AC drip after running - handyman or AC specialist first?« Back to Previous Page
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We've lived here for 2 years and just noticed a slow, steady drip from the ceiling in our kitchen, right where it meets the wall. It only seems to happen for an hour or so after we run the AC, which is making me think it's a clogged drain pipe. I'm worried about mold and damage. What are the specific steps involved in getting this diagnosed and fixed, and who should I call first, a general handyman or an AC specialist?
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Based on your description, this is a classic symptom of a clogged condensate drain line, a very common issue here in the UAE due to our high humidity levels causing rapid algae and microbial growth inside the pipes.
You should absolutely call an AC specialist first, not a general handyman. The AC system is a sealed, pressurized system, and only a certified technician with the right tools should handle it. A handyman might temporarily clear the visible pipe but won't have the equipment to perform a thorough vacuum extraction or high-pressure nitrogen purge of the entire line, which is often necessary to clear deep clogs in the system that runs to the building's drain. They also won't be able to properly check the evaporator coil drip pan or the unit's pressure levels, which could be a contributing factor. The diagnostic steps involved are: 1) Isolating the AC unit, 2) Visual inspection of the drain pan and primary drain line, 3) Using a vacuum or pressurized air/water to clear the blockage, and 4) Performing a flow test to ensure it's clear. Crucially, given the water drip for two years, a mold assessment is highly recommended. The constant moisture behind that wall has almost certainly created a mold reservoir, which poses an indoor air quality hazard. For a proper fix and to ensure no hidden mold damage, you need a professional assessment. We handle this exact situation daily. Call us at 800-MOLDS (800-66537) or email hello@saniservice.com for a comprehensive inspection that covers both the AC remediation and the potential environmental health impact. |
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