Modern Air & Refrigeration celebrates the unsung heroes of your HVAC system. Today’s contestant comes to us in the form of your AC drain line. Your AC system is more than just a temperature regulator for your home. It also controls moisture levels by discharging excess water via the AC drain line. This is incredibly important here in our sunshine state otherwise known as the most humid state in the country. So just how does an AC drain line work? What happens when it gets clogged and how can you fix it? We will explore these topics in the following article.
What is an AC Drain Line?
Your HVAC system removes moisture from the air as it circulates in your home. The moisture makes its way to the evaporator coil as condensation. This condensation drips into the aptly named condensation pan that is connected to the AC drain line. Recent modern AC systems come equipped with a safety sensor in the drain pan that turns off your AC if the water levels rise too high. The line itself leads outside of your home where the excess water won’t damage your foundation. The process of draining this excess moisture is automatic and should require no interception from you as long as everything is working correctly.
Signs of a Clogged AC Drain Line
The most common sign of a clogged AC drain line is usually water where it’s not supposed to be. The most common place to find this runaway water is directly from the AC unit itself. Other areas you may find water leaking include exhaust fans, underneath cabinets, or any other adjacent areas to your AC unit. Pay close attention to water damage on your carpet or furniture around your AC. This could be indicative of a clogged AC drain line.
How to Fix Your Clogged AC Drain Line
To go about fixing a clogged AC drain line you will need the following materials:
- Small towel or rag
- Warm water
- General cleaning solution such as dish soap or plain vinegar
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Funnel
First things first turn off your HVAC system. Next, find your condensate pan. It should be right underneath your internal AC unit or outside underneath the external component of your system. If the condensate pan is overflowing with water first vacuum the pan to get rid of the water. Next, clean the now empty pan with warm water and your preferred cleaning solution. To ensure the issue is properly fixed you may also want to clean your drain line. This is usually a small vent covered by PVC piping leading from the condensate pan. Remove the drain cap and flush the line with your cleaning solution. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before clearing. Finally, turn on your AC unit to your new cleared AC drain line!
If you are still experiencing clogged AC drain line issues we recommend you get in touch with your trusted local Sarasota HVAC professional. Call Modern Air and Refrigeration’s 24/7 line at (941) 727-0330 or send us a quick message.