How to clean the AC drain line

Have you ever noticed water dripping out of your air conditioning unit? Or perhaps a water mark resembling a pipe on your ceiling? You might want to check your air conditioning unit. That dripping water or the water mark might indicate that your AC drain line is clogged.

What causes a drain line to clog?

The condensate drain line eliminates the evaporator coil’s condensation inside the air conditioning unit. With the constant use of the air conditioning unit, mold, and algae thrive in your drain line because they like moist surfaces. Aside from mold and algae, particles like mildew, bacteria, fungus, and even small plants can also live.

If these living organisms build up, they clog, making the water go back into the drain line. It is well-known that cleaning your AC can cost you a couple of bucks. However, you might not want to do it yourself because you can injure the unit, leading to further damage. Don’t worry; follow the six steps to learn how to clean the AC drain line to ensure the functionality of your HVAC system.

Step 1: Turn off your air conditioner. Turn off the system at the thermostat and the power source as well.

Step 2: Find the condensate drain line. The drain line is mostly located outside the house or near your outdoor unit. It’s a pipe that is attached to the wall of your house.

Step 3: Locate the access point on the drain. Drain lines are mostly a T-shaped vent tee with a cap. Gently remove the cap at the top of the drain and look for the blockage.

Step 4: Flush with distilled vinegar. Vinegar is a strong acid with a pH level of 2.5 and is proven to have cleaning properties. Add ¼ cup of vinegar to the drain line through which the cap is removed. If the vinegar has a stench, use hot water or hydrogen peroxide with a dash of dishwashing liquid.

Step 5: Let it sit for about 30 minutes. The duration will help in dissolving residues that are inside the pipe. After 30 minutes, flush the pipe with clean water. Make sure everything is flowing and operating.

Step 6: Repeat each month. To ensure your unit is well functioning, repeat this procedure monthly to prevent bacteria build-up and keep your system operating smoothly.

Now that these steps have been laid out, it would be easier to clean it without spending so much. Please remember that having an improper cleaning way can cause serious issues to your unit; elevated humidity and unfriendly odors are just two of them. Moreover, it would be best to contact your AC cleaning and maintenance services if there is no change even after cleaning.

Taking care of appliances like the air conditioning unit can be quite a hefty task. But remember, the reward of cleaning them is a guaranteed service.