A clogged air conditioner drain line is the most frequent reason for AC system breakdown and requires quick fixing. So, when an AC unit drain line problem transpires, it comes with some warnings that indicate taking quick steps to clean it.
When your AC drain line is clogged, you should immediately clean it to prevent future damage. Therefore, you must know about the essential symbols and signs for AC drain line cleaning.
In this blog, you will get guidance about Major Signs of AC Drain Lines Clogged That Should Not Be Ignored: How to Fix Them? How to Stop AC Drain Line Clogs Before They Start? Why Contact a Professional Technician?
Go through the blog until the end to gain complete knowledge.
Major Signs of AC Drain Lines Clogged:
Leaking Water:
If the AC produces water leaks or water pooling around your indoor air handler or near the unit. This means your AC condensation drain line is clogged.
Reduced Cooling:
When an AC unit’s clogged drain line issue happens, it affects the cooling performance of your AC. If you feel ineffective cooling in your living space, it is consequential to reduced cooling capacity and potentially high energy bills.
Water Damage:
If you notice water damage around your room walls or near the air handler. That means it could be a water stain issue or damage that may show up if the excess isn’t trapped before time.
Moldy and Musty Smells:
While the drain line backs up and passes extreme moisture through the system, mold can grow in the ductwork. This leads to unpleasant smells like mold and mustiness indoors, and it causes the AC unit’s drain line to clog.
Poor Cooling Performance:
In several cases, a clog may involve how well your AC system runs, particularly if the unit has been shut down by a float switch. When your AC system is not cooling efficiently, that means its drain line is clogged.
If you notice any of the above signs with your AC that show your AC drain line is clogged! Then you may get in touch with a professional AC repair services expert to get further assistance.
How to Clean AC Drain Lines Clogged?
Step 1: Switch Off your AC System
Turn off the AC and your home circuit breaker to stop the entire power supply. Ensure that no electrical supply or current is flowing through the system while you operate it.
Step 2: Locate the Access Point for the Drain Line
You should notice the access point of your system’s drain line. Usually, access points are found close to the outdoor condenser unit or indoor air handler. A quick look at a PVC pipeline, a T-shaped one, and then start the cleaning method. Therefore, in moist climates where condensation levels are high, the issue of clogged drain lines is normal and may lead to AC breakdown.
Step 3: Eliminate the Drain Line Cap & Confirm for Clogs
Then eliminate the drain line cap to easily gain access to the interior of the AC system drainpipe. Make use of gloves to keep away from contact with any impure water that is created in the line. After removing the cap, inspect the pipe for any observable blockages or clogs.
If you observe any debris, algae, or mold that is created inside the pipeline, then unclog the drain line. You can do it by using a simple wire tube brush manually.
Step 4: Eradicate the Blocked Drain Line
Eradicate the clogged drain pipeline by utilizing a vacuum, whether it’s dry or wet. Begin by simply attaching a wet or dry vacuum hose to the end of your AC drain line. Make use of tube tape and apply it around the vacuum hose pipe to seal it accurately. Then, turn on your vacuum and hold it for a while until you aspirate any water or dirt accumulated in the line.
Step 5: Use a Chemical Cleaner to Spotless the Drain Line
After that, it’s important to disinfect the AC drain line to stop future clogs. Pour a solution of water or a chemical solution, such as distilled bleach or white vinegar, to clean the drain line. The solution will help destroy any residual bacteria, mold, or algae remaining in the pipe.
Step 6: Turn On the Air Conditioner
Once the drain has been cleaned and tested, turn the AC unit back on at the thermostat or circuit breaker. Authorize your system to be put in place appropriately, and the water flows liberally right through the drain line.
However, in case your AC system unit does not perform cooling correctly or water persists in backing up,. Then you should get in touch with a professional expert to get AC maintenance services for further help.
How to Stop AC Drain Line Clogs Before They Start?
To stop AC drain line clogs before they begin and also keep your AC running properly, you will have to do regular maintenance. Follow these instructions to stop future drain line blockages.
Clean the AC Unit Area:
You must clean your air conditioner unit area, particularly around the outdoor condenser unit, to remove debris and dust. Keep the unit area clean. This helps prevent bacteria and other harmful materials from entering the drain line.
Regular Air Filter Changes:
Timely change your AC filters every 1-2 months or more frequently to prevent dust and debris, which are major culprits behind clogged drain lines.
Protection Switch:
Try to install a safety switch that will repeatedly shut off the AC unit if the drain line becomes clogged. This would help stop any further damage.
Clean the Drain Line:
It’s significant to clean the AC system drain pipeline spotlessly every 1-2 months. To clean the drain line, you should pour a combination of vinegar and bleach solution measuring one cup. The solution will aid in destroying accumulated bacteria, mold, and algae in the system.
Professional Maintenance:
To efficiently stop AC drain line clogs before they start, you will have to schedule annual maintenance. Get in touch with certified and professional AC repair technicians to get help, identify potential issues, and fix them quickly.
Why Contact a Professional Technician?
If you are uncomfortable with the AC drain line by yourself, or if your AC unit is still not cooling correctly, or if there is still water persisting in the backup? Then, it’s time to call a professional AC Repair Service Provider and schedule an appointment to check your AC drain line. The qualified and certified technician knows how to unclog an AC drain line by using tools and knowledge. Hence, technicians are experts at quickly diagnosing AC systems to find actual problems and provide instant service to fix them.