Clogged Condensate Drain Line

However many homeowners don t realize the problem is usually avoidable with regular care and diy ac maintenance.

Clogged condensate drain line.

When you see water puddling around the furnace with the a c running you have a clogged condensate drain tube. Condensation from air conditioning coils contains bacteria that can form slime and clog the condensate pan drain tube. In addition dirt and debris or even bugs can work their way in. A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common reasons homeowners need to call in for professional repair for their ac system.

When everything is working properly condensation runs down the drain line and exits outside your house. What causes a clogged ac condensate drain line. But that drain line is pretty small so it doesn t take much for it to become clogged. Route it to the floor drain and secure it with tubing straps.

As indoor air circulates through the evaporator coil dust dirt and other airborne particles can be trapped by moisture. This will kill any algae mold or mildew that has formed in the pipe. Sediment algae mold and insects can all clog it up. If not drained regularly all of these items could cause a clog in the line.

This is the condensate drain which plays an important role in removing condensation produced by your air conditioner s evaporator coil. Just pour a cup of bleach in the drain line s access opening near the indoor air conditioning unit. Because the drain line is an enclosed wet space it s a prime location for mold mildew and sludge to make it their home. If the condensate drain line is clogged you will need to use a wet dry vacuum or a special pump to unclog the line.

Build up of this debris can be carried off as condensate drains from the coil. When that happens water backs up into the drain pan under your air handler. Over time it can become trapped in your condensate drain line causing blockage.