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Your air conditioner has a condensate drain line that runs from the indoor unit to the outside of your home. You’ll find a white PVC or copper pipe located near your outdoor unit—this is where the drain line ends.
How do I find my outside AC drain line?
Find your AC drain line. Most AC drain lines are located outside, near the condenser unit. Push the stiff, thin brush into the end of the drain line. This might clear any clogs located near the end of the drain line.
Do all AC units drain outside?
It’s completely normal for your AC to drain 5-20 gallons of water outside of your home (via the condensate drain). It’s NOT normal for your AC to drain any amount of water inside your home (around your indoor AC unit).
Where does AC drain pipe go?
Your drain line often travels from your indoor units to outdoors near your external AC units. If you walk outside and look near your HVAC system, you may see a pipe connected to your home. This is where your drain line ends.
How do I clear my AC drain line?
How to Unclog Your AC Condensate Drain Line Turn off your air conditioner. Remove the cap from the pipe. Check to see if there is any debris stuck in the drain. Remove any visible debris and retest for proper drainage. Pour in Vinegar. Replace the drain cap. Remove the drain cap.
How do I find my AC condensate drain line?
You’ll find a white PVC or copper pipe located near your outdoor unit—this is where the drain line ends. Near your indoor unit, you’ll find a vertical PVC pipe with a cap on it, which acts as the access point for the condensate drain.
Can’t find my AC drain line?
If your air handler is indoors, find the condensate pan, usually located under the unit. If there is standing water in the drain pan, you most likely have a clogged condensate line. Use a shop vacuum to remove this moisture and any debris that may be involved.
Why does AC drip water outside?
Poor airflow due to a dirty air filter or low refrigerant levels preventing heat absorption are common causes. When ice buildup on the coils melts, this could lead to an excess of water runoff to be flushed out through the condensate drain line, forming what appears to be an AC leak outside.
Should my AC be leaking water outside?
If you notice water puddling under your outdoor air conditioning unit, your first instinct might be to pick up the phone and call a contractor for service. Luckily, water leakage from your AC unit can be perfectly normal.
What happens if AC drain is clogged?
A Clogged Line Will Freeze Your AC System A clogged condensate drain line will trap water in your air conditioner. As a result, the evaporator coil will eventually turn to ice. The moisture in the drain line can also freeze, which will cause your air conditioner to turn off.
How much does it cost to unclog an AC drain line?
Clogged Drain Line If the condensate drain line becomes clogged, water can back up and overflow into your home, resulting in a messy leak. To flush the line or repair it can cost anywhere from $75-$250. In the case that the evaporator coil needs replacing, you are would pay between $400 to $950.
Can I use Drano in my AC drain line?
Drano is designed for food and grease so it won’t work in your AC drain pipes. I don’t recommend using Drano for this situation. If you want to use bleach, use 5 parts water to 1 part bleach.
Where is the drain on a window AC unit?
On constantly draining units (usually older or very large units) the hole is generally underneath the exterior portion of the unit and may be very small. Window air conditioners designed to retain water may have a hole on the side instead, so when the water reaches a given level it drains away.
What is the small pipe on the side of house dripping water?
One pipe is an air conditioning condensate drain, also commonly referred to as an AC drain line. These pipes are usually white in color and are made from PVC piping. Another pipe you may find on the outside of your home is a water pressure relief valve, also known as a PRV drain line.
Why does my AC drain so much water?
The Drain Pipe Is Clogged A clogged drain pipe is the most common cause of standing water in the drain pan. As air passes over the evaporator coils in your air conditioner, it cools down and loses some of its humidity. This humidity is left behind in the form of condensation on the coils.
Is bleach or vinegar better for AC drain line?
We recommend using vinegar instead of a bleach solution because bleach can be harmful to your AC system if your drain line has copper tubing. Using vinegar will not damage your system. Spilling bleach can also ruin carpet or clothing, whereas vinegar will just leave a strong odor.
How much vinegar do I put in my AC drain?
By pouring a ¼ cup of vinegar into your AC’s drain line, you will kill any mold, algae, mildew, and other forms of bacteria or fungi, preventing it from forming a buildup and causing a clog. Repeat this monthly for the best results.
Where do you pour vinegar in your air conditioner?
All it takes is 1/4 cup of vinegar, and a couple minutes of your time: Find your drain line. It should be near your drain pan, located near the air handler. Remove the cap. Pour in 1/4 cup of distilled vinegar. Place the cap back on the drain line.
How do I unclog my AC drain without a vacuum?
If you have a very stubborn clog that doesn’t come out with a shop vac and water, then you can try using a drain snake. Push the drain snake down into the drain line access near the air handler. Make sure the that the drain snake does not go towards your air handler or you could potentially damage the evaporator coil.
