Is a Drain Line Causing Problems with Your HVAC System?

If you have problems with your HVAC, it could be because of any one of a host of problems. A common problem for an HVAC to stop working is a simply a clogged drain line. If your drain line is backed up, it can trigger a sensor that turns off the HVAC system until the line is cleared.

Your HVAC drain line’s purpose is to remove condensation that develops with the unit’s evaporator coils. The HVAC drain line moves moisture down and out of the house. You can see the moisture on the outside of your home.

The drain line is the small, narrow pipe that has a slow drip of water trickling from it when the AC unit is on or has recently been on. From time to time, the drain line can get clogged.

Should I Clean My Drain Line?

Yes, cleaning a drain line regularly can help your equipment run more efficiently and prevent any problems with your HVAC system.

Causes of an AC Drain Clog?

A buildup of dirt or algae that collect at the indoor coil can clog an air conditioner drain lines. The water has to go somewhere if the drain line is clogged. If there is a blockage, you may see a back-up of water in the drain pan. This can result in severe water damage to your home.

Ways to Clean the Drain

There are two suggestions to clean out your HVAC drain line:

1. Do It Yourself
2. Hire a professional HVAC Company. They will fix the problem correctly.

Routine AC Cleaning Without Blockage

Here are instructions on the DIY method:

1. Turn HVAC system off.
2. Locate the cleaning port. Use a bucket to collect the condensation pooling up in the drain pan.
3. Remove cleaning port cap.
4. Carefully pour the cleaning solution down the drain line. Repeat three times.
5. Replace cleaning port cap.
6. Turn the system back on.

Clean Out your AC Drain Line

It is highly recommended to hire an experienced HVAC Company to take care of cleaning out your AC Drain Line or fix any possible problems.

Here are two methods to clean out your air conditioning drain line. Start with the second method if the clog is severe.

Method 1 –Small Blockages

1. Turn HVAC system off.
2. Locate the cleaning port.Use a bucket to collect the condensation pooling up in the drain pan.
3. Remove cleaning port cap.
4. Assess clog.If there is a blockage, move forward to remove it. Do not push it further away. Lift the blockage directly out of the drain pipe.
5. Carefully pour the cleaning solution down the drain line. Follow the steps in Method 2.
   6. After pouring is complete, assess the blockage.The blockage is still intact if the cleaning solution does not flow out of the drain line. You could have a more massive block in the drain line. Follow the steps in Method 2.
6. Replace cleaning port cap.
7. Turn the system back on.

Method 2 – Larger Clogs

1. Use an air compressor or wet-vac to remove the blockage.
2. If the drain is full, a wet-vac can be used to remove the fluid. You may need to repeat pouring the cleaning solution down the PVC drain line.
3. Test with cleaning solution or water once the line has been cleared.
4. Replace cleaning port cap.
5. Turn the system back on.

If you have any problems with your HVAC system or a clogged drain line, call Trust Heating & Air at 678-926-9676?

Contact Us

Contact the pros at TRUST Heating & Air to discuss savings tips and free estimates. We have 24/7 Emergency Services. Just call us at 678-926-9676 to come out and resolve the problem.