How Do You Unclog an AC Drain Line in Bozeman, MT?

Are you having trouble with your air conditioning system? Call Premier Systems at (406) 823-3602 to have one of our experienced technicians get to the bottom of the problem. 

When air conditioners remove heat from the air in your Bozeman, MT, home, the process creates condensation, which drains from the unit outdoors. However, if a clog forms anywhere in the drain line, that water can back up into your home and cause malfunctions. This leads many people to ask, “How do you unclog an AC drain line?”

Although there are several ways to deal with a clogged AC drain line, if you aren’t sure where to start, call an HVAC professional for help. When you’re looking for "top aircon maintenance services near me" in Bozeman, look no further than Premier Systems. Here, the team shares some advice for troubleshooting and containing the issue.

Signs of a Clogged AC Drain Line 

Nothing feels better on a hot Bozeman summer day than walking into a perfectly cooled home. But when the drain line in the AC unit clogs, you might not feel quite so cool and comfortable.

The most obvious sign of a clog in the drain line is pooling water under the AC unit. When the condensation can’t flow freely outdoors, it will back up and fill the drain pan under the unit, which eventually overflows and creates a mess. Eventually, this will lead to water damage if you don’t address the problem.

Other indications that the drain line has a clog include:

• An AC that won't run. Some newer models have sensors that detect a water backup, triggering an automatic shutdown.
• Increased humidity. Although Bozeman is significantly less humid than other areas, a clogged AC drain line can make your home feel warmer and more humid than usual.
• Unusual odors. A clog in the air conditioner’s drain line can cause mold, which produces an odor. 

What Causes Your Bozeman, MT, Air Conditioner Drain Line To Clog? 

Air conditioner drain lines can clog for a variety of reasons. Unlike plumbing clogs, which can come from hair, soap, food particles, and other debris, a clogged air conditioner drain pipe is usually due to a buildup of mold, mildew, or algae in the line. Failing to keep the area around the drain outside can also cause a clog, as leaves and other debris can get into the pipe and block water flow. 

How To Clear a Blocked Drain Line 

Now that you know why it happens, how do you unclog an AC drain line? 

HVAC professionals typically use a wet/dry vacuum first when they have to clear a clog. After they remove the cap from the end of the drain pipe, they attach the vacuum and suck out the blockage. 

In most cases, vacuuming works, but if it doesn’t, it may be necessary to use an electric snake to clear the clog. A snake has a rotating brush that can clean the sides of the drain line and dislodge the blockage. Technicians insert the snake at the cleanout cap and then move it down the pipe until it meets resistance. 

The easiest and least expensive way to clear a clog is to pour either a cup of vinegar or a cup of bleach down the line. The acids will eat away at whatever's blocking the pipe. Using bleach also stops problems before they start, as it kills the mold and mildew spores before they grow into a sticky mess. 

Chemical drain cleaners can also help break down stubborn clogs so you can flush them away, but they require extra care. These products contain caustic ingredients that can damage the drain line if you use them incorrectly, so talk to an expert first before using them on your unit.

Invest in Preventive Maintenance From Bozeman HVAC Professionals to Avoid Complications

The best way to avoid dealing with an obstructed AC drain line is to invest in professional preventive maintenance. That way, you never need to ask, “How do you unclog an AC drain line?” Checking the drain line for clogs and cleaning them is part of a standard maintenance service, and scheduling a service appointment will ensure that your system is ready to keep you cool all summer. 

If you see any signs you need AC repair or want to arrange for a maintenance visit before cooling season begins, get in touch with Premier Systems, Bozeman, MT’s top-rated HVAC service, today. Call (406) 823-3602 to speak with a team member and learn more.