Condensate Drain Problems and Maintenance.

The condensate drain is a vital component of your air conditioning system. It is the part of the system that carries the captured moisture out and away from the unit. On most systems the condensate drain is located at the bottom the system’s air handler, or located behind an access panel at the bottom of the air handler. When the condensate drain pipes clog, you can experience these problems:

• Mold growth: During the summer the drain tube that leads from the air conditioner’s drain pan will be damp, and this can lead to hazardous mold growth.
• Clogged drain trap: The condensate drain has a u-shaped trap similar to your kitchen or bathroom sink. This trap must remain clean and free of debris in order for moisture to flow away from the system. If it does clog, foul odors, mold and backing up and/or flooding could become a problem.
• Leaks and flooding: a clogged condensate drain line can cause an overflow of the condensate pan. Left undiscovered, the overflow can cause water damage and create a host of problems with your flooring, drywall and air conditioning system.

Condensate Drain Maintenance

Needless to say, it is important to keep all the components of the condensate drain clean and free of potential clogs. Maintenance should be performed before the cooling season begins. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Hook a wet dry vacuum to your drain opening (usually outside of the home) and pull any debris built up in the line into the vacuum.
• Find the access point of the drain line and flush the line with distilled vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Both of these are excellent for loosening and removing debris from your system.
•  Thoroughly vacuum and clean the drain pan with white vinegar, or a solution of dish soap and water.

Maintenance is important, so if you feel uncomfortable with performing the maintained listed above, call an air conditioning professional before the cooling season begins. If you need a new ac drain line installation due to a cracked or leaking line, get professional help as well.