Your A/C condensate drain line is a PVC pipe that exits your house and is typically located near your outdoor air conditioner. The drain line connects to your indoor evaporator coil. The drain line removes the condensation produced by the evaporator coil (This is box attached to your furnace or inside your indoor air handler) and carries it to the outside of your home. But where there’s condensation, there’s always the possibility of mold and bacterial growth. Mold, bacteria, algae, as well as sediment and even insects, can build up inside your drain line. These can form a clog in your condensate line. This will cause the water to back up into your home and will fill the drain pan located under your furnace and coil or air handler. Once the drain pan overflows, well you now have a major mess on your hands!
A clogged A/C drain line is one of the most common problems HVAC technicians are called to homes for during the summer or air conditioning season.
Read below to find out what you to do when your A/C drain line is clogged and how you can prevent it.
What to Do in Five Easy Steps: Check out this short how-to video
- Turn off your air conditioner at both the thermostat and the breaker.
- Find your drain line exit point (remember it’s the PVC pipe attached to your home) and the access point (which is a T-shaped pipe with a cover or cap attached to your indoor unit).
- Check for anything that might have clogged the exit point (this may require a ladder as some units are in the attic – move to step 4 if you don’t have a ladder or feel comfortable climbing). If you can’t find the source of the clog there, then remove the cap to the access point.
- If you can’t see a clog, pour household bleach into the line. Start with a ¼ cup to a ½ cup. Give it 30 minutes and see if anything came out the exit point. If not, try again and see if that clears it out.
- If you still can’t unclog it, you can try attaching a wet-dry vacuum where the line exits your home. (See the video above)
How Do You Prevent a Clogged Drain Line in Fort Mill, SC
Not only should you use the liquid bleach to unclog your A/C drain line, but you should always use it as a preventative measure. Once or twice per summer pour a ½ cup of bleach into the drain from the access point at the indoor unit. This will clean the drain and kill bacteria, mold, and algae growth. Also, it is good to keep to a regular maintenance schedule. R & B Climate Control will service your air conditioning system twice per year to keep it operating at factory specs. They will ensure your unit is clean and functioning efficiently. A little preventative care goes a long way in protecting your air conditioner. Trust who your neighbors trust in Fort Mill, Rock Hill, and Indian Land, SC – R & B Climate Control!