Aircon drain pipe is often moistened up, so it is the perfect place for flies and bacteria to breed. Having these annoying pests around the house can be so frustrating that one can’t help but find assistance on “how to clean the AC drain line” to get rid of those annoying pests for good.
AC drain line clogged symptoms
Before your AC finally breaks down as a result of a blocked drain line, there will be some signs showing that the flow of condensed water through the drain line is obstructed. If you are having a problem with your AC unit, you might have to watch out for these signs.
Dampened wall
Normally drain lines direct condensed water to a drain center outside the house or the household sewer. When you have a clogged drainpipe, the flow of water will be obstructed. As a result, the water will become stagnated and will be forced to ooze all over the wall surface causing discoloration. So if you have noticed any form of discoloration around the wall close to your AC unit or the wall is always wet, it may be that your AC drain line is faulty.
Visible mold and mildew
The immediate environment of a clogged AC drain line is always dampened with water deposits. This makes such an environment an ideal and favorite place for mildew and other bacteria to nest and breed. Although routine maintenance of the air conditioner for example cleaning the AC filter can help stop the mildew from growing. But this has a limit as it could only be effective if your AC is not playing a host to these bacteria.
Offensive odor
I talked earlier about how Mildew can grow around your AC unit. But sometimes, these fungus nests can be so deeply rooted in your AC unit that you can’t even know they are there. However, they do give themselves away through their smell. So anytime you are passing by your AC unit and it smells musty, be rest assured that they are already seeking refuge in your AC unit.
Overflowing drain pan
The drain pan is a temporary deposit for moisture from the evaporating unit of the air conditioner before it is taken out by the drain line. Usually draining the water from the drain pan is a maintenance culture. So if you observed that more water than expected is deposited into the pan, it could be a sign that something is amiss.
AC drain line cleaning tool
- Drain king 345 unclogs bathroom sinks, HVAC condensation drain, and swimming pool drain.
- Mold Removal/Elimination Dispenser
- Brodys – A/C HVAC drain line cleaner, 16oz bottle
- SimpleAir clean flow HVAC drain line treatment tabs
- Build up Removal for AC drain line
How much does it cost to unclog the AC draining line
Having your clogged drain line flushed will cost you between $75 to $250. Although service charge may vary based on professional or the extent to which your drain pipe is clogged.
Can you pour Drano down the AC drain line
Yes but not the option!
Drano is originally meant to break down food and greasy blockages and you can hardly find this in your drain line. Most blockages in the drain line are caused by Mildews and molds so using draino might not be effective. Draino is best as an alternative and not to be used as the core drain cleaner.
Is bleach or vinegar better for the AC drain line
Vinegar is highly recommended over bleach. This is because vinegar is non-reactive but effective. While on the other hand bleach is both reactive and effective.
This means that using any of the two can get the job done perfectly but using bleach can have a damaging effect on your AC unit especially when the drain line tube is made of copper. Although vinegar also leaves a strong odor after use.
How to unclog AC drain line with a shop vac
Using a shop vac to unclog your clogged AC drain line is one of the easiest and effective methods. A detailed guide on how to use a shop vac shall be provided below.
Total Time: 45 minutes
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Switch off your air conditioner
Turn off your air conditioner both at the thermostat and the breaker panel. This is recommended to avoid surprises and mistakes that could affect your ac unit while work is in progress.
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Trace the AC drain line
Look for the endpoint of the AC drain line, it is usually located outside of the house. The AC drain line connects the air handler located inside the house to the drain deposits usually located outside the house. The drain line is used for taking out condensed water from the air conditioner.
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Unclog the drain
Once you find the drain line, go straight to the end and check if there’s mud causing the clog. Some drain lines are located at the ground level, so that might be responsible for the blockages.
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Prepare your vacuum
Before you start using your vacuum to suck up clogs, ensure that you remove the vacuum filter so it does not get affected by the water about to be sucked up by the vacuum.
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Connect the vacuum to the end of the drain line
Connect both the shop vac and the drain using duct tape or a towel. Before sealing up with the duct tape, ensure that the tip of the shop vac firmly kisses the tip of the drain line to prevent air from escaping. Once both are firmly sealed, you can start vacuuming out the clogs.
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Start vacuuming
Run the vacuum for about 10 to 30 seconds then turn off the vacuum and check if you have succeeded in sucking up the clog. However, because you don’t know how much it’s clogged it is advisable to run water down through the drain line hole inside. If the water flows down the line uninterruptedly, then you have done a great job. But if otherwise, you turn the vacuum on and off every 5 to 10 seconds.
How to clean AC drain line with vinegar
Pour one cup of vinegar down the drain line once a month. This will prevent clogs or blockages from existing at all.
How to clean AC drain line with air compressor
Unfasten the drain line from the AC unit and blow air down the line using the air compressor. Then flush down with water and bleach. Read on for instructions on how to use bleach
How to clean AC line with bleach
Bleach is best used after you might have used your shop vac or air compressor to remove the clog. Then run a solution of an equal amount of warm water and bleach down the drain line.
