Condensation drip trays: looking at the use of drip trays as a method of controlling air conditioning condensate systems, including the hazards of air conditioning system condensation leaks in buildings.

One method of insuring against possible damage to a building due to a blocked primary condensation outlet pipeline is the installation of a second drain line to empty an overflow tray that you can install beneath the cooling unit.

Damage may result where an air conditioning unit is installed in an attic area where the primary condensation collection and drain equipment may overflow, an additional  drip tray should be installed below the air conditioning equipment to catch overflowing liquid should the primary drain become blocked. The tray should be of sufficient size to capture fluid from any part of the main unit.

The secondary tray should be separate from the primary system and outlet pipework routed to a different destination. You should also consider the discharge pipe outlet being at a point which will be noticed, prompting an inspection.

Joining the two outlets together is not advisable; if the primary outlet pipework gets blocked beyond the secondary drip tray inlet, back flow could occur into the secondary tray and cause a further overflow problem.

If an air conditioning systems primary condensation drip tray is missing or damaged it risks leaks into the attic or ceiling voids where damage to the building can occur. Problems like mould can happen as slow drip leaks into wall cavities causes’ damp build-up. Another area is condensate leaking onto the ceiling of a room located below the equipment. A secondary drip tray should be installed as a matter of course.

Both the wall and the roof insulation itself may become reservoirs of damp where mould can occur and it’s not just the cost of repairing the air-con unit but the associated building costs as well. A secondary drip tray should be installed as a matter of course.

The secondary drip tray should be inspected regularly and if there is evidence of leaks into the condensation drip tray, the air conditioning system should be checked to investigate the cause.

If there is an air-con unit housed in a ceiling void, such as in a shop or a mall retail unit for example, drip trays can be suspended below the main unit to catch any overflow condensation. They should be suspended at a slight angle towards the outlet pipework which is discharged at a point which will be noticed, prompting an inspection.

If the condensation is over an area larger than a single drip tray, a series of trays can be cascade into one another. For example where there is condensation from pipework over a long span.

SERPRO supply a large range of drip trays and spill pans in an array of lengths and depths up to 1.2 meters square. Call us on 01622 236 303 to have a chat about what you need.

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