What usually causes an AC drain pan to clog up?

What usually causes an AC drain pan to clog up?

When an air conditioner’s drain pan is full of water, the most common culprit is a clogged drainpipe. Inside the refrigerant coils and pipes is a breeding ground for algae, mold, and the like. Overtime, algae and mold can clog the drainpipe and cause water to build up and leak into the drain pan.

What happens when your AC condensate drain becomes clogged?

When the drain has become clogged, the water in the pan has nowhere to go. The condensate pan is usually only an inch deep, so it can quickly begin to overflow. This could allow water to splash onto the delicate electrical components. At best, you could end up with a failed component,…

What should I do if my AC drain is clogged?

Method 1 – For Small Blockages in the AC Drain Line. 1. Turn HVAC system off. 2. Locate cleaning port. If the unit has turned off due to a blockage, you may need a bucket to collect the condensation resting in the drain pan. 3. Remove cleaning port cap. 4. Assess clog. If you can see the blockage, attempt to remove the blockage.

Why is my condensation line in my bathroom clogged?

More often than not, the issue is simply that a collection of dirt, dust, lint and other common materials have accumulated in your drain line, creating a clog which can often be dislodged using a thin stick or even a jet of water, freeing the line and allowing the condensation to drain away with ease.

What happens when a drain line backs up on an AC unit?

When the drain line backs up it can trigger a sensor that turns off the HVAC system until the line is cleared. The purpose of an air conditioner’s drain line is to remove condensation that develops with the use of the AC unit’s evaporator coils.

What causes an AC drain line to be clogged?

Signs the AC Drain Line is Clogged As indoor air circulates through the evaporator coil, dust, dirt and other airborne particles can be trapped by moisture. Build-up of this debris can be carried off as condensate drains from the coil. Over time, it can become trapped in your condensate drain line, causing blockage.

Where is the condensate drain line located in an air conditioner?

Where is the Condensate Drain Line Located? Your air conditioners condensate drain line is located where the air handler is. In residential installations the condensate will usually be pvc or cpvc. Commercial applications may use copper as drain lines.

What should I do if my AC unit is clogged?

If you are unable to clear the clog this way after a full minute, then you may need to call an HVAC company to come inspect your unit. You can make sure you cleared the clog by pouring some water into the drain line’s access hole, located inside your home where the drain line comes out of the unit, and watching to see if it runs out the other end.

How do you remove a blockage from an AC drain line?

Need a professional AC company to unclog your AC Drain Line? 1. For larger blockages, use a wet-vac or air compressor to remove the blockage. If using a wet-vac, suction can be applied to either end of the drain line to remove the clog. If using an air compressor, see step 3. 2.