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AC Condensation Line Clogged? Follow These Steps To Fix It
Do you have a clogged AC condensate line? This can present a whole range of problems, not the least of which is high electricity bills. It could even lead to your entire system breaking down and result in very expensive replacement costs. Fortunately, there are methods you can use in order to make sure that your lines stay clear and the system keeps running like new. Learn the steps to take if you notice an AC condensation line clogged and you’ll have the air conditioning system back up and running in no time at all!
How to Tell if the Condensation Line is Clogged
The first step is to tell if your AC condensation line is clogged in the first place. Have you noticed water leaking from the indoor cabinet? This is the clearest sign that you might have a clogged condensate line. If there’s no actual leakage, check for water spots or water damage around the area. If your system is mounted above your furnace, you might see rust on the furnace, which is particularly dangerous.
Find the Source of the Problem
Your drain line access point is usually either near or behind the exterior AC unit. It’s often colored either black or white and extends from the wall. It should lead away from the unit’s evaporator coil. The pipe is ¾ inches, and while most are PVC, some are made of copper.
The Wet/Dry Vac Cleaning Method
The easiest way to clean your drain out is with a good old-fashioned shop-vac or wet/dry vac. Remove the paper filter from the vacuum, connect the hose to your drain line, using duct tape or an adapter from a hardware store to seal the connection. Then turn it on and let it run for a few moments until the drain clears out!
Using a Water Hose to Clean the System
The second method is sort of the opposite of the vacuum. You can use your garden hose to run water into the hose, and try to dislodge the clog. This method is less recommended as it can cause greater leaks if you’re not careful or if the clog is particularly stubborn.
Specialized Condensate Line Tools
There are a number of specialized tools you can use to clear clogs from a condenser line. These include plumber’s snakes, which you can feed into the line and work in and out to remove the obstruction, chemical tools (which may not be recommended due to the potential to damage the lines) and other specialty tools.
Know When to Call in the Pros
If you’re not sure which type of tool to use, or you’re not confident, you may be best served to call in the services of solid AC repair in Apache Junction, AZ. We’ve got the experience and tools to handle just about any clog safely and get your AC system running like new once more. If you’d like more information or need help with your system, give us a call today!