Air conditioners have been making our lives easier. They can make the hottest days seem pleasant. But what if your AC broke down? Or start to give off a musty smell? A broken-down air conditioner can be a nuisance.
At times, the breakdown might result from a component issue. These components might need replacement or repair so the AC can function properly. However, in many cases, a clogged drain line will be the main culprit.
While it might sound daunting to you, a clogged drain line can be easily resolved with basic tools at home within $30!
If you’re someone who loves to fix things up yourself, this article is for you. Here, we will cover the symptoms of a clogged drain line and delve into a step-by-step method to clear your air conditioner’s drain line. So, let’s begin!
Air Conditioner Drain Line Clogged Symptoms
It doesn’t take much to detect whether your AC is giving you trouble because of a clogged drain line. The accumulation of water is a clear enough indication of the issue. However, if you’re still unsure, here are some signs that you could look out for to verify that a clogged drain line is in fact the only issue you’re dealing with:
1. Cooling Issue
If your air conditioner is not cooling properly, it is a clear indication that there is a problem with the unit. In many cases, the air conditioning unit suddenly shuts down or does not start. If it is still working while the drain line is clogged, it will be pulling in more electricity.
2. Water Damage
A clogged condensate means that the water doesn’t drain off where it is supposed to. But if the AC is working, it needs to dispose of the water that is being accumulated. In many cases, you will see water dripping from the AC inside the house.
At times, the water would be trickling down your walls. You will need to inspect areas around your air conditioner to see signs of water damage to be sure of the drain line issue.
3. Humidity Levels
If your drain line is clogged and the water isn’t dripping around your AC, chances are that you’ll feel a rise in humidity levels in the room. If this is happening, it is also a clear indication that the air conditioner drain line is clogged.
4. Moldy Smell
If the water is not being drained properly, it might sit in the AC unit somewhere. When it has been there for long, it will start to smell. If you feel a moldy smell in the room or near your AC unit, chances are that it is because the water isn’t flushing out of the unit properly.
What Happens if AC Unit Drain Line is Clogged?
If your AC unit drain line is clogged, it spells trouble. For starters, a clogged drain line will ruin your walls. The water dripping in the room will make your walls grow mold and algae. The smell alone will be unbearable for you. Dripping water might also damage any furniture that you have nearby.
If the air conditioner is not dripping water, yet the drain line is clogged, it might sit in the drip pan. While any water that doesn’t drip won’t cause any harm to your room, it will smell moldy after some time.
Plus, it will also start to corrode the machine. The rusty components will damage your AC and you’ll need to replace your unit sooner than you can expect to.
How to Unclog AC Drain Line?
Unclogging an air conditioner drain line is fairly easy and requires some basic tools. Most of these tools are found at home. Here are the tools that you need to collect for this DIY repair job:
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Wet-dry vacuum or garden hose or AC drain line snake/snake wire
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Towels
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Thin wire brush
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Garden hose
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Duct tape
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Vinegar
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Water
Once you have these things ready with you, here are the steps you need to follow:
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The first step is to turn off the AC to avoid any electrical mishaps. Make sure that AC is switched off from the circuit breaker panel and not just the switch.
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Next, open the outer cover on the front of your air conditioner. Here, you will see a coil attached to a drain pain underneath. If your drain line is clogged, the drain pan will be filled with water.
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Use a towel to soak up this water. If the pan has mold or rust, try cleaning it with a towel as well.
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Locate the hole in the drain pan. This is the hole from which the water drains into the hole and out of your house. Visually inspect this hole for any apparent blockages.
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If there aren’t any visible blockages, use a thin wire brush to clean the hole. Clean it in a way that any dust or debris doesn’t get pushed down the line.
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Here, you will also notice a drain pipe or the drain line. Using the wire brush, clean the drain line and carefully twist it.
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Now, using a wet-dry vacuum, a garden hose, or a drain line snake, clear the drain pipe. Use duct tape to seal the pipes of the wet-dry vacuum or garden hose so the air/ water doesn’t damage the other AC components.
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Once it is clear, use some white vinegar diluted with water to clean it of clogs.
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After the clogs are broken, drain some water into the drain line to give it a good rinse. Make sure to see the water is smoothly going out of the other end of the drain line. This is also a check that ensures that you’ve done the job well.
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Lastly, reassemble the air conditioner by closing the drain vent with its PVC cap. Reattach the panel to the AC unit.
If you fail to clear an intense clog or your AC drain line keeps clogging repeatedly, then contact an HVAC professional for help. It’s best to clean your drain line once every month or two to prevent clogs.
What is the best solution for the AC drain line?
The best method depends on the severity of the clog.
A wet/dry vacuum is one of the most effective tools for removing blockages, as it can quickly suction out debris from the drain line. This method works well for mini split heat pump systems too, ensuring efficient drainage and preventing mold buildup.
Vinegar is a good preventative measure, as its mild acidity helps break down algae and mineral buildup without damaging the pipes.
Bleach is stronger and can kill mold and bacteria, but it may degrade certain types of PVC pipes over time.
A mixture of hot water and dish soap can help loosen grease and dirt, making it a good alternative for light clogs.
However, avoid using only hot water, as it may not be effective enough for stubborn blockages.
For the best results, use a wet/dry vacuum for clogs and vinegar for regular maintenance.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Clogged Ac Drain Line?
To fix a clogged AC drain line, technicians charge between $75 and $200. With this simple DIY unclogging solution, you can do the job in $30 or less.
However, if you’re not confident that you can pull off this DIY job it is better to call up a professional technician to help you out.
Paying for this job might seem expensive, it is a small maintenance fee to pay to keep your unit in top condition. This is because if you don’t have experience with electronic items, there’s a high chance that you might accidentally damage any of the components. And when this happens, you might have to pay even more to get your air conditioner fixed.
Final Words
The air conditioner, like any other electrical appliance, could run into trouble at any time. Homeowners often get concerned about AC issues because repairing is expensive, especially if there’s a leak in the refrigerant or any component is damaged. However, in many cases, the issue isn’t because of damaged components, but a clogged drain line.
The water dripping inside because of a clogged drain might indicate trouble. But the drain line of an air conditioner can be unclogged at home using some basic things that you can easily find at home.
While the process is easy, there’s still a chance that you might damage the AC parts while following it to the tee. In this case, it is always wise to consult a professional technician to get your AC fixed.
For more expert tips on using and maintaining your air conditioner, visit Della. If you're looking for high-quality mini split AC units and multi-zone mini split systems, check out Della's air conditioner sale to find the best energy-efficient solutions for your home.
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