Is Your Air Conditioner Drain Line Clogged?
As a Tennessee homeowner, it’s important to know the signs that something is wrong with your AC (especially as summer approaches). As you turn off your heater and start cranking up the AC, a common problem that you may encounter is a clogged condensate drain line.
Is Your AC Drain Line Clogged?
Condensate drain line clogs can cause all sorts of problems, like mold or water damage. But, preventing costly repairs and damage is easy when you know what to look for (and how to prevent clogs in the first place). In this post, we will discuss the top three signs that you have a clogged drain line, why these lines get clogged in the first place, and how you can prevent it from happening.
Leaks & Puddles of Water
The first sign that your air conditioning unit has a clog is when you see standing water around your AC unit. If you notice any leaks, it’s important to check the drain line right away.
When your AC condensate drain line can’t drain, it caused moisture and puddles to collect and your HVAC system will leak. A small leak can quickly turn into a big problem. However, other possible leaks can come from a broken refrigerant line, ice building on the evaporator coil, or another issue. If the leaks continue, call a professional service.
Water Stains Near Your Unit
Another sign that your air conditioner drain line is clogged is water damage. If you start to see water stains on your ceiling or walls near your HVAC unit, check to see if the drain pan is full or the condensate line is blocked. This damage can be costly to repair (and it can lead to mold as well), so make sure you take care of the problem as soon as possible!
Mold Growth
The last sign that your AC drain line is clogged is mold growth. If you notice any visible debris or mildew near your unit, then water is building up where it shouldn’t be!
Mildew can start growing on the AC system itself, leading to a moldy smell and mildew on the indoor air handler or evaporator coil. If this happens, you’ll need to have your AC drain line cleaned as well as the rest of the indoor unit. If the fungal growth gets bad enough, it can also develop on the walls, floors, or ceilings around the system.
Fungus growth can be dangerous to your health, so it’s important to have the clogged AC drain line addressed by a professional as soon as possible.
Why You Have a Clogged AC Drain Line
During the air conditioning system cooling process, the evaporator coils remove moisture from your home as the air conditioner runs. This water collects in a condensate pan and water flows out of your home through a PVC pipe.
However, this process also causes clogs to develop in the AC drain lines over time. Dirt and debris can build up in the drain line and cause a blockage. Algae growth can also happen in the AC drain line and prevent the drip pan from draining.
Preventing a Clog
Preventing air conditioner drain line clogs is easy when you know what to do. One of the best ways to prevent clogs is to regularly pour distilled vinegar or bleach in the pipe under the PVC cap. Doing this once a month will help keep the line clear and prevent clogs from forming.
If you already have a clog, you should call an HVAC professional who will use bleach, vinegar, or a shop vac hose to unclog your drain pipe.
Is it the Right Time to Call About Your Drain Pipe?
A clogged AC drain line can be a hassle. But by knowing the signs and how to prevent them, you can avoid the hassle and keep your AC unit running smoothly all summer long. When you have a clog, reach out to a professional to have it taken care of before you have to deal with mold, water damage, or a malfunctioning AC!
Right Time HVAC is Nashville’s number one heating and cooling professionals. We are an expert heating and cooling service that is available around the clock for all of our local air conditioners. So if you have an issue with your drain line (or anything else), remember – there’s never a wrong time to call Right Time!
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