Your AC drain line is clogged and you are trying to figure out how to get your A/C working again?
Being an air conditioning company located in South Florida, we are well acquainted with clogged AC drain lines. Our year round high temperatures and high humidity make us prone to higher rates of clogged AC drain lines than just about anywhere. And our technicians collectively unclog and clean hundreds of AC drain lines each year.
A clogged AC drain line can cause water to back up into your home, which can cause damage to your floors, walls, and furniture. Fortunately, cleaning a clogged AC drain line is a relatively simple task that can be done with a few basic tools. Here are the steps you can follow to clean a clogged AC drain line:
- Turn off the power to your AC unit: Before you start working on your AC unit, it’s important to turn off the power to avoid any electrical hazards.
- Locate the drain line: The drain line is usually a PVC pipe that is located near the outdoor unit of your AC system. The drain line may be buried or hidden, so you may need to do some searching to find it.
- Remove the cap: The drain line will have a cap that needs to be removed. This cap is usually located near the top of the pipe and can be unscrewed by hand.
- Inspect the drain line: Use a flashlight to inspect the drain line for any signs of blockages. If you can’t see any blockages, move on to the next step.
- Use a wet/dry vacuum: If you can see a blockage, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any debris that is causing the clog. Use the hose attachment to get as deep into the drain line as possible.
- Flush the drain line: Once you’ve removed the blockage, use a hose to flush the drain line with water. You can also use a mixture of water and bleach to help disinfect the drain line and prevent future clogs.
- Replace the cap: Once you’ve finished cleaning the drain line, replace the cap and turn the power back on to your AC unit.
By following these steps, you should be able to clean a clogged AC drain line and prevent water damage to your home. If you’re still having problems with your AC unit after cleaning the drain line, it’s best to contact a professional HVAC technician for further assistance.