Causes and treatment methods of condensate water leakage in air-conditioning heat pumps

There are two main places where condensate water is generated in air-conditioning systems: one is the surface cooler of the outdoor host, and the other is the indoor air-conditioning terminal (such as fan coil).

Of course, there are always imperfections in installation. Sometimes, if the installation does not meet the requirements, it will cause leakage. The leakage of air-conditioning condensate water involves two aspects: 1. The leakage of condensate water from the outdoor host, and 2. The leakage of condensate water from the indoor unit.

1. Condensation water leakage of outdoor host
The host is generally installed on outdoor flat ground or rooftop. The drainage requirements of such places are generally not high, but condensation water leakage may occur. This mainly occurs in units installed on rooftops without waterproofing treatment. In colder places in the north, if the condensation water is not discharged in a centralized manner, the floor will be easily frozen over time, resulting in water seepage on the floor.
Treatment methods:
① Waterproof the floor before construction
② Discharge the condensation water in a centralized manner

2. Leakage of condensed water from indoor units
Condensed water leakage from indoor units usually occurs in the following areas:
(1) Condenser water pan
① The water pan is not installed flat, causing the accumulated water to flow back.
When installing the air conditioner, the air conditioner is not installed with a certain slope as described in the instructions (i.e., the front is higher and the back is lower by about 3-5 degrees, or the left is higher and the right is lower by about 3-5 degrees, and the drain outlet is at the right rear corner). If this is the case, adjust the air conditioner to normal.
② The drain outlet of the water pan is blocked.
Since there is dust and other insoluble debris in the air, this debris is easily accumulated when the air conditioner is running for a long time. In severe cases, the drain outlet will be blocked. The simplest way is to find the drain outlet, then unplug the drain pipe directly from the interface, poke the debris in the drain outlet with a small screwdriver or other stick-like object, and then rinse the indoor unit evaporator (water pan) with clean water several times to slowly remove the blockage from the water pan. If this fails, ask a professional to clean it.
③ Poor installation of the condensed water pipe leads to poor drainage, and the accumulated water overflows from the water pan.
a. The condensate pipe is installed without a slope
b. The support interval of the condensate pipe is too long, causing the pipe to sag
c. The condensate pipe has no vent holes, causing air to accumulate in the pipe.

d. The condensate pipes are stacked against each other
e. The condensate pipe has no water trap, causing the accumulated water to flow back
(2) Condenser outlet pipe (including the internal and external unit connection pipe)
① If the drain pipe is damaged and leaks, the drain pipe should be replaced. Note that the drain pipe of the same material should be selected because it is troublesome to replace. It is recommended to find a professional to handle it. Reconnect the water pipe and immediately pour clean water on the evaporator (water tray). After checking that there is no leakage in the new water pipe, wrap the insulation cotton.
② If the insulation cotton of the drain pipe is damaged or not wrapped well, causing condensate leakage, in this case, just repair the damaged part, but be sure to seal it well.
③ The insulation material is of poor quality, the coldness of the pipe is transmitted to the surface, and the humidity in the room or bathroom, kitchen, etc. where the pipe passes is relatively high, resulting in a large amount of condensate on the surface of the pipe.

3. Air outlet
(1) The air conditioner evaporator is too dirty, which makes the condensed water flow poorly and the accumulated water is carried out by the fan impeller; or because the air humidity is particularly high and the air speed of the air conditioner indoor unit is also high, it is easy for the condensed water to fall from the air outlet into the room. The solution is: a. Clean the indoor evaporator, b. Reduce the indoor fan speed.
(2) There is too much water in the water pan and the accumulated water is carried out by the fan blades. For the specific reasons, please refer to the first point.