Glossary
Condensate Drain
Definition
A condensate drain removes the moisture that air conditioning and high-efficiency furnaces extract from indoor air during operation. A typical residential AC system produces 5-20 gallons of condensate per day in humid conditions. When condensate drains clog — from algae, mold, or debris — water backs up and can cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and flooring.
Understanding Condensate Drain
Condensate drain clogs are one of the most common and preventable causes of water damage in homes. Many systems have a secondary drain pan with a float switch that shuts off the AC if the primary drain fails, but not all homes have this safety feature. Shipshape's water leak sensors detect condensate overflow immediately, alerting homeowners and their service professional before water damage occurs.
Related Terms
Home Health Score
A Home Health Score is a 0-100 numerical rating that represents the overall condition of a home's critical systems. Generated by Shipshape's AI after a Home Health Assessment, it gives homeowners and service professionals a clear, at-a-glance view of what needs attention now, what can wait, and what is in good shape.
Proactive Home Maintenance
Proactive home maintenance is the practice of monitoring, inspecting, and servicing home systems before they fail, rather than waiting for breakdowns to occur. According to U.S. Department of Energy data, proactive maintenance reduces repair costs by up to 40% compared to reactive approaches.
Learn more about Intelligent Home Management
Read the definitive guide to how AI and smart sensors are transforming home care.
Read the IHM Guide