It Is Important to Clean Your A/C’s Condensate Drain

Your air conditioner helps to improve comfort by dehumidifying your living environment. During this process, the system pulls moisture out of the air and removes it through a condensate drain. Sometimes, however, these drains can become clogged. A clogged A/C drain must be cleaned as soon as possible before other problems develop.

Problems with Condensate Drains

• Algae and mold: The environment inside a condensate drain provides the perfect conditions for the growth of algae and mold. They can clog the condensate drain lines and prevent water from exiting the system.
• Leaks and overflows: Clogged condensate drain lines can lead to water leaks or overflows, ruining floors, carpets and walls. If the water leaks into wall cavities, you may not find out about the damage until much later.

Cleaning the A/C Condensate Drain

• Air pressure: A wet-dry vac hose is connected to the end of the condensate drain and air pressure used to remove the clog. It may be necessary to buy plumbing fittings or adapters to ensure the connection between the drain line and the vacuum hose is tight. Duct tape or similar material can be used to connect the hose and create an airtight seal.
• Physical force: In some cases, it may be possible to clean the condensate drain line and break up any clogs without major tools. A bent wire or similar device can be carefully inserted into the drain line to remove the clog. This is more manageable if the drain line is not long.

Many homeowners will want to tackle some of these tasks, but it is often best to call your plumber or HVAC technician for professional assistance. Contact the experts at Carefree Comfort, Inc., for more information, or for solutions to any other HVAC concerns. Call us today, at 847-388-0115 to schedule an appointment

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