Every air conditioner has a condensate pan beneath the indoor evaporator coil. As water vapor condenses on the evaporator coil, it drips into the pan. When enough water accumulates, it pours out the condensate drain to the exterior.
Leaves, algae growth, insect nests and other sludge can clog condensate drains. If the pan overflows because the condensate drain is clogged, it can cause water damage to your home. Here’s how to prevent clogging and keep the condensate drain clear.
How to unclog a condensate drain
- Turn off the air conditioner and switch the circuit breaker off as a precautionary measure.
- Find the end of the condensate drain, which is most likely located outside. Check near the foundation or beneath roof eaves for a PVC pipe. Make sure it’s clear and not blocked by leaves or other debris.
- Locate the drain pan beneath the evaporator coil, which is located inside your home. The attic and basement are likely places for an evaporator coil installation.
- Vacuum out standing water with a shop vac. Clean up any mold growing on the bottom of the pan and the drain outlet.
- Insert a flexible plumbing tool into the drain and push it back and forth to help dislodge the blockage.
- Mix one-quarter cup of bleach with one gallon of warm water. Transfer a little at a time to a smaller container and pour it down the condensate drain to kill any residual algae.
Why it’s a good idea to leave the unclogging to a professional
While these tasks are arguably DIY worthy, it’s best to leave the job in the hands of a professional to make sure nothing goes wrong. After all, you count on your air conditioner to provide a cool, dehumidified interior without causing water damage to your home. It’s worth hiring a professional to make sure the job gets done right the first time around.
For more information about unclogging condensate drains, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating in Los Angeles today. We have provided exceptional HVAC services to LA residents since 1967.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/C maintenance and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock