Many homeowners are unaware that their air conditioning system acts as a dehumidifier to a certain extent. Moisture is removed from the home along with the heat. But, the heat is released outdoors and the moisture is collected into a drain pan. The drain pan is connected to the drain via a drain line and it can become clogged. Dust and debris can collect in the drain pan, when moisture is added clogs can form which make their way into the drain. This is a problem because clogs can cause a release of water in unexpected areas which can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time.
Where is the Drain Line?
Before we get started, it’s a good idea to learn the location of your AC drain line and how it connects to the rest of the system. If you’ve ever looked at your heating and cooling equipment, you may have seen the drain line, but it’s easy to overlook. Every AC system has a drain line to move the collected moisture into the drain. The source of this condensation is the evaporator coils and this is why you usually find the drain line located next to the condenser unit. There should be a vertical section of PVC pipe with a cap somewhere near the air handler. On the exterior of the unit, there is another PVC pipe which is the drain line or runoff for the system. This is where clogs form, but what is clog? We briefly mentioned them in the introduction, but let’s take a more detailed look.
Understanding Condensate Drain Clogs
Most people are familiar with the concept of clogs in their plumbing system caused by debris, gunk, soap scum, fats, and more. The air conditioning drain lines are also susceptible to clogs due to other debris that can get into the drain line. When the condensation process occurs the evaporator coil is wet, the moisture is literally wrung out of the air and any airborne particulates are basically turned into mud. This mess goes into the drain line along with any other dust and debris that’s already in the drain pan. A simple drain line clog can be removed without formal training, but if you cannot remove the clog it’s time to call your local HVAC specialist for expert help. In this article, we will look at five signs that you may have an air conditioning drain line problem.
1. The AC System Shuts Down Unexpectedly
Most modern AC systems have a clever sensor that’s designed to detect the presence of water backups that can cause damage. If a drain line clog occurs, the AC system will shut down automatically, which can be confusing if you don’t understand the implications. Most homeowners are not aware of the sheer volume of moisture that’s pulled out of their indoor air by their AC system. On a hot and humid day, the air conditioner can remove as much as 50 gallons of water from your home. That water then drips into the drain pan and from there it flows into the drain line and out of your home. So, if you notice a water leak in this area, it makes sense to check for a blockage in the AC drain line. Many drain lines are clear and flexible and you may see and be able to clear the clog. But, if the clog cannot be removed, it’s time to call your local HVAC specialist. This is important, if a drain clog is ignored it can lead to a larger volume of released water, which can cause a lot of damage.
2. Evidence of Dripping or Standing Water
If you can see dripping or standing water near the AC evaporator unit or the furnace, you may have a drain line clog. Look in the furnace room or utility closet for signs of water leaks and be aware that this could indicate a water heater problem too. If you double check the drain line, you should be able to locate the clog and it can be sucked clean with a wet/dry shop vac.
3. Examine the Condensate Drip Pan
The drip pan is where the condensation drains before it’s directed into the drain line and then carried out to the runoff. Essentially, the drip pan is a small reservoir and it may contain more water than you imagine. So, when the drain line is clogged the drain pan starts to fill, and eventually, it will be completely full. The water has to go somewhere and this is usually an overflow directly onto the floor under the drain pan. If you notice a full and dripping drain pan, this is a sure sign that you have a clogged condensate drain line. Ignoring this issue is not an option because it can cause an AC failure and water damage that’s expensive to fix.
4. An Indoor Mugginess
The AC system keeps the humidity levels at a reasonably safe level, but if the air feels thick and muggy, it’s a sign that something is wrong. The rise in humidity may be caused by a failing pump or it could be a drain line clog. It’s easier to fix a drain line clog, so that’s the first potential cause to check out yourself. High humidity issues include toxic mold growth, moisture damage, difficulty breathing, and more. So, it makes sense to get the problem fixed quickly and a local HVAC specialist can help if you cannot correct the problem yourself.
5. Trust Your Nose
If you can smell musty or moldy odors in your home during the summer months, it’s a good sign that the AC drain line is clogged. The smell is distributed throughout your home via the ductwork system that delivers the treated air to every room. The source could also be water damage due to an undetected water leak and/or drain line clog.
If you notice any of these issues or you want to schedule some essential maintenance for your HVAC system, contact your local heating and cooling specialist today.