Cleaning a Blocked AC Condensate Drain Line as Part of Central Air Conditioning Repair in Staten Island

Keeping a central air conditioning unit on its feet can be extremely challenging, especially when you are doing it all by yourself. You can always take a little help from the professionals offering central air conditioning repair in Staten Island for the job, but it does not harm to know how to do certain things on own when professional help is not around something like cleaning the ac condensate drain line.

Central Air Conditioner Repair for Cleaning Condensate Drain Line

What is the condensate drain line?

The condensate drain line is a small dripping line on the outside of the ac unit. This drain plays a significant role in removing the condensation from the unit’s evaporator coil. If this line isn’t clean, then algae and mold and grow inside and clog the drain causing elevated humidity, musty odor and water damage inside the house. The truth is, this is often overlooked when the maintenance task is scheduled. So, if you see that it is dirty, then you can do your bit and clean it up yourself.

What do you need?

Following are the things required for the cleaning job:

  • Rags
  • A wet/dry vacuum
  • Distilled vinegar
  • A funnel

How to Clean Your Central Air Conditioner Drain

Following are some of the steps involved in cleaning the condensate drain:

  1. First, shut down the power to the HVAC system at the thermostat and at the breaker.
  2. If the indoor air handler is located in the attic or utility closet, then find the condensate pan. This is usually located directly under the unit but it may also be covered by a removable access panel.
  3. Look for standing water in the drain pan. If there is, then the drain line is probably clogged. Use a handheld or shop vacuum to remove the moisture. You can also use rags to soak up the water. Why that is done, you can clean the drain pan with soap.
  4. The clogged drains can easily be cleared with suction. You might need a shop vacuum for the same. Use it to pull the clog through the drain opening, which is located outside the house near the foundation. Place your hand around the pipe to improve suction and allow the vacuum to run for a minute. Next, check the vacuum canister to see if the clog was removed properly.
  5. Next, identify the access point on the drain line. Usually, the drain has a T-shaped vent with a PVC cover. Remove the cover and then inspect the drain. Use this port to flush the drain with distilled vinegar. If you want to do it with vinegar, then you can use peroxide to gently bubble away the remaining debris. As an alternative measure, you can use hot water and a drop of dish liquid.
  6. Let the solution sit for 30 minutes. Complete the cleaning by flushing the pipe with water. Ask someone to stand on the outside to check the pipe outside and tell you if the water is running freely.

Keeping the condensate drain clean is an essential part of doing away with central air conditioning repair in Manhattan. Repairs are mandatory, and it will happen after some time or the other. However, by keeping this drain pipe clean, it will at least help one to avoid few issues resulting from the same.