Air Conditioning

Signs of a Clogged A/C Drain Line

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If your A/C's drain line is clogged, it can lead to all sorts of problems. It begins with leakage and quickly turns to water damage, mold, and more. How can you spot a clogged A/C drain pipe before it becomes a serious problem, and what can you do about it? Here are a few signs.

  • Dripping water. If there's water dripping in or around your A/C, then it's a sign that the drain pipe is backed up. Check for standing water around the unit.

  • Full drip pan. Even if you don't see dripping water, check your A/C regularly for signs of a clogged AC drain pipe. Another common symptom is that the drip pan is often full or overflowing. This means the water isn't draining as it's supposed to, and there's likely a clog.

  • Mold. If there's mold growing in your drip pan or around the unit, there may be more water there than usual, indicating a clog. Additionally, if you smell mold throughout the house, then the smell likely originated at your A/C and is being disseminated throughout your home via the ducts.

  • Water damage. If you find water spots or other signs of dampness near your A/C's fan, or on the floor around the unit, there could be a leak. If you check regularly (once a month or so), you should hopefully be able to spot it before the water damage becomes a more serious issue.

If your drip pan is full, you might be able to unclog the drain yourself. Never use bleach on an A/C drain pipe, though. You can pour hot water down the drain to break up the clog, or use a special drain cleaning solution. Pour it very slowly, and stop if the water level in the pan doesn't start to go down. If unclogging the drain doesn't work, or if you already have mold or water damage, then call a professional HVAC technician.

For help dealing with a clogged A/C drain pipe, contact us at Air Assurance. We're the trusted source for all of Broken Arrow's home comfort solutions.