After pouring the cleaning solution in the drain pipe, assess the clog again. Don't add any water. Look at it periodically when the AC is running to make sure it is dripping. Better to use bleach diluted 5 parts water to 1 part bleach. I used shop-vac but was only able to suck the water out. Mix 2 tablespoons bleach with 1/2 cup hot water and pour it down the drain pipe leading from the evaporator coil to the condenser pan. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Use Safe Homemade Drain Cleaner. Drano® Max Build-Up Remover works over a longer time period to prevent clogged drai… Start by pouring half a box of baking soda down your drain. If you don’t see anything, then proceed with vacuuming it out. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. If nothing comes out the other end, then the drain line is clogged and you will need to vacuum it out before proceeding. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. In theory Drano could unblock a clog but this is designed for food and grease, which you aren’t going to find in your AC drain pipes. Believe it or not, Drano isn't a cure-all for your drain problems. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-8.jpg\/aid11013098-v4-728px-Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Air conditioners, whether they are window or central units, dehumidify the air as a byproduct of their cooling method. I wouldn't use Drano-You need to look for the drain line and make sure it's open from the point at where it connects to the appliance to the outlet of the same pipe. Uh oh. One of the most common reasons air conditioning system falter is due to a clog in the drain line. It drained super slow. Turn off the power to your AC unit before you clean it. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This article has been viewed 13,065 times. The most common approach to cleaning out PVC pipes and unclogging them is to use a chemical solution to loosen the clog then plunge it out. A Katy air conditioning service will tell you that this can rapidly make the pan overflow because the pan is merely 1 inch deep. The drain pan will fill up with water, which will cause damage to your home if there are leaks in the drain pan or the emergency overflow is clogged as well. Locate your condensate drain line. Step 4. This may mean the clog is too large for this method. Pour a gentle cleaning solution down the drain line. You’ll know your AC drain line is clogged if you see water pooling in the pan underneath the unit inside your home. How Does the Drain Get Clogged? However, over time, the drain line can become clogged and cause water to back up into your system and cause it to stop work — no bueno. If you don't have one, you can often rent one from a hardware store. Take a look at the AC drain pipe and see if you can see the blockage. Tip: Place a bucket or other container underneath the drain line’s exit point to catch the bleach you pour through to dispose of and determine whether it is draining properly if you are working alone. By using our site, you agree to our. When the drain line backs up it can trigger a sensor that turns off the HVAC system until the line is cleared. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner for Plastic Pipes (Best Seller) Green Gobbler DISSOLVE Liquid Hair & Grease Clog Remover; Green Gobbler DRAIN OPENER PACS; How to Unclog PVC Pipes. All you have to do is wait a few hours for all the standing water to drain, then dump half a cup of baking soda down the drain. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-3.jpg\/aid11013098-v4-728px-Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Assess the clog. Next, pour half a cup of vinegar down the sink and then stop up the drain with a metal stopper or rags; vinegar and baking soda produce the "volcano" reaction often seen in school projects. If you notice water from condensation pooling in the overflow pan beneath your AC unit, then you probably have a clogged AC drain line. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This might clear any clogs located near the end of the drain line. If the clog persists, then keep running the vacuum in intervals of 5-6 seconds until you have run it for a total of 1 minute. Broward: (954) 800-2858 Palm Beach: (561) 701-8274 St. Lucie: (772) 879-5656. Using a gentle cleaning solution of warm water and soap or warm water and vinegar, carefully pour the solution into the drain pipe, stopping once it’s full. This was a headache for me for about a week. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Check out the product labeling and website and you'll see statements that Drano is safe for use in septic systems, but many experts disagree. Drain cleaners are too caustic and can damage the drain pipe. If you are unable to clear the clog this way after a full minute, then you may need to call an HVAC company to come inspect your unit. This will prevent any electrical accidents during cleaning. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Sprinkle the drain with the entire contents of the box of baking soda, trying to distribute it evenly. One of the most common reasons for an AC to stop working is a clogged drain line. Tip: In some cases, the drain line may not be located outside by the condenser unit. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Ac drain hose honda element owners club clean your ac condensate drain line should never put drano down your pipes drains and your home s hvac system drain opener 32 oz jug unscented gel Clean Unclog Your Ac Drain Line With BleachAc Drain Maintenance How To Clear A Clogged LineAc Line Cleaner For Air Conditioner… Read More » The water builds up again after the AC is turned back on for a short while. Follow this easy six-step method. After turning off your HVAC system, locate the cleaning port so you can begin to unclog the drain line. You might require a bucket at this point should your drain line be full. What is Drano and How Does it Work? How to find your drain line; Whether to use bleach or vinegar to clean a drain line; Transcript. After physically removing any visible debris from the AC drain or drain pipe opening, the most likely way the technician will clear the clogged drain is using suction from a shop vacuum or wet vac. After spending 14.00 on two bottles of Drano realized it was the toilet drain not the shower drain that was clogged. Dirt can also get inside the A/C cabinet, and then work its way into the condensate pan drain. Pour a gentle cleaning solution down the drain line. For this step, you may want a bucket to help collect the condensation resting in the drain pan. % of people told us that this article helped them. Step 3. Here’s where to start. Push the stiff, thin brush into the end of the drain line. When you locate the drain line’s exit point, you can also check for any obvious obstructions right at the end of the drain. Step 2: Find Your AC Drain Line. The breaker box is usually located on the ground floor of your home, or the basement if you have one, and sometimes in a storage room or the garage if you have one of those. So, the sink, toilet and shower/tub all drain into that drain. Any standard wet/dry vac will work for this job. Just pour a cup of bleach in the drain line’s access opening near the indoor air conditioning unit. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Step 5. In a hot, humid climate like the Houston area, algae can grow inside the drain blocking it. After you clear the clog, clean it with bleach right away to kill off any remaining mold and mildew and prevent it from growing back. Combined with the baking soda, it will fizz up and create a powerful cleaning action. Step 2. Turn the system off at the thermostat as well as at the breaker. Turn off your air conditioner. The purpose of an air conditioner’s drain line is to remove condensation that develops with the use of the AC unit’s evaporator coils. If your AC drain line is clogged, it’s most likely due to an excess build-up of dirt or algae somewhere in your drainage line.. I have a light foul odor coming from the basement floor drain where the condensation from our central air conditioner drains. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. If the switches aren't labeled, then you will have to try turning several off, and seeing if the AC is turned off, in order to find the corresponding breaker. First, the lye decomposes all the physical matter in the drain pipes. Learn more... Every home AC system has a drain line that runs from the condenser coils inside the home to the exterior of the home or another drainage point. If you’ve got a bigger clog on your hands, don’t fret. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Killing Mold and Mildew with Bleach to Prevent Clogs, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b6\/Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-6.jpg\/aid11013098-v4-728px-Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Clean out your drain line with bleach in early springtime each year to kill mold and mildew and prevent future clogs. If it’s not, it may be located inside your home next to a bathroom drain or other drainage point. References. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Once you are sure you have cleared the clog, turn the AC unit back on and test it to make sure it is running as normal. Remove the cleaning port cap. A small clog will be easier to remove than a large clog, but it can be difficult to know what kind of clog you have on your hands. Use a funnel to help you get all the bleach into the drain line if it is easier. Follow up with a 32-ounce bottle of white vinegar. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Craig Mains, Engineering Scientist at the National Environmental Services Center, definitively states "Using commercial chemical drain openers to unclog drains is not recommended for homes that are on septic systems." wikiHow's. When you pour Drano down a clogged drain, the sodium hydroxide acts to break down the organic materials it comes in contact with (hair being the most common clogger). For that reason, we’re detailing two methods for unclogging your AC drain line — one for small clogs and one for large. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a4\/Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-11.jpg\/aid11013098-v4-728px-Unclog-an-AC-Drain-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"
\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. [1] X Research source This will prevent any electrical accidents during cleaning. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. South Florida home and business owners can always rely on us to provide fast and efficient repairs. Air blowing across that coil goes to your occupied space. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Step 3. If you don’t see an exit point outside your home, then another possible drainage location is a bathroom drain or other drain somewhere inside your home. Today, we’re gonna be talking about steps you can take to ensure your condensate drain line stays clean between preventative maintenances, backups that either cause the unit not to run or get water at places. Fortunately, drain line clogs are nothing to fear. Find the cleaning port. Turn off the AC unit at the thermostat first. The exit point of the drain line is normally outside your home next to the AC unit’s condenser. In most cases, the AC drain line clog will occur farther down and you’ll need to do a … Learn how to tell if your drain line is clogged and how to clean your AC drain line. And you live in Florida. Liquid drano indoor cleaners mitre 10 max gel clog remover drano sc johnson drain cleaner use a drano and keep shower clog in 3 simple s all natural diy drano safe and Bust Up Your Shower Clog In 3 Simple S DranoHow To Unclog A Shower Drain With Snake And Drano DengardenWhy Is … This is a PVC pipe that is usually situated outside, near your condenser unit. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. No two drain line clogs are the same. In Arizona, we usually see clogged AC drain lines during or right after the Monsoon season because there’s a lot of dust and debris being blown around, which can easily get into the drain line and cause a clog. If you can see the blockage, you can attempt to manually remove it with your hands (wearing protective gloves) or by using a drainage snake. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The plug could be insect. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. For this step, you may want a bucket to help collect the condensation resting in the drain pan. This will eliminate the risk of any electrical accidents while you perform maintenance to keep your AC system’s drain line clean. Drano is a drainage cleaner that consists of aluminum, salt, bleach, sodium nitrate and lye. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws.