Clearing Out A Clogged Drip Line On An A/C Unit: What You Need To Do
The drip line on your air conditioning unit allows the condensation from the evaporator coil in your system to drain from it. This line usually drains into a pan, runs out of your home from a pipe, or runs to a sump pit in your basement or crawl space. Over time, this line can clog with mold, mildew or other debris, which can clog the water in the system. When this happens, you could end up damaging your system. Read on for information on how to clear out a clogged drip line.
Tools And Materials Needed For The Job:
- Shop vacuum
- Duct tape (or other sturdy tape)
- Bleach
- Hose brush
Instructions:
- To start, you need to turn off your air conditioning system. Just with any system or appliance you work with, you should always turn it off first. The shutoff should be outside near the unit, or you can shut it off with the breaker box.
- Next, find the end of the drain line. Use the hose brush and place the brush into the hose. Turn the brush and pull it out, then push it in again, repeating until you have reached the clog and removed as much debris as you can. If need be, clean the brush and repeat again.
- Next, take the shop vacuum and the hose attachment, and attach it to the drain line. Use duct tape to hold the hose onto the drain line and to allow for proper suction. Turn on the shop vacuum to help remove anything else that may be in the line.
- When finished, clean out the drip pan and clean the rest of the drain line as well using the hose brush and the shop vacuum in the same manner you did on the other end.
- Turn on the air conditioner and keep an eye on the drip line. Watch for water dripping out of the line. If you spot a leak around the pipe, or elsewhere around your air conditioning unit, call a professional AC repair person for help.
Your air conditioning unit has a drip line that needs to drain out in order to run properly, otherwise you could have a mess and an air conditioning breakdown. If your unit has an issue with a clogged drip line and you aren't sure if you can handle the repair, or you have issues even after cleaning it out, call a professional air conditioning repairman for help.
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