How to Replace a Drain Pan in the Attic

If you notice a leak in your ceiling that wasn't there before the middle of summer, you might have a leaky air conditioner drain pan. The evaporator, the part of the air conditioner placed in your attic, produces condensation as it works. This condensation drips off the evaporator and into a drain pan. Once in the pan, the water is drained away from your attic, preventing water damage. Over time, these pans can rust and lose their ability to hold water. You should replace a drain pan in the attic as soon as you notice a leak.

• 1

  Turn off the power for your air conditioning/furnace unit. This should be done at the main circuit breaker, or a secondary circuit breaker if the heating and cooling unit is connected to its own circuit. Switch the breaker to the "Off" position.

• 2

  Locate the drain pan in the attic. The drain pan is installed underneath the A/C evaporator coil unit. The evaporator will have two hoses leading to the condenser located outside your house or apartment. These pans are typically made of metal and have a drain hose leading out of one side and to the outdoors for drainage.

• 3

  Wipe up any condensation or water present in the drain pan. Unhook the float switch, if present, from the side of the pan. This switch may be clamped, clipped or screwed into the side of the pan.

• 4

  Disconnect the drain pipe or hose leading out of the pan, using the pliers, if necessary. Position the new drain pan close by where you can easily access it.

• 5

  Have an assistant lift up the evaporator unit just long enough for you to slide the old pan from underneath the unit and position the new one.

• 6

  Reconnect the float switch to the side of the pan. Reconnect the drain hose to the outlet on the pan.

• 7

  Restore the power for the air conditioning/furnace unit.