18
American Standard Condensate Overflow / Drain Blocked

Error code 18 and furnace shuts down with water present in cabinet or around base

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Clogged condensate trap, Blocked condensate drain line, Cracked condensate pan in secondary heat exchanger, Improperly pitched drain line on American Standard condensing furnace

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn off power before working around water and electrical components.

Error 18 indicates a condensate drainage problem.

  • Inspect and clean trap:
    • Remove the plastic condensate trap.
    • Flush with water and a small brush to remove slime and debris.
  • Clear drain line:
    • Use a wet/dry vacuum at the drain termination to pull out clogs.
    • Ensure the line slopes continuously downward with no sags.
  • Check for pan cracks:
    • Look for leaks around the secondary heat exchanger drain connections.
    • Replace cracked pans or fittings with OEM parts.
  • After cleaning, pour water into the trap to prime it before restarting the furnace.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Condensate Trap Assembly
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