If you own an air conditioning unit, then you will need to clean its drain line regularly. There are many reasons why you need to clean your AC’s drain line. The most obvious is to keep it up and running. If you fail to clean your AC’s drain line and it becomes blocked, then it won’t function properly and may break down. Cleaning your AC’s drain line can take as little as five minutes. If you fail to clean it, then it could cost you thousands.
This article will explore how you can clean your AC’s drain line, simply and effectively:
Indications Your Drain Line’s Blocked
There are a few signs that indicate that your drain line is blocked. If you fail to recognise these, then you could miss the blockage. One of the most obvious indications that your drain line is blocked is the presence of standing water. While some standing water is inevitable, if you are noticing large amounts of water dripping, then it’s likely due to a blocked drain line. When a drain line is blocked, water cannot be drained, so it overflows and causes leaks. In addition, because water cannot drain through your AC’s drainage system and is standing still, mould growth is likely.
There are myriad health conditions associated with exposure to mould. It can cause insomnia, anxiety, depression, and even death. Mould growth should be addressed immediately. While not all types of mould are toxic, if you are unfortunate enough to have the dangerous kinds growing inside your AC’s drain line, then you will most certainly suffer health effects.
The growth of mould ultimately leads to a musty, damp smell. If you notice this smell, then it is imperative that you act quickly. Not only can certain moulds cause health problems, but even harmless moulds can worsen a person’s asthma and cause allergy flares. Another indication that your drain line might be blocked is if your air conditioning unit rumbles and makes noises. These noises could be the water failing to get through the blockage.
Hiring a Professional
If you are confident that your AC’s drainage system needs to be cleaned, then you may want to hire a professional. While you may have decided to click here and read this article in order to find out how to do it yourself if you aren’t a professional it’s usually best to leave it to one. While cleaning one’s AC drainage system isn’t necessarily difficult, if you are clumsy and don’t have technical experience then you could damage your drainage system. With this said, if you do have some technical experience and can’t justify hiring a professional, there are a few ways that you can do it yourself.
Vacuuming the Pipe
One of the simplest ways to clean a blockage in your AC’s drainage pipe is with a vacuum cleaner. This will only work if the blockage is dry and if you have a particularly powerful vacuum cleaner. Simply attach the end of your vacuum cleaner to the beginning of your drainage pipe and begin sucking and clearing out all of the dirt. One mistake to avoid is using an air pressure machine to push the blockage into the drain. Many people mistakenly do this, thinking it will clear away debris. In reality, it pushes the blockage further down and can make it more difficult to clear away.
Vinegar Cleaning
Another method of cleaning your AC’s drain pipe is with vinegar. This method is extremely effective, especially for large blockages. This method requires you to:
- To begin with, you need to turn off your air conditioning unit. If you attempt to clean it while it’s turned on, you could receive an electric shock. Make sure that it’s turned off at the plug, and on the machine.
- When your air conditioning unit is turned off, look for the PVC pipe. These pipes are typically grey, black, or white, and will be attached to your air conditioning unit’s drain line. The drain line should be attached to your home’s outside wall.
- When you have located the drain line, find access to it. It will usually be covered with a cap.
- Make sure you are wearing gloves and a mask, as well as goggles because vinegar can be very irritating.
- Pour distilled white vinegar into the drain line and leave it for around thirty minutes.
- Flush your drain line out with water, then check that clogs are gone by running a wire brush down the inside of your pipe. In addition, have somebody stand outside your house to see if water is draining out of your AC’s drain line.
Cleaning your AC’s drain line isn’t necessarily difficult, but if you are untrained, it’s best left to the professionals. If you would like to do it yourself, then follow this article’s instructions.