Air Conditioning condensate clogged drain lines are common in our humid Tidewater region and can cause costly water damage. It is important to keep your air conditioner regularly maintained to avoid this inconvenience. Drain lines clog when dust, dirt, algae, insects, grime, rust or insulation settles in the drain pipe. This causes water to back up at your indoor air handler equipment which overflows the drip pan and potentially leak through your ceilings, floors or walls. It can also allow for bacteria, mold and mildew to grow, circulating spores through your ductwork, affecting your breathing space. It is advised to turn your system off, then call a professional to clear the drain to prevent further home damage and system failure.
Consider preventing this inconvenience:
- Invest in an annual HVAC maintenance program. Kellam Mechanical loves the annual maintenance program since it pays for itself through energy savings, program benefits and discounts. Drain lines are inspected at each visit and cleared when there are signs of clogs.
- Schedule a professional technician install a float switch and EZ trap to automatically shut your system off when water is detected backing up.
Are you a DIY nut? Attach a wet/dry vacuum to the ¾ PVC primary drain line that exits the exterior of your house located close to ground level near your outdoor air conditioning or heat pump equipment. Ensure your vacuum has a good seal for effectiveness. Power up for 3-5 minutes. Examine the contents that were obstructing the drain line. You might be surprised with the lovely remnants. However, if you are DIY nut, the leftovers probably won’t faze you. Now your breathing air is cleaner and your system is in better operating status. If no junk has been extracted and you still have system failure symptoms, you may need further trouble shooting from a qualified technician.
If you have not thought about your comfort equipment maintenance in a while, now is the time! All mechanical equipment needs regular maintenance, so spending the money to maintain it is saving more than repair costs! Know someone who needs equipment maintenance? Tell ‘em Kellam!
