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Case Study–Drain Line in Augusta Fries Furnace Circuit Board
Overflowing Drain Line Fries Furnace Circuit Board in Augusta
12/29/2025
People often say that when it rains, it pours. That was very true for one Augusta homeowner.
When they went to turn the heat on, they found that their Goodman gas furnace refused to work. It wasn’t just a problem with the furnace, however. It was an issue with their entire furnace and AC condenser split system.
When they found that their furnace wouldn’t turn on, they called upon Augusta’s friendly neighborhood HVAC expert, Bailey's Comfort Services! When we arrived, we found that not only was the furnace’s control board out of commission, but the drain line had clogged as well.
This wasn’t going to be an easy fix.
The Solution: Furnace Repair and AC Drain Line Cleaning
When we examined the system, we found multiple problems. First, the AC’s drain line had been clogged. Second, the furnace’s control board was ruined. In central heating and cooling systems, those two can easily occur together. When the condensate drain overflows, it often leaks onto sensitive electronics, frying them.
Fixing the Furnace
Without a functioning control board, the furnace simply wouldn’t run. As such, the part needed to be replaced. Fortunately, furnace control board replacement is fairly quick. We were able to have the furnace running again in no time!
Taking It a Step Further with AC Drain Line Cleaning
A lesser HVAC company might have just replaced the furnace control board. Bailey's, however, took it a step further and addressed the root cause of its failure. First, we cleared out the AC’s drain line and the emergency drain pan. Then, to prevent further overflow issues, we installed a condensate float switch on the secondary drain.
With the AC drain line cleaning and secondary float switch installation, we not only fixed the problem, but we also made it much less likely to occur again.
AC Maintenance Inspection
To wrap everything up, we performed an air conditioning maintenance inspection. Doing so ensured the entire system would work as intended. Once we were satisfied that the customer’s heating system would continue running long-term, we cleaned up and declared the job complete!
Overflow Problems: When Your AC in Augusta Leaks Water
If your AC has one problem, it will likely lead to others. HVAC systems involve lots of moving parts that depend on one another. When one thing goes wrong, it will have ripple effects over time. In this case, the issue was a clogged drain line. In the end, it stopped their furnace from working. Here’s how that happened:
Air Conditioning and Condensation
As your air conditioning runs, it produces condensation. That’s a normal part of HVAC operation. Modern AC condensers have built-in drain pans to collect that condensation. The pan funnels the water into a drain line, which carries it out of your house.
Again, that’s all standard. Problems start occurring when those drainage systems clog. This often happens due to algae growth or dust mixing in with the condensate.
What Happens When a Condensate Drain Line Clogs?
When it backs up, the results are similar to damming an aqueduct. Water starts pooling until it overflows. While it may not form an entire lake (such as Lake Olmstead), it can still have dramatic results for your home.
As water backs up from the condensate drain line, it fills the drain pan. That can then overflow to a secondary drain line, which is meant to prevent water damage. However, if the water overflow continues, that secondary line can eventually clog up as well. If you have ever wondered why your AC is leaking water, that’s typically why.
Often, the result is water damage. Any surrounding sheet rock can get saturated with water and eventually collapse. If you’re like our Augusta customer and have a central heating and cooling split system, other issues may arise as well.
The AC water leak can affect your furnace, specifically the control board. That board controls everything your furnace does. If it shorts out, your heating system stops working properly. Furnace repair in Augusta becomes necessary.
Getting a Drain Line Cleared
When the condensate line clogs, it can be nasty. The buildup often looks like the sort of stuff you’d scrape off the bottom of Phinizy Swamp—discolored, gross, and full of organic life. It also tends to be packed pretty densely, so it takes a lot of pressure to clear out. You need a professional (like Bailey's) to handle it. If you notice that your AC is leaking, call us for clogged drain line repair in Augusta.
Preventing Clogs and Water Damage
Once a drain line clog is fixed, it’s not enough to just leave it. You want to make sure it never backs up again. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent clogged drain lines, including routine HVAC maintenance and float safety switch installation:
- Routine HVAC Maintenance: The first method is to keep an eye on your HVAC systems. Routine furnace maintenance involves inspections and minor tune-ups to make sure everything is running properly. That includes checking your AC’s condensate drain line. During each visit, the technician will make sure that the line is clear.
- Drain Float Switch Installation: The second method is installing a safety float switch on the drain line. The switch includes a float that rises with the water level. If that water level gets too high—like when the drain line backs up—it sends a signal to your AC to stop running. The end results are no more overflows and less risk of water damage.
We often recommend taking both of these steps. The regular AC maintenance will prevent the most common problems, while the drain float switch will keep the system from ever overflowing again.
Bailey's can help with both. Get in touch to schedule a maintenance visit today!
AC Leaking Near Your Furnace? Call Bailey's!
Put simply, you want to make sure your air conditioner doesn’t leak water near your furnace. Really, you don’t want it leaking anywhere. To avoid the same situation our Augusta customer found themselves in, call a licensed HVAC contractor near you. We have worked in Augusta for 21 years with undeniably paws-itive results. We can unclog your AC’s drain lines, repair your furnace, and perform regular HVAC maintenance checks.
When you need furnace repair or drain line cleaning in Augusta, call us at (706) 343-3999!
Related Questions
Why is my AC leaking water near my furnace?
When the AC condensate drain line clogs, water can overflow into the drain pan and surrounding areas. In homes with a furnace and AC split system, water can drip onto the furnace cabinet or control board, leading to electrical damage.
What causes condensate lines to clog?
Condensate drain lines often clog due to a buildup of algae, mold, dust, and debris that forms as moisture flows through the line. Over time, this organic growth can thicken and restrict drainage. In some cases, a poor line slope allows debris to settle faster, increasing the risk of a blockage.
What can I do to prevent drain line clogs?
The best way to prevent drain line clogs in Augusta is to schedule annual HVAC tune-ups with Bailey's. During maintenance visits, a technician inspects and clears the condensate line before buildup becomes a problem.