Air Conditioner Condensation Drain Line

Carson dunlop associates sketches left illustrate both acceptable and not recommended locations for the discharge of an air conditioner or heat pump condensate drain line discharge.

Air conditioner condensation drain line. This debris can include mold and mildew algae bacteria fungus and even small plants. Occasionally the secondary condensation pan will also clog and not drain. The condensation drain line is plugged air handling units in attics should have a secondary condensation pan in case the primary condensation pan overflows. If the line isn t properly cleaned algae and mold can grow inside and clog the drain causing elevated humidity musty odors and water damage inside your home.

It s similar to the trap under your kitchen or bathroom sink. There are various ways to clean out an air conditioner condensate drain and two popular methods are pouring white vinegar or bleach down the line to clear clogs. This is the condensate drain which plays an important role in removing condensation produced by your air conditioner s evaporator coil. There should be a constant drip when the air conditioner is running.

Over time it can become trapped in your condensate drain line causing blockage. Check that the condensation is being removed. Over time sludge and buildup form in your condensate drain line. The line is a pvc pipe that runs from the condenser inside your house to the outside next to the compressor.

Signs the ac drain line is clogged. The condensation drip from the condenser is carried from the inside to the outside. Because condensation collects in your air conditioner s drain line it provides the perfect breeding grounds for mold and algae to thrive. If the condensate drain line is clogged you will need to use a wet dry vacuum or a special pump to unclog the line.

Uniform mechanical code section 310 0 310 1 condensate disposal. Just pour a cup of bleach in the drain line s access opening near the indoor air conditioning unit. This will kill any algae mold or mildew that has formed in the pipe. Build up of this debris can be carried off as condensate drains from the coil.

Bleach and window units. Air conditioner condensation drain pans. A central air system routes condensation through a u shaped trap located in the drain line just outside the air handler.