Some air conditioner water pipes lead to a basement floor drain. Air conditioners contain refrigerant coils that cool the air in a home. The refrigerant coils have cool surfaces that attract evaporated water or condensation. The condensation drops down into a drain pan and flows through the drain, which has a pipe attached to it called a condensation or condensate drain pipe. Over time, a build up of dirt and algae collects in the condensation drain pipe and may form a clog. Signs of a clogged air conditioner condensation pipe are an overflowing drain pan or water puddles forming under the air conditioner. Turn off the air conditioner and cut the electricity to the unit at the breaker box. Remove the air conditioning unit housing panel to find the evaporator coil and drain line. The drain pan is at the bottom of the housing. Clean the air conditioner drain pan. If it is full of water, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water and any debris that may be in the drain pan. Insert a clean rag into the drain pipe opening in the pan to prevent back-splash.

Locate copper pipes that lead to the exterior of the air conditioning unit. Next to the copper pipes will be a 1 inch diameter PVC pipe that may be white, black or gray in color. This is the condensation drain pipe. If you cannot find the pipe, gently remove the dirt near the copper pipes with a small trowel shovel, as it may have been embedded in the ground. Remove the 90-degree cap fitting on a T-shaped connector on the PVC condensation drain pipe to open the access hole of the pipe. general electric window ac unitsPlace the wet/dry vacuum hose over the opening on the PVC pipe. ac units in a tentTurn on the wet/dry vacuum and remove any debris or algae that may be clogging the drain. ac unit hireUse a garden hose to remove any debris that is firmly stuck in the pipe.

Turn on the hose, then kink it near the end to build up water pressure. Insert the hose end into the end of the condensation pipe and let go of the kinked end of the hose to let the pressurized water go up into the pipe and knock loose the debris. As soon as water enters the pipe, remove the hose to prevent accidentally flooding the drain pan. Remove the clean rag from the drain pan. Use a pitcher to pour water down the drain pan. If the clog is removed, water will flow freely through the drain of the pan. Replace the 90-degree cap fitting on the condensation pipe and the air conditioning housing panel. Things You Will Need Wet/dry vacuum Clean rag Small trowel shovel Garden hose Pitcher Bleach Tip Warning References Danny Lipford Video Channel: AC Drain Clean Out Photo Credits Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionDIY Tips to Cleaning Your AC Unit's Drain Tube It can happen to anyone. You’re walking through your home, when suddenlyYour feet splash into a gross, wet puddle on the floor.

Unless your pet has a bladder control problem, it’s more than likely a clog in your AC unit’s drain line. What made my drain tube clog? Your AC doesn’t just cool your home, it also controls humidity, condensing moisture in the air and shuttling it outdoors through a small pipe called a drain line tube. Mucus-like algae, mold, mildew, and even ice in extreme temperatures, can build up inside your condensation drain line forming a clog that causes water to backup into lines, your AC unit, and eventuallyIf you need a flotation device to traverse your carpet, the AC condensate drain line is a likely culprit. Where can I find my drain tube to clean it? The AC drain line should be located near the outside unit, leading from your AC unit’s evaporator coil. It is typically a ¾ inch PVC pipe – however some drain lines may be copper. Feeling brave enough to combat your own clog? Locate your condensate drain line.

Using a wet/dry vac you’ve previously removed the paper filter from, connect the attachment from the vacuum to the drain line using duct tape or simply wrapping a cloth tightly around it with your hand. Run the wet/dry vac for a few seconds to a few minutes until the drain is clear. If you don’t want to fork out tons of dough to repair water damage in your home, it would be a wise idea to perform a little maintenance on your AC drains lines. Drain lines should be properly angled down and kept clear of mud, grass and debris for water to flow out properly. After the gunk has been removed from your drain line, get in the habit of performing a little DIY maintenance. Simply open up the drain line clean out or T on your inside unit and pour a 50/50 warm water and bleach mixture OR warm water and vinegar solution through the line. use a minimum of 2 cups once or twice per year. Be advised, however, some newer units no longer recommend bleach or vinegar due to oxidation/degradation

In these cases, boiling water is recommended. Installing a safety switch to automatically turn off your AC whenever the drain line clogs can help you avoid expensive water damage. Regular, professional maintenance not only keeps your system running at peak performance, but can catch messy drain line clogs and other issues AC have you feeling stuck? Contact Aire Serv® today. Ready to breathe easier? The AC-Safe Pan Tablets (6-Pack) are a convenient, no-mess way to clean condensate drain pans and keep them clean for up to 6 weeks. The non-corrosive and non-toxic formula gets rid of odors in air conditioners, refrigerators, dehumidifiers and humidifiers. Clean condensate pans and eliminate odors Use in refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, humidifiers Promotes maximum cooling efficiency This question is from Air Conditioner Pan Tablets (6-Pack)4 This says "AC Safe" does that mean...? Probably a silly question, BUT......