How Do You Clear A Clogged AC Drain Line?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Turn off your air conditioner. …
  2. Locate your condensate drain line. …
  3. Identify the access point on the drain line. …
  4. Flush with distilled vinegar. …
  5. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes. …
  6. Repeat each month.

Can you pour bleach down AC drain line?

It's going to corrode! Using or vinegar can

be especially risky if

you think your AC drain line is clogged. If the drain line is clogged, the corrosive mixture will simply back up in your drain line and flow into your drain pan, which in turn can damage your evaporator coil.

How do you unclog an AC drain pipe?

Attach the end of your wet/dry vacuum to the end of the AC drain line. Seal it securely using duct tape. Turn the vacuum on to suck out any debris and hopefully clear your clog. … Put on your gloves and pour a

mixture of one cup bleach and one cup water into

the top of the drain pipe.

How much does it cost to unclog an AC drain line?

If the condensate drain line becomes clogged, water can back up and overflow into your home, resulting in a messy leak. To flush the line or repair it can cost anywhere from

$75-$250

. In the case that the evaporator coil needs replacing, you are would pay between $400 to $950.

Is bleach or vinegar better for AC drain line?

We recommend using

vinegar instead of a bleach solution

because bleach can be harmful to your AC system if your drain line has copper tubing. Using vinegar will not damage your system. Spilling bleach can also ruin carpet or clothing, whereas vinegar will just leave a strong odor.

What happens if AC drain is clogged?

When your drain line clogs, the water that your air conditioner produces has nowhere to go. … Eventually, a

completely blocked drain line will cause the water in your drain pan to overflow

, resulting in potentially catastrophic damage to your home.

Is vinegar good for AC drain line?

You can prevent a clogged AC drain by performing routine cleaning. By

pouring a 1⁄4 cup of vinegar into

your AC's drain line, you will kill any mold, algae, mildew, and other forms of bacteria or fungi, preventing it from forming a buildup and causing a clog. Repeat this monthly for the best results.

How much vinegar does it take to pour down an AC drain?

You can prevent a clogged AC drain by performing routine cleaning. By pouring

a 1⁄4 cup of vinegar

into your AC's drain line, you will kill any mold, algae, mildew, and other forms of bacteria or fungi, preventing it from forming a buildup and causing a clog. Repeat this monthly for the best results.

How often should you put bleach in AC drain line?

Be sure to use a

minimum of 2 cups once or twice per year

. Be advised, however, some newer units no longer recommend bleach or vinegar due to oxidation/degradation concerns.

Why does my AC drain line keeps backing up?

Why Is My AC Pipe Clogged? An AC pipe

usually develops a clog due to algae

. … If your AC is constantly running (which in most South Florida homes it does), it is more likely to clog up more often than not. Mildew, mold and other types of bacteria and fungi have been known to cause issues for your AC.

What causes a clogged AC drain line?

As

indoor air circulates through the evaporator coil, dust, dirt and other airborne particles can be trapped by moisture

. Build-up of this debris can be carried off as condensate drains from the coil. Over time, it can become trapped in your condensate drain line, causing blockage.

Can a clogged drain cause AC to stop working?

A clogged condensate drain line will trap water in your air conditioner. As a result, the evaporator coil will eventually turn to ice. The moisture in the drain line can also freeze, which will cause your air conditioner to turn off.

What is best to clean AC drain line?

You do that by pouring a

1/4 cup of distilled vinegar

through the AC condensate drain line. We recommend distilled vinegar because its acidity clears the clog faster. You may also use hot water, dish soap, or peroxide if you cannot stand the smell of vinegar.

How much water should come out of AC drain line?

It's completely normal for your AC to drain

5-20 gallons

of water outside of your home (via the condensate drain).

Where is drain pan for AC?

The air conditioner drain pan is located

below the evaporator coils

. Air conditioner drain pans are an important part of your cooling system. Air conditioners dehumidify the moisture-filled air inside a room in addition to cooling it.

Will vinegar hurt PVC pipes?


Vinegar won't hurt PVC pipes

. Even though it's acidic, it won't generate heat inside the PVC, unlike certain chemical cleaners that potentially melt the pipes. The best way to use vinegar to unclog PVC pipes is to pour it on baking soda down the pipes.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.