As a premier air conditioning company in West Palm Beach, Florida, we frequently encounter recurring issues related to A/C malfunctions in high-rise condominiums and apartments. In residential homes, similar issues can arise with main drains affecting multiple areas of the house.
Recently, we responded to a service call at a high-rise condominium in West Palm Beach where we were tasked with addressing a leaky air handler on the ground floor. Upon inspection, we discovered that the root cause of the problem was not the air handler itself but rather a malfunction in the building’s “common drain.”
Common drain issues are a common occurrence in South Florida’s multifamily buildings, and today, we aim to shed light on this matter. Common area drains typically run vertically throughout a building, serving multiple units and falling under the responsibility of the Association for repairs.
It’s crucial to note that while common drains are the Association’s responsibility, if the issue originates from a pipe servicing only your unit branching off the common pipe, the repairs become your responsibility.
Since these common drains serve multiple units within a building tier, a problem with a common drain will likely manifest as symptoms in more than one unit. If you and your neighbors are experiencing similar inefficiencies in condensate draining at your air handler locations, it’s indicative of a common area pipe or vent issue. In such cases, reaching out to your board or management company for assistance in rectifying the problem is recommended.
Clogged common drains can significantly impact the draining capacity of your A/C system’s condensate line. Below the first floor, a clogged main drain can lead to severe backup problems and potential leakage in the air handler closet. Common area blockages are often caused by non-soluble particulates or algae buildup over time.
With over 27 years of experience, Advanced Cooling and Heating Inc. has been dedicated to serving the needs of condo residents.
