pan. If your new air handler is leaking, the drain pan itself may have been improperly installed.
Rusted Drain Pan
Most drain pans are protected by a layer of zinc to prevent rust. Over time, that layer can wear away, resulting in rust that gradually eats away at the steel. In rare cases, a rusted drain pan may have deteriorated enough to begin leaking.
Clogged Drain Line
Another common cause of condensate pan leaks is drain line blockage. If the drain line leading out from the pan is clogged, it will cause the unit to back up. That will result in pooling and leaks.
Frozen or Dirty Evaporator Coils
In units with low refrigerant levels, the evaporator coils may ice over. As that ice melts, the excess moisture may be more than your unit’s drain pan is designed to handle, resulting in a spillover. If you notice ice buildup in your attic AC, call for repairs.
Fortunately, air handler drain issues are often simple to fix, at least for an experienced professional. They’re also often preventable. Routine maintenance checkups on your attic AC can help you avoid these common problems. By inspecting your unit twice per year, we’ll find these issues before they spiral into expensive leaks and water damage.
Call Bailey's for Air Handler Repair in North Augusta!
With our experience, the repair for this North Augusta air handler was fairly straightforward. To resolve the leak, we simply needed to identify the source and then readjust the drain pan to prevent water from overflowing.
Not every air handler or AC issue is this simple. Fortunately, we’ve fixed thousands of air handler leaks in Columbia County. We have the skill, experience, and dedication to quality service you need for any air handler repair.
Related Questions About Air Handler Leaks
Can I level my own air handler?
These units are very heavy, so it’s not an easy job. Also, you need to be sure not to tilt the unit too far. Most drain pans only hold a couple of inches of liquid, so you have to be precise when leveling the unit. We recommend getting an expert involved for any air handler repair in North Augusta.
How can I keep my air handler from leaking again?
First, the unit must be properly installed. Incorrect air handler installation can result in leaks. From there, keep the area clean since dirty evaporator coils can result in clogs over time. Finally, we recommend routine AC maintenance checkups to keep your unit running at its best. Ideally, these should be done twice per year.
How long does it take to fix AC condensation leaks?
That ultimately depends on the root cause of the leak. If it’s a wrong pitch on the air handler, it won’t take more than an hour to level the unit. Stubborn clogs or damaged drain pans can take 2 to 3 hours to fix. We’ll give you a more precise estimate when you call for air handler repair.
What are common signs of attic AC water leaks?
Aside from pooling water or damp floors, look for sagging in the ceiling just under the attic. Also, make note of any bad smells—mold has a distinct musty odor. Climbing energy bills can also tip you off to attic air conditioner issues, including potential leaks.