Clogged AC Drain Line? Here’s What You Can Do to Fix the Issue!

When the evaporator in your AC unit is converted from liquid to gas, some water gets released. This water then gets drained through the AC drain line to ensure that the system continues to function well.

Water encourages the growth of mold and algae, and this situation is worsened by the presence of muck that accumulates in the drain line over time and eventually leads to its blockage. A clogged AC drain line prevents the unit from operating efficiently.

Here’s what you can do to identify and fix the problem, then, call the pros if needed.

Identifying a Clogged AC Drain Line

A clogged AC drain line does not function efficiently and this will cause musty odors, elevated humidity levels, and water damage in the house.

Cleaning a Clogged AC Drain Line

Cleaning the line will remove blockages and prevent mold and algae from growing in it. To clean a clogged drain line, you will need a funnel, distilled vinegar, a wet/dry vacuum, and some rags. Here are the steps to be followed.

Step 1: Turn off the Power

This is a very important step in cleaning clogged AC drain line. Before you do anything, ensure that you turn off the power to the system at the breakers and at the thermostat. This will ensure that you don’t suffer from electric shock as you go about the cleaning process.

Step 2: Remove the Moisture/Water

Find the condensate pan and clean it. It is usually covered by a removable access panel, or it can be found directly under the unit. Use a shop or hand-held vacuum to remove the moisture from the pan. You can also use rags to soak up the water in the pan, and if you like, you can clean it with soap.

Step 3: Unclogging the AC Drain Line

At this stage, you can use suction to remove the clog by pulling it through the drain opening which is outside your house. The opening is usually found near the foundation of the house.

To increase the suction pressure, place your hand around the pipe and hold it tightly. Start the suction and let it run for a minute then check if the clog is collected in the vacuum canister. You can repeat the suction until all the clog is removed, that’s how to clean AC drain lines.

Step 4: Inspect the Drain

Go to the access point on the drain line and remove the cover so you can inspect the drain for any blockage. Take some distilled vinegar and use it to flush the drain then use peroxide to remove any bad odor and to bubble away from any remaining debris. Flush the pipe with water to complete the cleaning process. Let someone stand outside and confirm to you whether the water is moving freely.

Always Keep Your AC Drain Line Clean

You don’t need to wait until your AC drain line is clogged to clean it. You should always inspect it and do routine maintenance to ensure it is clean and in good working condition. In case your system gets clogged or damaged, you can contact us to help you clean and/or repair it.