Why condensate leaks go unnoticed
The overflow drips into a drain pan, an attic floor or a closet instead of a visible fixture, so the first sign is often a stain on the ceiling below. By then insulation, drywall and framing may have been damp for a long while, and mold becomes a concern after 24 to 48 hours of continuous dampness.
Where the water goes
Condensate is clean when it leaves the coil, but it picks up dust and algae in the pan, so wet materials are checked before they are kept.
- Attic floors and insulation under the unit
- Ceilings directly below the air handler
- Closet walls and trim next to the unit
- Hallway drywall and flooring beyond
Cleanup and the fix
A technician clears the clogged drain or repairs the unit, while the drying crew removes the wet material. Ceiling damage is covered under ceiling leak water damage, and wet framing follows structural drying.
