It will kill any bacteria or mold present in your drain line, just like vinegar will. Pour one cup of bleach down your drain line every month to help keep it free from clogs. One cup of bleach is the cheapest and easiest way to unclog the drain line in your AC.
Please don't use bleach. It can eat away at the glue in the joints, causing leaks in your drain line. Hot water or 30% vinegar is best. Also, you can occasionally use a wet/dry vacuum to clear the line.
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.
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.
Run a plumber's snake into the drain and down the pipe in the direction of its exit. Twist and remove to break through clogs and pull out debris if possible.
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.
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.
Mix vinegar and water: Create a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water in a container. For example, one cup of vinegar and one cup of water should be sufficient. 3. Pour the solution into the drain line: Carefully pour the vinegar-water mixture into the AC drain line.
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.
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.
Many HVAC professionals suggest that you avoid using harsh chemicals such as Drano to unclog the block.
Flush Condensate Drain Line
The repair cost to have the drain line flushed runs between $75 to $250.
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.
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.
While it's often recommended that homeowners use a bleach solution to flush out a clogged drain line, this could be detrimental. Bleach contains chemicals that corrode metal. As the drain line access point is close to your unit's evaporator coil, any spillage or backflow can cause your evaporator coil to corrode.
Cleaning AC Drain Line
We recommend using vinegar instead of a bleach solution because bleach can cause corrosion if you have copper tubing in your AC's drain line. In addition, spilling bleach can ruin your carpet or clothing, whereas vinegar does not harm; it just leaves an odor.
Just Mix a cup of hydrogen peroxide with a tablespoon of baking soda. Pour this mixture down your drain and let it foam. This should help to break up the clog and clear your drain.
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.
It's recommended you use regular distilled white vinegar, as the increased acidity boosts its cleaning properties. If you find the smell of vinegar foul, you can also use peroxide or hot water and a dash of dish soap.
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.
If a snake is not handy, another suggestion is to use a plunger, baking soda, water, and vinegar solution to unclog the drain. The baking soda, water, and vinegar solution is one of the best natural ways to unclog a drain.