If you see anything that would cause a clog in the drain line, use a snake to clear it out. You can use a flashlight to illuminate the pipe if you have trouble seeing it.
If you have a very stubborn clog that doesn't come out with a shop vac and water, then you can try using a drain snake. Push the drain snake down into the drain line access near the air handler. Make sure the that the drain snake does not go towards your air handler or you could potentially damage the evaporator coil.
Pour Vinegar or Cleaner: - If the vacuum method doesn't work, pour a cup of vinegar or a specialized A/C drain line cleaner into the drain line. - If using vinegar, let it sit for about 30 minutes to help dissolve any buildup. Flush with Water: - After the vinegar has sat, flush the line with water.
Locate the white plastic pipe that leads outside, then check for any blockages like debris or ice. Defrost ice with warm water, not boiling, and use a rod or wire to push through the obstruction. If that doesn't work, call a pro with specialist equipment.
Flush Condensate Drain Line
The repair cost to have the drain line flushed runs between $75 to $250.
All right, so in summary, don't use bleach; use vinegar. That helps with any mildew growth—keeps you running clean. It's not going to actually clean your A/C drain, but it can prevent some backups.
Water and Dish Soap
Dish soap and water, of course! Use a mixture of both to clean your AC drain line. The dish soap will help to break down the dirt and debris, while the water will flush it away.
If the drain line is clogged, your AC won't be able to cool your home effectively. Ineffective cooling increases humidity levels, and you'll experience warmer temperatures. There's water pooling around your indoor AC unit. As warm air passes over your AC's evaporator coils, condensation naturally occurs.
Over time, debris, mold, and algae can build up in these lines, causing clogs and potential damage to your AC unit. The good news is that you can easily tackle this task using a simple and eco-friendly solution: vinegar.
Using Bleach in Your AC Drain
Be sure to use a minimum of 2 cups once or twice per year. Be advised, however, that some newer units no longer recommend bleach or vinegar due to oxidation/degradation concerns. In these cases, boiling water is recommended.
Remember, while some maintenance tasks can be done yourself, others should be left to professionals. In conclusion, it's normal for your AC to drip water outside as it's a byproduct of the cooling and dehumidification process. However, if the unit leaking water is excessive or unusual, this could indicate a problem.
To unclog an AC drain line, turn off the power to the unit. Locate the drain line and use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the clog. Flush the line with water using a garden hose or cup of water. Check and clean the drain pan under the indoor unit.
If your plumber snake isn't clearing the clog properly, try: Cleaning the drain snake. If you haven't cleaned it since using it last, the old clog may still be embedded on the corkscrew end. You must clean this end for it to be effective.
Many HVAC professionals suggest that you avoid using harsh chemicals such as Drano to unclog the block.
Before you panic, rest assured that white slime isn't uncommon. It's a biofilm composed mainly of bacteria called Zooglea. Zooglea forms a protective layer around itself, thriving in the dark, damp environment of your AC's drain pan.
AutoZone carries an AC flush tool in their Loan-A-Tool program, part number 57377. This tool allows you to fill AC flush solution into the bottle, and then use compressed air to blast this solution through the AC components, flushing any debris out.
Drain Line Material
Chlorine bleach can quickly eat away at not only the line but the glue and cement joining the line to the fittings and the condensation pan. If your drain line is PVC, stick to white distilled vinegar for clearing clogs and debris, particularly during winter.
Several factors can contribute to a clogged AC drain line: Algae Growth: Warm, moist environments are ideal for algae growth. Over time, algae can accumulate and block the AC drain line. Debris Buildup: Dirt, dust, and other debris can accumulate in the AC drain line, reducing its capacity.
Effects on Metal and PVC Pipes
While harmless for most metal and PVC pipes, prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of vinegar might corrode certain metals, like copper. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can withstand these substances without damage.
Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
This can help break down the clog, making it easier to pass on its own. After the 30 minutes is up, flush the drain with water to ensure everything is flowing as it should.
Call Service Champions for Emergency AC Repair
We provide residential AC repair in San Jose, Sacramento, and other parts of Northern California. Call 833-600-0991 or schedule your visit online whether you need a condensate drain line unclogged, an AC thermostat repair, or an air conditioner replaced.
You should flush your AC drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup. Keeping your AC drain line clean prevents clogs, backups, mold growth, and extra wear on your AC unit.
Some homes may have a drain pan condensate safety switch that will automatically shut down the indoor unit if the water level inside the drain pan begins to rise, to help prevent water damage from a clog. But, if your system doesn't have this safety switch, it will continue running with a clogged drain line.