Updated at: 06-09-2022 - By: cnbusinessnews

If your air conditioner isn’t functioning properly and you’ve noticed anything in the drain, you may need to learn how to unclog an AC drain that hasn’t been cleaned in a few weeks.

Lowering the temperature of a space and eliminating heat from a specific region are the primary functions of an air conditioning system. This is possible because to the unit’s internal systems.

Fans, for example, work in concert to draw heat from the outside and transfer it to refrigerant coils for further processing. It doesn’t use heat from the outside, but rather heat from inside the room. Once the heat is handled, the device cools the air that comes out of the AC unit. And the more forcefully the air conditioner works, the more likely it is that the evaporator coils’ water vapor will block the drains.

You should check to see if anything is amiss with it straight away because there may be something wrong with it. Here, you’ll find the answers you’re looking for. Keep reading to learn more about how you can avoid this.

What Is an AC Condensate Drain Line?

The heat and humidity in your home is absorbed by your air conditioner. Once inside, moisture from the humidity condenses on metal coils and is drained into a PVC pipe known as a drain or condensate line, which then exits your home.

In a nutshell, it’s job is critical to maintaining a comfortable living environment at home.

Clearing A Clogged AC Condensate Drain - YouTube

What Causes a Clogged AC Condensate Drain Line?

Mold, mildew, and sludge are attracted to the drain line because it is an enclosed, wet area. It is also possible for dirt and debris, as well as pests, to enter. All of these objects could clog the line if they aren’t drained on a regular basis.

Water will continue to accumulate in your condenser pan if you don’t remove the obstruction right away. This might lead to harm to your system or house if water begins to accumulate in the indoor evaporator pan.

Signs of a Clogged AC Condensate Drain Line

The following are some of the most prevalent symptoms that you may have a drain line:

  • Cooling your home with the help of an air conditioner doesn’t work properly.
  • Water is dripping from the AC unit.
  • The air conditioner will not turn on.
  • A rise in your monthly electric bill

No one on this earth would want the things listed above. Not one person. So if you’re looking for a simple DIY, this is the one for you.

Ways To Prevent Your Air Conditioner From Having A Clogged Drain

What’s the best way to unclog an air conditioner’s drain? As an element of your air conditioner, drains are crucial; they are responsible for catching any water or water vapour that may have accumulated in the system’s internal components over time. Because a malfunctioning evaporator coil can be caused by an unclogged drain.

Regular drain clearing is essential if you want your air conditioner to work properly.

Otherwise, it’s possible that this is a contributing factor in its demise. If you have the owner’s handbook for your device, that’s great. Examine some of its sections to see if there is any knowledge that we can utilize in the future that is contained therein. Some information may be missing from the manual, leaving you in the dark.

As a result, if you ever find yourself in this situation, here is something you can use as a starting point. Once you’ve dealt with these issues, we can guarantee that there will be no more issues for you to deal with. After a long and exhausting day, you deserve a good night’s sleep. Using the methods provided, you can get your work done quickly and without any hassle.

Step #1. Locate your air conditioning unit’s drain line

Turning off your air conditioner on a regular basis should be your first priority. We don’t want to injure ourselves when cleaning the air conditioning. Outside, you’d see a lot of drain lines, so that dirt and water wouldn’t accumulate in one location and spread.

AC drains resemble long, thin tubes that connect the HVAC system’s inside and exterior. The condenser unit is frequently where you’ll find one of these.

Step #2. Cleaning the ends of the drain line

This time, you’ll need a stiff, soft brush, and you’ll want to push it toward the drain’s end. Clearing the clog at the end of the drain can be done this manner. In most cases, drain obstructions are located lower in the system and need further effort.

For your own protection, wear a mask and other protective gear to avoid getting infected by dust particles or molds in the drain. How to remove mold from your window air conditioner is described in the following article.

Step #3. Attaching a vacuum on your drain’s end line

Set up a vacuum to be used at the end of the drain line for this phase. This is what you’ll use to remove any debris that’s gotten stuck in there. You can use duct tape to close the pipe’s mouth, but a tissue wrapped around the vacuum’s mouth and stuck to the pipe’s end works just as well.

Turn on your vacuum and let it run for a few minutes after you’ve finished setting everything up. Remove the vacuum and look inside it when you’re done. To avoid harm to your equipment, be sure to remove it and dispose of it properly afterwards.

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Step #4. Locating and cleaning the vent tee

The vent tee is a pipe that connects to the drainage line of your unit and allows the water to flow into a tray.

The PVC cover must be removed if it is on top. Poke the vent tee end with a small wire brush to see whether the drain line there is clogged. If you happen to come across any, be sure to direct it toward the drain. The flow would be significantly improved as a result. Learn more about tee fittings and how to properly pipe a vent to get the whole picture.

Step #5. Making a mixture solution

If you have time, make a cup of bleach mixture and a cup of water, and properly mix them. Pour the mixture into the vent tees so that it reaches the end of the pipe after mixing.

One of the best ways to clear clogs is to use this bleach solution, which doesn’t take a lot of money and is budget-friendly. Check outdoors after thirty lengthy minutes to see if the drain line has been cleared of all obstructions. If so, congratulations! Find out if bleach is effective in clearing a drain.

How much does it cost to unclog the ac drain?

Clogged drain lines

In order to cool your room, the refrigerant (freon) absorbs heat from the evaporator coil and distributes it throughout the house. Condensation is responsible for generating the water in this situation. The condensate drain pipe collects this water, which subsequently runs through the outside drainpipe of your property.

If your home’s condensate drain line becomes clogged, it might lead to water leaks. Costs for repairing this line might range from $75 to $250.. If an AC replacement in Vancouver, WA requires the assistance of experts, you can expect to pay between $400 and $950.

Drainpipe damages

The condensate water is collected by the drainpipe and disposed of outside your property when it exits the condensate pipe. Rust can accumulate in the pipe over time due to its frequent contact with water. As a result, water may seep out. The typical price range for this type of service is between $350 and $850.

Damages in the pump

There is a condensate pump in the basement if you have an air conditioning unit installed. If there is a problem with this pump, water will be dripping all over the place. The efficiency of the gadget will also be reduced if the pump is defective. The broken pumps might cost between $240 and $450 to fix.

Yard Drainage Solutions for AC Condensation Drain Runoff - Today's Homeowner

Factors influencing the cost of the air conditioners repairs

Factors to take into account when evaluating the cost of a repair include:

  • What is the age of your air conditioning unit. The more expensive the charges are, the older the unit is.
  • I’d like to know where you are right now. Depending on how far the technician has to drive to reach your location, they will charge you accordingly.
  • How much will it cost to have the item installed?
  • What is the hourly rate for the company’s rats?
  • You need to know how bad the damage is to your air conditioner.

Conclusion

To unclog an air conditioner drain, follow these steps: Check your drain lines on a regular basis to make sure they’re still in good shape. As soon as you realize it’s not, follow the procedures outlined above. If you are unable to perform this task on your own, we recommend that you contact an HVAC specialist.