How much does it cost to flush the drain line on an air conditioner?

Author: Aimee Farrell  |  Last update: Thursday, May 29, 2025

The repair cost to have the drain line flushed runs between $75 to $250.

How much does it cost to flush a drain line?

According to a . net plumbing job estimator, the national average charge for a professional to service your sewer line is $196-$289. The lower end for a straightforward drain cleaning is $55, with the maximum around $1300. It all depends on the procedure needed to complete the job as to what the price quote could be.

How often should an AC drain line be cleaned?

You can prevent a clogged AC drain by performing routine cleaning. By pouring a ¼ cup of vinegar into your AC's drain line, you will kill any mold, algae, mildew, and other forms of bacteria or fungi, preventing it from forming a buildup and causing a clog. Repeat this monthly for the best results.

How much does it cost to unclog a drain line in the AC unit?

The repair cost to have the drain line flushed runs between $75 to $250.

Who fixes AC drain line?

A clogged AC drain line is a fairly common cause of system malfunction, and unclogging an AC drain line is often an easy issue to fix for a qualified HVAC contractor.

How to Clean Your AC Condensate Drain Line

How to clear a clogged AC drain line?

How to Unclog Your AC Drain Lines in 9 Steps
  1. Turn Off Your Air Conditioner. ...
  2. Locate the Drain Line Pipe. ...
  3. Remove the Cap From the Pipe. ...
  4. Inspect the Drain Line Pipe. ...
  5. Unclog the Drain Line Pipe. ...
  6. Pour in Vinegar. ...
  7. Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner. ...
  8. Reconnect the Cap to the Drain Line Pipe.

Should you flush AC lines?

Flushing the AC system of your car is not a step that should ever be skipped, especially when servicing the AC compressor. For an AC system to properly work, the system must be 100% clean of any contaminants, and be 100% refrigerant and oil only. Any deviation from this can and will cause compressor and system failure.

Is bleach or vinegar better for an AC drain line?

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.

What happens if you don't clean your AC drain line?

If the drain line gets blocked, you may experience reduced cooling efficiency, water leakage, frozen coils, Mold and mildew growth, and even a shutdown of your entire air conditioning system.

How long to run shop vac on AC drain line?

Wrap the duct tape or cloth towel around the vacuum mouth to make the connection to the drain line airtight (it won't remove the clog otherwise). Run the vacuum for 1–2 minutes and then switch it off. Open the vacuum to make sure you removed what was clogging your line.

What is the best solution for AC drain line?

Water and Dish Soap

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. To use this method, mix a quart of water and a teaspoon of dish soap. Next, pour the mixture into the drain line and allow it to sit for several hours.

How much does a roto rooter charge to clear a drain?

Roto-Rooter costs $100 to $600 on average for minor fixture repairs or clogged plumbing. Roto-Rooter rates for fixing a toilet or sink are less than for unclogging drains and sewer lines. Plumbing services for emergencies like burst pipes cost $1,000 to $3,500.

How much does it cost to flush an AC system?

The price of an automotive AC system flush can vary depending on your vehicle's make and model, but this service typically costs between $150 and $300. AC flush solvent and vacuum pressure run together to clean out the air conditioning unit in your car.

How do I know if my AC lines are clogged?

What Are the Symptoms of a Clogged AC Drain Line?
  1. Standing water near your air conditioner's condenser unit.
  2. A moldy smell around the drain or from your system's vents and registers.
  3. Water damage around the unit.
  4. An air conditioner that shuts off unexpectedly.
  5. An HVAC system that is not effectively cooling your home.

Should AC drain line be dripping?

In most cases you should expect to see water dripping out of your AC's primary condensate drain line (PVC elbow near the home's foundation). This is especially true when the humidity in your home is higher, like during monsoon in Arizona.

How often should I clear my AC drain line?

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.

How much does it cost to unclog an AC drain line?

Average Unclog AC Drain Line Cost

Typical unclog ac drain line costs can range anywhere from $75-$250. In the case that the evaporator coil needs replacing, you are would pay between $400 to $950.

Can I snake a clogged AC drain line?

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.

How much psi to clear an AC drain line?

Method #2: Blowing out the Condensate Line with 30 PSI of Compressed Air using an Extended Tip. To get a better seal inside the tubing, wrap the end of the extended tip with electrical tape.

How much does it cost to replace drain lines?

Average Cost:

Repairing or replacing a small section of drain pipe can typically run between $250 and $1,250. Repairing larger sections or breaks can run between $400 and $1,500, with that cost going higher based on complexity of the repair.

Who to call for clogged AC drain line?

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.

Why does my AC drain line keep clogging?

AC drain lines clog due to a backup of debris as well, but it's not usually food particles or kid's toys. Leaves and other yard debris can block the drain line. Another contributor to clogs is condensation. Condensation occurs primarily because the evaporator coil stays wet as it wrings moisture out of incoming air.

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