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How to Avoid AC Drain Line Problems and Costly AC Repairs

If you’ve ever noticed puddles of water near your indoor air conditioning unit, there’s a good chance you were having some trouble with you AC drain line. The air conditioning drain line, also known as the condensate line, is responsible for removing moisture from your AC system. When it’s clogged, it can cause water to build up, possibly causing severe damage to your home and requiring expensive air conditioning repairs.

Luckily, this is a fairly easy problem to fix and it’s even easier to avoid it in the first place. Here’s what you need to know.

How Does an AC Drain Line Work?

Your air conditioning system works by cooling the warm, moist air inside your home. As the air cools, it releases water vapor, also known as condensation. A properly functioning AC unit typically produces between 5 and 20 gallons of water each day.

Your AC drain line is a hollow tube that moves this moisture from the evaporator coil to the exterior of your home. When it gets clogged, there’s no place for the water to go. This can possibly cause a significant amount of water to back up into your AC system and into your home. 

How to Avoid Drain Line Clogs

AC drain lines often get clogged with dirt and debris. Since it’s a moist, dark place, it’s also a prime spot for the growth of mold, algae, and mildew. This can create a coating inside the tube that eventually constricts or completely stops the flow of water.

You can keep this from happening by adding drain line cleaning to your annual AC maintenance routine. A professional can quickly and easily clean your AC drain lines, ensuring you don’t get enough buildup to lead to a problem.

Your AC filters can also trap debris that could otherwise cause a clog. You can help prevent this by using high-quality filters and replacing them at least every three months – more often if you have allergies, pets, or if someone smokes inside your home.

Signs Your AC Drain Line is Clogged

Periodically checking the area around your AC unit can help you catch a drain line clog before damage can occur. In addition to seeing standing water near your indoor AC unit, other signs to watch out for include:

  • A moldy or musty smell near your indoor unit or coming from your vents/registers
  • Water damage in areas close to your indoor AC unit
  • Decreased AC unit cooling efficiency
  • Your AC system shutting down or not turning on

If you experience one or more of these issues, it’s critical to address it right away. Water damage can occur very quickly, so don’t take any chances.

What to Do if You Have an AC Drain Line Clog

If you have a clog in your drain line, the easiest way to take care of it is to call our air conditioning repair specialists. Our team can quickly clear out your line and make sure your AC unit is working as it should. Give us a call today at 941-371-3355 to schedule an appointment or contact us online to request an estimate.

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