how do you clear an ac drain pipe

How to Clean an Air Conditioner Drain Line: Step by Step.

• Turn off your air conditioner. Shut down the thermostat and flip the lever of your breaker to the “off” position.
• Look for the inch-long PVC pipe, typically white, gray or black in color. Follow this pipe to the end where it drains all the water. This should be ...
• Once you have situated the drain line, look for the access point. Most drain lines have T-shaped tees with a cap/cover. Remove this cap and look for ...
• Start pouring the vinegar inside. If you have distilled white vinegar, use this since its increased acidity is better for cleaning buildups. Cleaning ...

Full Answer

How to clean your AC drain line?

How to Clean your AC Drain Line: Step by Step

1. Turn off the Power of your AC. First of all, you have to switch off the air conditioner at the thermostat. ...
2. Manually Remove any Blockages if Possible. Now, you have to find the drain line’s endpoint outside your house. ...
3. Attach a Vacuum to the Drain Line's End. ...
4. Set the Vacuum to High for 6-8 seconds. ...

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What can I use for cleaning the drain pipe?

What can I use for cleaning the drain pipe?

• Plunger. The most basic tool you need to clean and unclog drain pipes is a plunger. ...
• Buy or build a drain snake. Essentially, a drain snake is a long pipe cleaner which you can use to remove things stuck in your drain.
• Vacuum cleaner. ...

How to Clear AC drain tube?

how to unclog ac drain line. Over time your air conditioner (hvac) drain pipe gets clogged up and starts dripping because of the mold, mildew, and algae buil...

How to unclog a drain pipe?

• Place a bucket or large bowl under your P-trap to catch the excess water when you unscrew the pipe.
• To remove a P-trap, use a wrench to unscrew the pipe’s retaining caps. ...
• You can then use a wire or drain snake to push out any debris obstructing the actual pipe.
• Replace the pipe and screw the caps back in place.

How to clear a clogged drain?

Generally, clogged drains can be cleared with suction. If you have a shop vacuum, use it to pull the clog through the drain opening, which is located outside your house near the foundation. Place your hand around the pipe to improve suction and allow the vacuum to run for a minute. Then, check the vacuum canister to see if ...

What happens if your air conditioner drain isn't cleaned?

If the line isn’t properly cleaned, algae and mold can grow inside and clog the drain, causing elevated humidity, musty odors and water damage inside your home.

What to do if you don't have a shop vacuum?

If you don't have a shop vacuum, you can use a piece of surgical tubing to free the blockage. Know that this method doesn't work well if your drain line has sharp turns that are prone to clogs. If your system doesn't have an access vent, use the opening on the edge of the drain pan. This fitting can be removed to improve access.

Where is the condensate pan located?

2. If you have an indoor air handler in your attic or utility closet, you'll need to find the condensate pan. This is usually located directly under the unit. It may also be covered by a removable access panel. 3. If you see standing water in the drain pan, your drain line is probably clogged.

Do HVAC technicians clean drains?

Even HVAC technicians may forget to clean the drain during a regular service call, which means that it's up to you to check and clean the condensate pan and drain line before a problem develops. Cleaning the line will remove clogs and blockages and prevent algae and mold from growing.

How to clean a soiled AC unit?

1. Turn off the power to your AC unit before you clean it. Turn off the AC unit at the thermostat first. Turn off the electrical breaker that powers the unit next. This will prevent any electrical accidents during cleaning.

How to seal a hose and drain?

Wrap a cloth tightly around where they connect and hold it firmly with one hand to make a strong seal. You can also wrap duct tape around the connection to create a tight seal instead of holding the hose and the drain together with a cloth. ...

Where is the exit point for AC?

2. Locate the end of the drain line outside your home. The exit point of the drain line is usually located outside your home near the condenser unit of the AC system . Look for a PVC pipe coming out of the wall of your home and draining into the ground.

Can you vacuum water with a wet vac?

Depending on your model of wet/dry vac, you may be able to vacuum up small amounts of water with the filter in. Just keep in mind that you need to remove it, rinse it thoroughly with clean water, and let it dry completely after vacuuming any water and clogs to prevent mold and mildew from growing on it.

The Purpose of Your AC Condensate Drain Line

Every air conditioner produces condensation. The evaporator coil in the air conditioning unit catches the humidity when air passes over it.

Reasons for a Clogged Condensate Drain Line in an Air Conditioner

An AC drain line is a vital cooling system component, but it’s not without its issues. For instance, if the AC unit’s drain line is clogged, water will accumulate in the air conditioning system instead of outdoors. Dirt, dust, algae, and other debris can collect in the AC condensate drain line unless you flush the line regularly.

Symptoms of a Clogged AC Drain Line

The drain pan for your air handler is full of water, meaning the condensation is backing up into the HVAC system.

6 Steps on How to Clean AC Drain Line

You can free an air conditioner drain clog using items you likely have around the house, such as:

Keep Your AC's Drain Line Clean With Professional HVAC System Maintenance

Though cleaning a clogged drain line in your air conditioning is relatively simple, routine maintenance is the best way to prevent AC drain lines from developing clogs. The skilled HVAC technicians from Service Emperor serving Savannah, GA, and the surrounding areas offer world-class HVAC and refrigeration services at competitive prices.

How to stop clogged AC drain?

You can prevent a clogged AC drain by performing routine cleaning. By pouring a ¼ cup of vinegar into your AC’s drain line, you will kill any mold, algae, mildew, and other forms of bacteria or fungi, preventing it from forming a buildup and causing a clog. Repeat this monthly for the best results.

How to clean a drain line that has been removed?

Flush with distilled vinegar. Add ¼ cup of distilled vinegar to the drain line through the opening where the cap was removed . It’s recommended you use regular distilled white vinegar, as the increased acidity boosts its cleaning properties.

What happens when AC drain pan fills?

Once enough buildup accrues, the blockage will become too large and create a clog in the line , causing water to back up into the AC drain pan. When that condensate drain pan fills, the excess water will overflow and leak into your house, causing water damage issues that can quickly turn into costly home repairs.

Why is my AC drain line clogged?

Clogged AC Drain Line Symptoms and Causes. Because condensation collects in your air conditioner’s drain line, it provides the perfect breeding grounds for mold and algae to thrive. Over time, sludge and buildup form in your condensate drain line. This debris can include mold and mildew, algae, bacteria, fungus and even small plants.

What happens if you don't clean your drain line?

In addition, improper or neglected cleaning of your drain line can cause elevated humidity, musty odors and potentially serious and costly problems with your overall central air conditioning system.

How to get rid of vinegar smell in pipe?

Step 5. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes. Flush the pipe out with water to ensure everything is flowing freely and operating as it should. Step 6.

What is the purpose of condensate drain line?

Ultimately, your condensate line is responsible for removing the condensation that’s produced by the evaporator coil, draining it from the air handler to the outside of your house.