Keeping Your A/C Condensate Drain Line Clean

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What is the Condensate Drain?

Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil absorbs heat while it is running. As it gets hot, it gathers moisture from the surrounding air. That moisture collects on the coil. When the droplets become heavy, the water drips off the coil and into the condensate pan. Then, a condensate pump removes the water from the pan. If the drain becomes clogged, it could require the attention of a Katy air conditioning repair company.

How Does the Drain Get Clogged?

In a hot, humid climate like the Houston area, algae can grow inside the drain blocking it. Dirt can also get inside the A/C cabinet, and then work its way into the condensate pan drain. A Katy air conditioning service will tell you that this can rapidly make the pan overflow because the pan is merely 1 inch deep. If it overflows, it can become a fire hazard. The overflow can also spill onto your furnace if your furnace and A/C are in the same housing. This issue can cause corrosion that will seriously damage your HVAC system.

The furnace is not the only place in your home where water leaking from your condensate pan can wreak havoc. It can accumulate behind your walls and cause costly damage before it is discovered and stopped. That leaking water is also a perfect environment for dangerous mold and mildew to grow. Elevated humidity and musty odors are tell-tale symptoms of the problem. Some companies do not check the condensate line during normal A/C check-ups or seasonal maintenance. That means you should understand how to clean the drain line if you notice problems.

How Do You Clean the Condensate Line?

If your condensate line is clean, your A/C system will run better. You will need a few things to do the job properly, including a wet/dry vacuum, a funnel, rags and distilled vinegar. Once, you have gathered the items, follow these steps to prevent issues with your A/C unit.

  1. – Turn off the HVAC system’s power at the breaker and the thermostat.
  2. – Locate the condensate pan, which is normally beneath the unit. It might be behind an access panel that is easy to remove.
  3. – You will know that your drain line is clogged if the drain pan is filled with standing water. Use a shop vacuum or rags to remove the water from the pan. Then, use soapy water to cleanse the drain pan.
  4. – Now you need to remove the clog in the drain line. Suction from the shop vacuum works well. Use your hand to form a nice, tight seal around the vacuum’s hose. You can examine the vacuum canister to see if the clog has been removed. If you do not own a shop vacuum, run some surgical tubing through the line to clear the blockage.
  5. – Clean the drain’s access point with distilled vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. You can also use hot water with a little dishwashing liquid. Let it soak for about 30 minutes.
  6. – Now, flush the pipe with clean water. Have a helper check the outside drain pipe to see if it is draining properly.

 

If you cannot get the clog out of the drain line, contact All Cool A/C & Heating at 281-238-9292. We can clear the condensate drain line and make sure your system is functioning at its peak efficiency.