Your Richmond Heights air conditioner has a condensate drain line that removes the excess condensate produced by the system during operation. The moisture and other components extracted from the air are flushed through this line to ensure smooth operation. If a clog occurs in the condensate drain line, your air conditioner can stop working properly or freeze up entirely.
Why Does the Condensate Drain Line Clog?
A clog usually occurs because of the sludge that builds up in the drain line. Because so much of the drain line is horizontal, this is only natural. But with time, that sludge can start to back up in a single part of the line and eventually create a full clog. If the clog is severe enough, the condensate water from the air conditioner can back up from the line, into the drain pan and eventually into the furnace.
Fixing a Clogged Condensate Line
Your condensate line is a very simple component it shouldn’t take too long for a professional to take care of the problem.
First, your tech will start by turning off your air conditioner and then removing the panel on the indoor component of the system – where the evaporator coil is located. Inside is two pipes connecting your condensate drain line (usually a PVC pipe) to the evaporator coil. They will then look to see if your drain pan is backed up at all – and empty it if is full of water.
Next, they will look for the end of the condensate line where it leaves the house and connects to the outside unit. If your pipe ends in the ground or any debris and brush have built up around them, they will clean them away and dig out the area around the pipe to ensure it has clearance when draining. They will then flush the line with water to clear the clog.
For any AC service in the Richmond Heights area, give Air On Demand a call!