How to clean air conditioner drain line? In order to clean your AC’s drain line, you need to follow seven simple steps and prepare few materials like distilled vinegar.
The performance of your air conditioner is greatly enhanced by a clean and unclogged drain line. Thus, it must be cleaned and checked regularly.
A drain line is an exterior component of the air conditioner that expels the moisture produced by the evaporator. If a drain line is not cleaned and maintained correctly, algae and other dirt will build up inside it, clogging it and preventing the water from draining correctly. It will emit foul smells, raise the humidity, and cause water damage.
The drain line is among the most common parts that we overlook when cleaning our AC. Little did others know that frequent maintenance and inspections of the drain line will keep it in good condition.
Keep reading to learn how to clean your drain lines regularly and clear those that are already clogged.
Steps To Clean Air Conditioner Drain Line
Here’s how to clean air conditioner drain line:
Step #1. Turn off the air conditioner
To keep yourself safe, make sure you’ve shut off the power of the entire AC system through the thermostat and the breaker before cleaning the drain line.
In certain situations, shutting off the breaker includes turning off the lights, so do it during the day. And besides, the entire procedure will take a few minutes, so you will not be without power for long.
Step #2. Locate the condensate pan
The condensate pan is usually located beneath the air conditioning unit and is covered with a detachable access panel.
You certainly have to do this step if you have an indoor air handler.
Step #3. Clean the drain pan
It’s an indication that your drain line is clogged if the pan is filled with water. So don’t leave the drain pan unwashed.
Remove the moisture from the pan with a vacuum or a sponge. After that, use cleaning soap to tidy the drain plan.
Step #4. Find access to the drain line
The drain line is likely to have a T-shaped vent with a PVC cover. Remove the PVC cover to reveal the opening of the pipe or drain line.
Inspect the drain, which is probably clogged if there’s water in the condensate pan.
Step #5. Cleanse the pipe with distilled vinegar
Pour a quarter cup of distilled vinegar down the drain line’s opening. Regular distilled vinegar has excellent cleaning properties. Thus it is highly recommended. In addition, because of its acidity, it will dissolve the blockage more quickly.
If the distilled vinegar’s stench is too pungent, use peroxide to dissolve dirt gently. You can also use hot water or dish soap as a substitute for vinegar.
Step #6. Allow 30 minutes for the distilled vinegar to settle into the pipe
Letting the solution rest on the pipe allows all of the dirt and algae to dissolve.
After the specified time has passed, flush the pipe with water to see whether there are any signs of dirt or other clogging causes and if it now flows freely.
Step #7. Repeat the procedure every 30 days
Keeping your drain line clean is the most efficient way to prevent dirt, algae, and bacteria from accumulating.
A well-maintained drain line will lead to long-lasting quality of the air conditioner unit. It will also prevent additional harm to the unit’s other parts. Indeed, prevention is better than cure.
Causes And Symptoms Of A Clogged Drain Line
Your drain line is constantly damp simply because that is where the water goes through. Most algae and mold growth on a persistently wet surface will soon cause the build-up.
After a long time of not cleaning the pipe, the filth in the pipe thickens and obstructs the flow of water. In this case, the water returns to the air conditioner’s drain pan.
When the drain pan spills water into your house, it’s a sign that your drain line is clogged. It won’t be able to hold the water that can’t go out through the pipe.
If you don’t discover this problem right away, the water from the leak might harm nearby appliances. You better clean your drain line regularly, so you won’t have to pay for house repairs if something goes wrong. Increased humidity and the emission of a nasty smell are additional signs of a clogged drain line.
Conclusion
A clean drain line will help the air conditioner is performing at its best. It will also prevent various harms and water damages from happening to the unit and the house.
We may overlook cleaning it sometimes, but let us make every effort to clean it regularly, given the potential for harm.
Make sure you follow the proper steps when cleaning the drain line so that your job goes faster and simpler. That’s all for “How to clean air conditioner drain line?”
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