Removing the Drain Pan on a Symbio Precedent Unit
B.0 and C.0 Cabinets (6 to 12.5T)
- Drain pan is reversible allowing condensate drain connection on either the access or non-access side.
- Condensate drain connection can also exit through the base.
D.0 Cabinets (12.5 to 25T)
- Drain pan is not reversible.
- Condensate drain connection is only on the access side.
Steps for how to remove the condensate drain pan:
Most Precedent drain pans are slide‑out assemblies located beneath the evaporator coil. The exact steps vary slightly by tonnage and model. The following are the general process steps:
1. Shut down and secure the unit
- Follow all appropriate Safety protocols including lockout/tagout procedures.
- Turn off power at the disconnect.
- Allow any standing water in the pan to drain if possible.
2. Disconnect the condensate connection from the drain pan
There are different types of condensate connections:
- Flexible hose → Simply pull off hose connection.
- Rigid PVC → Loosen or cut the connection if necessary. (connection may be slip-fit or glued)
- Stainless Steel drain pan threaded connection → Unscrew the threaded connection.
- Confirm that the drain line is clear or disconnected as needed to allow movement.
3. Remove the access panel(s) & Center post
- Remove the evaporator / indoor fan access panel on the unit’s front side. (Marked with a 1 in picture below)
- Remove the heat section access panels on the unit's front side. (Marked with a 2 and 3 in the picture below)
- Remove the center post which also holds the drain pan in place and prevents it from slide out removal.(Marked with a 4 in the picture below)
4. Remove condensate overflow switch and/or condensate switch bracket
- Most Precedent units secure the drain pan with one screw in the condensate overflow bracket. This allows the condensate switch to remain attached to the bracket.
- It might be easier to simply loosen the nut on the condensate overflow switch and slide it out of the mounting bracket slot.
- The drain pan fits in-between slide‑in guide channels on both sides.
5. Slide the drain pan out
- Ensure there are no sensor wires or other Symbio harnesses obstructing the pan.
- Once the condensate overflow switch and/or bracket have been removed pull the pan straight out along its rails.
- If the pan catches, ensure the drain tube isn’t binding. May need to unstick pan from base.
- Once the connection is free, the pan can be removed completely for cleaning or replacement.
WARNING:
Information in this article is intended for use by individuals possessing adequate backgrounds of electrical and mechanical experience and who comply with all federal, state, and local laws, rules, orders, or regulations related to the installation, service, or repair of a heating or central air conditioning product. Any attempt to install, service, or repair a heating or central air conditioning product may result in personal injury and/or property damage. The manufacturer or seller cannot be responsible for the interpretation of the information contained herein, nor can it assume any liability in connection with its use.