Should You Clean Your AC Drain Line?

The moisture produced by this process must go somewhere; it cannot simply evaporate.

The HVAC system condenses moisture in the air and eventually falls into the condensation pan via the evaporator coil. The liquid then exits the house via the condensate drain line and is spread across the grass or soil outside.

What is the reason behind the clogging of the condensate drain line?

The most common cause is that something besides liquid is draining via the condensate drain pipe. Condensation created by the system can be contaminated by dust and microorganisms. Mold can thrive in the thick filth or sludge produced by condensation bacteria and dust particles. The accumulation of this muck restricts fluid flow and ultimately causes the tube to close.

How frequently this happens is determined by how well you maintain your system, how often you replace the air filter in your air conditioner, and how effective your air filter is. The filter should have a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) of 8 or greater. If a filter's MERV rating is high, it will effectively trap less dust particles than a lower-rated filter.

It is vital to regularly perform or plan routine preventative maintenance since even the most effective air filter will not catch every particle and cause a clog in the condensate drain line.

How to apply vinegar or bleach to clean your AC drain line?

There are several methods to clean the condensate drain line and keep it clear of buildup and obstructions. The conventional material for domestic drain lines is usually polyvinyl chloride or PVC for short. Some believe that PVC is chemically resistant and can even persist for decades.

Cleaning the drain line with a mixture of bleach or white vinegar and hot water has been recommended for a long time. You can effectively clean the pipe with these two chemicals. The split is precisely even. If the obstruction is minor, repeating the process multiple times should clear it.

As a precaution, you should know that some air handler manufacturers no longer advise using vinegar or bleach since their powerful fumes could cause early oxidation and degradation of the components. Scientific research has proven that chemical vapors have the same impact on copper and aluminum. 

Energy Air suggests only using boiling water as a precaution. It is not necessary to use chemical additions if the air conditioner is serviced regularly.

The length of the condensate drain line is a helpful indicator of how much cleaning solution you'll need. A minimum of two cups of the cleaning solution is required in a single-family home's air handler unit in the garage. Additional cleaning products may be required as the drain line ascends in height. If the obstruction persists after using at least two cups of cleansing solution, you may need to add additional to enhance the pressure exerted on the clog.

If manual methods prove ineffective, you might use a wet-vac or air compressor to help remove the clog. Use extreme caution if you try these procedures on your own since they could potentially cause system harm. The walls and floor may need to be replaced if the broken PVC pipe is not fixed.

If you have questions or decide you want to leave all maintenance up to the pros, give us a call today or schedule an appointment online. We're happy to take a look at your system and make sure it's ready for the changing seasons coming up ahead.