Many people don’t know this, but your AC does more than just cool your home. It also removes humidity in your home so that the inside climate is ideal for you to live in. But sometimes, the part of your AC responsible for removing that access humidity gets clogged. It’s important to keep this part unclogged for reasons beyond dehumidifying your home. A clogged AC condensate drain line may cause condensation to leak and cause water damage. So, what can you do to prevent this?
What causes AC drain lines to clog?
There are multiple reasons why an AC drain line can clog, but living in Florida, it’s mainly due to humidity. The warm air that blows over the cold evaporator coil on the HVAC unit causes humidity. When condensation travels through the pipe, it creates a perfect environment for algae to accumulate. Central Floridians often keep their AC running 24/7, so it’s more likely to clog. Algae are known to cause issues for your AC, so it’s important to take preventative measures to keep your AC running efficiently.
Another reason AC drain lines clog in Florida is due to rain and storms. Debris from storms can cause leaves and sticks to block your unit’s drain line. With a backup of debris, the AC unit can shut down and negatively affect the system.
Symptoms of a Clogged AC Drain Line
Thankfully, there are signs that your AC drain line may be clogged. The most common symptoms include:
- AC system shutting down or completely turning off
- Water damage in areas near the indoor unit
- Puddles of water near the indoor unit
- Moldy smells near your indoor unit or circulating air from the vents
- AC system not cooling your home
If your AC system isn’t working as it should, it’s usually a sign that something is wrong. But, you don’t have to take care of the problem yourself. Our HVAC professionals are here to help. Call us today to schedule your appointment.
Materials Needed to Unclog Your AC Drain Line
- A stiff, thin wire brush or plumber snake
- A wet/dry shop vac
- Distilled white vinegar
- Rubber gloves
How to Unclog Your AC Drain Line in 3 Easy Steps
You can always call your local AC experts, like us at Complete Air Mechanical in the Central Florida area, but you can also unclog your AC drain line yourself too. It’s pretty straightforward, and you’ll have it done in no time with these three easy steps:
Step 1. Locate Your AC Drain Line
Your AC condensate drain line is typically located near the outside unit of your air conditioning system. Find the drain line access point and remove the plug.
Step 2. Unclog Your AC Drain Line
This process is so simple that the unclogging portion of it happens in the second step. There are several ways you can unclog the drain line. Choose your preferred method out of the following:
- Pour ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar down the drain
- Attach a shop vac to the drain and use it until water flows freely into the collection canister
- Insert a long plumber’s snake into the drain and remove the clog
Step 3. Repeat This Process Every Month
Your AC system requires regular maintenance to run in tip top shape. Making sure your drain line remains unclogged is part of this AC maintenance.
Contact Complete Air Mechanical for AC Service in Central Florida
Some people prefer to do DIY, others don’t. If you’re in the second category, we’re here to help you with your condensate drain line needs and any other AC maintenance you may have.
Call us today at (407) 915-0144 or schedule an appointment online.