Bleach for Cleaning an AC Drain
- Bleach and Window Units Using bleach to clear clogs in the condensation drain on window-mounted air conditioners can potentially cause damage. ...
- Odor Bleach and vinegar both have characteristic odors. ...
- Drain Line Material During the colder months, bleach should not be used for drain lines that are made of PVC or ABS plastic. ...
- Preventative Maintenance ...
Can You flush your AC with bleach?
To ensure that your AC does not circulate chemical-infused air, you should flush the condensate drain with water repeatedly. If your AC drain is made of PVC pipe, you should avoid using bleach as it can melt away its inner lining. It can also break the cement joining between the drain pan and line.
Can I use bleach in my air conditioner vent pipe?
Bleach, diluted, is ok to use but NOT on coils and only on PVC piping. As she shows in video, ok to pour it into the vent pipe. Do this once a year. Also, her video does not show a P-trap or overflow line coming from the unit – strange. This overflow line should go to a drain pan under the unit and then the open drain line to the outside.
What happens if you put bleach in your AC drain line?
Using bleach or vinegar can be especially risky if you think your AC drain line is clogged. If the drain line is clogged, the corrosive mixture will simply back up in your drain line and flow into your drain pan, which in turn can damage your evaporator coil.
How often should I bleach my air conditioner?
Bleaching should not be done too often because excessive use can be corrosive to metal components of the air conditioner, condensate drain pan and drain pipes. In general, check your air conditioner before you start it up for the warm-weather season and after the season ends.
How often should you pour bleach in your AC?
Using Bleach in Your AC Drain Be sure to use a minimum of 2 cups once or twice per year. Be advised, however, some newer units no longer recommend bleach or vinegar due to oxidation/degradation concerns. In these cases, boiling water is recommended.
Where do I put the bleach in my air conditioner?
Just pour a cup of bleach in the drain line's access opening near the indoor air conditioning unit. This will kill any algae, mold or mildew that has formed in the pipe. If the condensate drain line is clogged, you will need to use a wet-dry vacuum or a special pump to unclog the line.
Why do you put bleach in AC unit?
Luckily, you can clean your AC drain line with bleach or vinegar (or even peroxide) to dissolve the clog and remove any bacterial buildup.
Is bleach or vinegar better for AC drain line?
Cleaning AC Drain Line We recommend using vinegar instead of a bleach solution because bleach can cause corrosion if you have copper tubing in your AC's drain line. In addition, spilling bleach can ruin your carpet or clothing, whereas vinegar does not harm; it just leaves an odor.
Can I pour bleach in my AC drain?
For many years the recommendation for cleaning the drain line has been to use bleach or white vinegar with hot water as a cleaning solution. These two chemicals work well in clearing the pipe. The ratio is 50/50. Repeating this several times should remove a small blockage.
Can bleach damage PVC pipes?
During the colder months, bleach should not be used for drain lines that are made of PVC or ABS plastic. Chlorine bleach can quickly eat away at not only the line but the glue and cement joining the line to the fittings and the condensation pan.
How do you get mold out of air conditioner vents?
0:341:18How To Clean Mold From AC Vents - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSolution in this case I'm using just some Dawn dishwashing liquid with water. Next just dip yourMoreSolution in this case I'm using just some Dawn dishwashing liquid with water. Next just dip your sponge in a cleaning solution and begin to wipe the surface of the vent. Continue to wipe the vent.
How do I keep my air conditioner drain clear?
Keep your drain line clean by flushing it with vinegar solution every three months. You can also use warm water. Refrain from using bleach, however, as they can damage the PVC plastic pipes, as well as break down the cement joining the fittings together.
How do I flush my home AC system?
How to Flush My AC Drain Line with VinegarTurn off your AC system. Turn off the system at the thermostat and the breaker.Find the condensate drain line. ... Find the drain line's access point. ... Flush the AC drain line with vinegar. ... Let the vinegar sit for 30 minutes.Flush it with water and see if it flows properly.
How much bleach should I pour down my AC drain?
2:163:08What should I use to Clean My AC Drain Line? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut in a funnel. Take your weight in agur. Pour a good amount like I say half a cup to a cup. TakeMorePut in a funnel. Take your weight in agur. Pour a good amount like I say half a cup to a cup. Take your funnel. Out cap it back up and you're done if you wanted to you can flush it through this little
Can I put bleach in my condensate pump?
Sometimes it has a cap on it and sometimes it is just open to the drain. Put a funnel in the "T" and pour a quart or two of bleach into the drain. Go slowly as to allow the bleach to kill the mold and mildew . This should be done once a year at least.
How do you add bleach to a condensate pump?
Sometimes it has a cap on it and sometimes it is just open to the drain. Put a funnel in the "T" and pour a quart or two of bleach into the drain. Go slowly as to allow the bleach to kill the mold and mildew . This should be done once a year at least.
How much vinegar do I put in my AC drain line?
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 do I get rid of black mold in my air conditioner?
Fill a plastic bucket with a few gallons of hot water and about 1/2 cup of household bleach. Saturate a scrubbing sponge in the bleach solution and use it to wipe the inside surfaces of the AC unit, removing all traces of visible mold. The bleach will kill residual mold spores.
How do you get mold out of air conditioner vents?
0:341:18How To Clean Mold From AC Vents - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSolution in this case I'm using just some Dawn dishwashing liquid with water. Next just dip yourMoreSolution in this case I'm using just some Dawn dishwashing liquid with water. Next just dip your sponge in a cleaning solution and begin to wipe the surface of the vent. Continue to wipe the vent.
How to clear a clogged drain line?
Use a Vinegar Solution: if you’re dealing with a stubborn clog that needs some help, try a solution of 1 cup warm water and one cup white vinegar. Use a funnel to pour the solution into your drain line’s access point, then wait 30 minutes before flushing with warm, clean water.
What causes a condensate line to overflow?
As both temperatures and humidity levels rise, contaminants like dust, pollen and other types of debris can block up your A/C drain line, causing water to flow back into your unit’s overflow pan. Aside from the risk of water damage to your home and system, ...
Can bleach corrode a condensate drain?
Furthermore, if your drain line uses copper piping instead of PVC piping, bleach will corrode the copper as well. Cleaning out a unit’s condensate drain line is a maintenance task that should be performed often.
Can bleach be used in AC drain line?
While homeowners can often bust clogs themselves, there are a few things to know before pouring bleach in AC drain line. Read on to learn the cons of using bleach and what you can do instead.
Should I Use Bleach in AC Drain Line?
While it’s often recommended that homeowners use a bleach solution to flush out a clogged drain line, this could be detrimental. Bleach contains chemicals that corrode metal. As the drain line access point is close to your unit’s evaporator coil, any spillage or backflow can cause your evaporator coil to corrode. Furthermore, if your drain line uses copper piping instead of PVC piping, bleach will corrode the copper as well. Cleaning out a unit’s condensate drain line is a maintenance task that should be performed often. If you have copper piping and use bleach repeatedly, your drain line will eventually need to be replaced.
What is the name of the pipe that drains water from an air conditioner?
Every air conditioner system has a drain line, also known as condensate pipe, responsible for draining excess water from the condenser.
Where is the drain line for AC?
Step 2: Spot your AC drain line, which is usually a white, T-shaped PVC tube. It is generally located inside a utility closet or a garage or attic. In some cases, you might find it under a removable access panel.
Can vinegar be used to clean AC drains?
Pouring just one cap full of vinegar down your AC drain can kill mold, bacteria, and algae growth. Thus, vinegar remains a safe yet effective cleaning agent here.
Can you use vinegar instead of bleach?
We recommend using vinegar instead of a bleach solution because bleach can cause corrosion if you have copper tubing in your AC’s drain line. In addition, spilling bleach can ruin your carpet or clothing, whereas vinegar does not harm; it just leaves an odor.
How to fix a bent air conditioner fin?
Straighten the fins: If you've got bent fins on your air conditioner, fix 'em! You just need to pick up a fin comb at your local hardware store and use it .
Can you clean mold from an air conditioner?
Air conditioners can grow mold and start to blow smelly, unhealthy air into your home if not cleaned properly. Fortunately, a windowed unit doesn't cost much to keep clean; you just need a bleach and water solution and the right approach.
Does cleaning condenser coils affect air quality?
Therefore, cleaning them has no effect on the air quality indoors. It might help the efficiency improve a little if they were really clogged, but bleach is not called for.
Is vinegar bad for drains?
Bleach vapor can actually be harmful if it is inhaled, whereas vinegar is more a nuisance than a danger. Vinegar is typically easier to rinse out of a drain line after you are done cleaning.
Can bleach be used on drain lines?
Drain Line Material. During the colder months, bleach should not be used for drain lines that are made of PVC or ABS plastic. Chlorine bleach can quickly eat away at not only the line but the glue and cement joining the line to the fittings and the condensation pan.
Can you bleach an AC drain?
Bleach for Cleaning an AC Drain. Air conditioners, whether they are window or central units, dehumidify the air as a byproduct of their cooling method. As they dehumidify, they remove moisture from the air and drain it through a condensate drain.
Can you use bleach on a condenser?
Mold, mildew and algae will grow in your air conditioner condensation drain year-round. Using bleach during the summer months is safe as long as the unit is operating because the constant flow of condensation will wash out any bleach residue. Pouring bleach into the drain when the unit is not operating can leave residual bleach, which will damage the drain pan and line. Using vinegar for preventative maintenance throughout the year will keep your drain clean and clear and will not damage your line.
What happens if you put bleach in your evaporator coil?
So what happens if a corrosive chemical such as bleach or vinegar comes into contact with your evaporator coil? It's going to corrode! Using bleach or vinegar can be especially risky if you think your AC drain line is clogged. If the drain line is clogged, the corrosive mixture will simply back up in your drain line and flow into your drain pan, ...
How to get a clogged evaporator coil out of a shop vac?
Use A Drain Snake. If you have a very stubborn clog that doesn't come out with a shop vac and water, then you can try using a drain snake. Push the drain snake down into the drain line access near the air handler. Make sure the that the drain snake does not go towards your air handler or you could potentially damage the evaporator coil.
Can you use bleach to clean AC drains?
Despite it being common for people to recommend using a vinegar or bleach solution to clean your AC drain lines, we're going to tell you why it's not a good idea.
Can you use bleach on AC drain lines?
AC Drain Line Clogged? Don’t Use Bleach Or Vinegar Until You Read This
Do you need to clean your AC drain line?
So you definitely need to be cleaning your AC drain line regularly.
Does Comfort Club have AC preventative maintenance?
If all of this sounds "nice", but you just don't have the time or desire to do this on a regular basis, then we invite you to sign up for our Comfort Club annual AC preventative maintenance program.
Can bleach damage evaporator coils?
If the drain line is clogged, the corrosive mixture will simply back up in your drain line and flow into your drain pan, which in turn can damage your evaporator coil. So if using bleach or vinegar can damage your evaporator coil, what should you do instead?
Where to Pour Bleach in the AC Drain?
The drain line for your air conditioner unit is present on the outer wall, near the air handler unit. Here, you will spot a PVC pipe with a closed lid at the end. The drain line access point is where you need to add it in.
How Much Bleach to Add to AC Drain Line?
Otherwise, you might end up damaging the evaporator coil. You can mix 1/4th cup of bleach with 1 cup of warm water for optimum results.
How to Clean AC Drain Line with Vinegar?
Most people don’t realize that calling for the maintenance company is unnecessary each time your condensate drain line is clogged. If bleach is unavailable, you can also use another easily found kitchen ingredient, i.e., vinegar.
How to Prevent Clogged AC Drain Line in Future?
There are several ways to ensure that the condensate drain line does not get clogged. Here are a few of them:
Is It Safe to Pour Bleach Down the AC Drain?
Yes, it is safe to pour it down the AC drain if done correctly. Bleach has antimicrobial properties that can help clear the pathway to your unit’s condensate drain pipe. But you need to be mindful about not pouring it closer to the evaporator coil.
How to clean a clogged condensate drain?
Feeling Brave Enough to Combat Your Own Clog? 1 Locate your condensate drain line. 2 Using a wet/dry vac you’ve previously removed the paper filter from, connect the attachment from the vacuum to the drain line using duct tape or simply wrapping a cloth tightly around it with your hand. 3 Run the wet/dry vac for a few seconds to a few minutes until the drain is clear.
How to clean a condensate filter?
Using a wet/dry vac you’ve previously removed the paper filter from, connect the attachment from the vacuum to the drain line using duct tape or simply wrapping a cloth tightly around it with your hand. Run the wet/dry vac for a few seconds to a few minutes until the drain is clear.
Where Can I Find My Drain Tube to Clean It?
The AC drain line should be located near the outside unit, leading from your AC unit’s evaporator coil. It is typically a ¾ inch PVC pipe – however some drain lines may be copper.
How to clean gunk off of a drain line?
After the gunk has been removed from your drain line, get in the habit of performing a little DIY maintenance. Simply open up the drain line clean out or T on your inside unit and pour a 50/50 warm water and bleach mixture OR warm water and vinegar solution through the line. Be sure to use a minimum of 2 cups once or twice per year.
What causes water to back up in AC line?
Mucus-like algae, mold, mildew, and even ice in extreme temperatures, can build up inside your condensation drain line forming a clog that causes water to backup into lines, your AC unit, and eventually your home. If you need a flotation device to traverse your carpet, the AC condensate drain line is a likely culprit.
Should AC drain lines be angled down?
If you don’t want to fork out tons of dough to repair water damage in your home, it would be a wise idea to perform a little maintenance on your AC drains lines. Drain lines should be properly angled down and kept clear of mud, grass and debris for water to flow out properly.
What to do if condensate drain is clogged?
If the condensate drain line is clogged, you will need to use a wet-dry vacuum or a special pumpto unclog the line.
Why do you need to perform routine maintenance on a central air conditioner?
A central air conditioner ‘s condensate drain line is crucial to its functioning. That’s why you need to perform routine maintenance to prevent it from clogging. We’ll talk about how to do that, but first, it’s important to understand how central air conditioning works.
How to tell if a condensate drain line is working?
Walk outside your home and look at the condensate drain line. At any given moment, especially during humid weather, you should see water dripping from it. That’s the drain line in action!
How does an air conditioner work?
In addition to cooling your home, an air conditioner removes moisture from the air. This process lowers the humidity level inside your house. Any excess condensed water is removed from the air conditioning unit through a small drain pipe that extends from the indoor air handler to outside your home.
Does an air conditioner lower humidity?
In addition to cooling your home, an air conditioner removes moisture from the air. This process lowers the humidity levelinside your house.
