Remove A Clog From A Window A/C Unit's Condensate Line

Posted on: 8 August 2015

If water drips out of the interior end of the condensate line that is connected to your air conditioning unit, it is a clear indication that debris is causing blockage inside of the line. Learn how to unclog this vital part with the following steps. Once you have completed the repair, condensation from the unit will be deposited outdoors.

Use The Following Items:

  • plastic sheet
  • disposable gloves
  • screwdriver
  • plumbing snake
  • pipe brush
  • bucket of soapy water
  • wet/dry vacuum cleaner
  • bleach

Unclog The Inner End Of The Line

Turn off the air conditioner and unplug it. Place a plastic sheet under the air conditioner before cleaning out the line. Dirt and liquid will spill onto the plastic and prevent damage to the flooring in your home. Put on a pair of disposable gloves and unscrew the end of the condensate line that is connected to the air conditioner. Insert a metal plumbing snake inside of the line and move it up and down to help loosen debris that is stuck inside.

Insert a tube brush that is covered with soapy water inside of the line. Move the brush up and down and twist it around several times. Add one or two cups of bleach to the line. Hold the line upwards so that the bleach runs all the way through it. The bleach will kill germs inside of the line and will prevent mold or mildew from forming. Reattach the line to the air conditioning unit and tighten the screws.

Unclog The Outer End Of The Line

Go outside and find the outer end of the line. It will be located on the same wall that the air conditioner is set up on. Firmly pull the end of the line until it comes loose. Insert the plumbing snake inside of the line, followed by the tube brush to loosen debris. Place the hose attachment on a wet/dry vacuum cleaner over the line's opening. Hold the hose in place while the vacuum is turned on for a few minutes. Any liquid or debris that is still trapped inside of the condensate line will be eliminated.

Place the end of the line back in the location it was in before you came outside. Plug the air conditioning unit in and turn the power on. If water doesn't drip onto the floor any longer, you have resolved the problem with the cleaning steps that you have just completed. For more information, contact a company like Always Ready Repair.

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