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AC Drain Line Clog

ac drain line clog

How It Happens & What You Can Do To Prevent It

Did you know that your air conditioner can make around 20 gallons of water each day while it is running? On especially hot days, your AC will work overtime to keep you cool and comfortable in your home. As it reduces the temperature it also pulls humidity from the air in your home. Under normal circumstances, the water will drain out of your home. However, if the drain (condensate) line is clogged, it can cause water build up and create a disaster and potential water damage to your home. Below we discuss how an ac drain line clog happens and how you can prevent them.

What Does Condensate Drain Line Do?

When your air conditioner is on and cooling your home it also dehumidifies the air. This process creates moisture that drips off the evaporator coil. The water then flows down into the drip pan connected to the condensate drain line. This drain line then carries the condensation out of your home.

How Does the AC Drain Line Clog?

Just like plumbing clogs, ac drain lines can also clog. Clogs are usually a result of growth and formation of bacteria in the drain line or a backup of debris such as leaves or other foliage from your backyard. Condensation can also lead your ac drain line to clog. As condensation drips off the evaporator coil, there is a possibility for it to mix with dust. As the dust combines with condensation it can turn into slime and sludge eventually forming a clog in the drain line. The buildup of sludge can also dry and solidify during the heating season when the drain line is not being used. Eventually it will become so clogged that it will prevent your unit from draining properly with possibility of water backing up into your home and causing costly water damage.

Signs Your AC Drain Line is Clogged

Signs you AC drain line is clogged include:

  • Musty, moldy smell throughout your entire home as air comes out from the registers/vents
  • Standing water near the indoor unit
  • Full condensate drain pan
  • Water damage in areas near the indoor unit
  • AC system is not cooling your home
  • AC system shuts down or does not turn on

Most units nowadays are equipped with an overflow sensor attached to the drip pan. As the pan fills with water the sensor is triggered and turns off the AC unit to prevent further water damage. If your unit has one be sure to have the sensor tested regularly. Contact a professional if you notice any of the signs above. They will know how to best clean a clogged drain line, or can determine if another issue is at hand.

Best Ways to Prevent an AC Drain Line Clog

One simple way to prevent your air conditioner from getting clogged would be to regularly replace the air filter. This will help limit the mount of debris and other particles that can make their way into the water that drains from your AC. Its not important to change the filters regularly or they will be ineffective. A good rule of thumb is to check it at least once a month and replace as needed at the very least once every 3 months. Another great way to help prevent an ac drain line clog is to have routine maintenance performed. At the very least have your AC unit inspected once a year. During maintenance we will clean the drain line and ensure it is properly draining. If you schedule routine maintenance for your HVAC system a technician will be able to spot any issues before they turn into costly catastrophic repairs.

Give Us A Call Today

If you suspect your AC drain line is clogged or are experiencing any AC issues, give us a call. You can reach LA Construction Heating and Air by calling 818-341-3406 or by contacting us online. Don’t hesitate to call us at the first sign of trouble. You do not want to allow the issue to become worse potentially leaving you with a properly working AC on a day you need it the most.

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For AC installation, our certified team ensures a professional and seamless AC replacement process. We perform a detailed load calculation to select the perfect AC unit for maximum energy efficiency. We handle everything from ductless mini-split systems to full HVAC system installation. Investing in a new AC unit is a significant decision for your Los Angeles home, and our HVAC contractor services ensure that it's a smart one. A proper AC installation by a licensed professional is the foundation of a reliable system, saving you from costly repairs down the line and ensuring your unit operates in compliance with all local building codes. By choosing our experienced team, you're not just getting a new air conditioner—you're securing a long-term, high-performance cooling solution designed to keep you comfortable for years to come. Learn more

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At home or at your workplace, there's always the potential for sudden HVAC operating failure and the need for immediate HVAC repair. We'll put you back into the comfort zone ASAP. Our technicians are experienced, EPA certified, trained, background checked, drug tested, Workers' Compensation insured, uniformed, professional, and honest. They will diagnose your system and provide you with a written estimate for repairs.

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When your heating fails, a trustworthy, highly-rated HVAC contractor near me is probably the first thing you think you need. We are proud to say that we meet all those qualifications, we have 100's of 5-star reviews and are located around the Los Angeles area. Our team provides prompt and professional heating repair and furnace repair. We are experts at diagnosing and fixing a wide range of issues. We offer fast emergency heating repair to minimize your home or business's downtime, delivering reliable heating service that ensures your system runs safely and efficiently all winter. Learn more

Air Quality

Whether you're at home or at work, your health and comfort can be affected by poor air quality. And, the air quality is affected by the air temperature, the humidity, the quality of ventilation and any contaminants or irritants like indoor pets, pollen, dust mites, cleaning products, lead, Formaldehyde and Asbestos, Poor Air Flow, mildew and mold. Poor air quality can cause more than slight discomfort - much more!

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Maintenance

As Benjamin Franklin said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Same idea applies to your central heater and air conditioner maintenance.Think of it as an oil change for your auto, which improves your car's engine performance, maximizes your gas millage and minimized down time by avoiding unnecessary repairs.

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