Fix a Sinking Air Conditioner Pad
Updated: May 20, 2019Rescuing a sinking air conditioner pad before it goes under
Leveling a sinking concrete air conditioner pad
The concrete pads under air conditioner and heat exchanger units tend to settle over the years. As long as there’s no strain on the copper coolant tubes and electrical lines, and the unit stays dry and level, it’s OK that the air conditioning concrete pad has sunk. But if the concrete air conditioning pad continues to sink and pulls the lines tight, or if water puddles around the unit, you’ll need to take action.
Try working a long board under one end of the concrete air conditioning pad, lifting it up, then packing sand under it. Do the same on the other end of the concrete air conditioning pad, making the pad as level as possible. Lift the concrete air conditioning pad slowly to avoid cracking it. You won’t need to unhook or remove the air conditioner. However, if the pad breaks apart, have an AC technician disconnect the unit. Then, break up and remove the pad, and install a new leveled-in one. Consider replacing it with a plastic pad. They’re available where air conditioners are sold and online.
Required Materials for this repair a sagging concrete air conditioner pad project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
- 2 x 8 x 10 or other long board
- Sand
