In Florida, our air conditioners have a big job to do. Aside from keeping our homes cool, our AC’s also work tirelessly to keep our homes comfortable against the notorious humidity of the Sunshine State.
But how much maintenance do you really supply for it? Other than occasionally changing the air filters, do you perform routine system checks? At the end of the day, it’s one of your home’s biggest investments, and without proper care, you could inadvertently be shortening its lifespan.
But fear not, Colman readers. With a few cleaning supplies and a little patience, you can, at the very least, learn how to clean your air conditioner’s drain line.
What is an AC Drain Line?
An air conditioner works by absorbing the warm air from inside your home, eliminating the moisture, and cooling the air, before releasing it back out through your vents. With moisture, comes water, of course. Those water droplets from condensation fall from the coils into what’s called a drip pan. The water is then siphoned out of your home through a pipe called the drain line.
What Causes a Clogged AC Drain Line? | AC Drain Line Clogged Symptoms
Since a drain line is a dark, damp, enclosed space, over time, mold and mildew will grow in it. This is especially the case if you don’t clean it routinely. And because water constantly goes through the pipe, the mold eventually becomes an unsightly goopy sludge. As a result, water may start to back up into your air conditioning system, and you could end up with leaks or an AC that doesn’t cool efficiently.
Fortunately, cleaning your air conditioner’s drain line is an easy task you can do yourself with supplies you probably already have in your home. Check out our quick and easy five-step guide to cleaning your AC drain line below.
Call us at (321) 269-4565 or schedule an AC Repair today!
How to Unclog AC Drain Line With Vinegar in 6 Steps | When Should You Use Vinegar for the Air Conditioner?
Step 1. Before you begin cleaning your drain line, turn off your air conditioning system at both the breaker and the thermostat.
Step 2. Locate the drain line. The drain line is the PVC pipe located by the AC’s condenser unit (the big square box outside your home). If you live in an apartment, it’s likely located in the same closet as your water heater. Easy peasy.
Step 3. Clear the debris. Remove any debris that is built up around the drain, where the pan feeds water into the drain pipe. Go outside to see if anything is blocking the end of drainpipe and make sure it’s all clear.
Step 4. Clear internal clogs. There may be debris built up inside the drainpipe, which you might not be able to reach with your hand. Twist off the cap from the top of the drainpipe and use a wire brush to clear the blockage.
Step 5. Flush the drain line with distilled white vinegar. Slowly pour one cup of distilled white vinegar into the drain line’s opening and let the solution sit for 30 minutes. Alternatives to vinegar include hot water, peroxide, or bleach.
Step 6. Turn the Power Back on. Secure the cap back on the drain pipe and turn your AC back on. If this doesn’t get rid of the problem, contact a professional HVAC company.
For less serious clogs, you may want to begin by running a garden hose through the top of the drain pipe, or by using a long plumbing snake to see if either of these methods take care of the issue first.
Algae and bacteria can build up in your drainpipe when not properly maintained, learn how to check for a clogged drain and how to unclog it in this infographic below.
Call Colman Heating & Air for AC Repair in Brevard County
If you’re having issues with your air conditioning system, or would just rather leave drain line cleaning to the professionals, you can rely on Colman Heating & Air. We have been providing the North and Central Brevard County area with quality air conditioning services since 1979 and can address any issues your system has. Call us today at (321) 269-4565 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
