A Clogged Condensate Drain: How to Deal With It

Having a clogged condensate drain in your air conditioner or heat pump can be a big problem, especially living in an area such as South Florida where air conditioning is used nearly year-round. A clogged drain can result in the A/C not working properly or shutting off, and also can lead to water damage in your house and health hazards from mold growth.

How the Condensate Drain Clogs

The evaporator portion of a split-system A/C or heat pump has a drain pan that’s typically found under the unit; it collects any water or moisture that gathers during operation of the A/C. This drain may also accumulate dirt and dust that eventually will clog the line. In some cooling systems, the A/C may cut off if the drain pan becomes full. Cleaning a clogged condensate line and draining the pan will allow the A/C or heat pump to resume normal operation.

Cleaning out the Clogged Condensate Drain Pan and Line

If you’re feeling handy, most common A/C manufacturers such as Lennox and Mitsubishi make cleaning out the condensate drain pan and line a relatively easy task.

The first step is to stop power to A/C or heat pump, either through the circuit breaker or the unit itself. Then find the tail end of the condensate line, which is usually located on the outside of the house, and make sure that nothing is blocking it such as leaves, dirt or weeds.

The drain pan itself should be under the evaporator inside the house. This pan can be cleaned by using a shop vac. Find the outlet in the drain pan where the drain hose is attached. Use a brush to clear away any mold or other debris from the front of the outlet. To prevent mold growth, wash the drain tube with a quarter cup of bleach to a gallon of warm water.

Getting Professional Help

If you find the entire process intimidating, please contact us at NisAir Air Conditioning & Heating to do the job professionally and quickly. This can save a lot of headaches, stress and money in the long run.