How to Unclog Condensate Drain Lines

It’s scorching hot outside and you come across an AC system exhibiting all the signs of having a clogged condensate drain line, what do you do? Condensate drain lines work to remove condensation (water) from the inside of an HVAC unit and when clogged they can cause water buildup, mold and bacteria growth, flooded drain pans and cause hundreds to thousands of dollars in water damage. The state of a drain line relies heavily on proper installation and smart HVAC maintenance. Learn how to tackle these plugged drain lines correctly and keep reading to see which cleaning methods are safest and most effective in clearing them.

Use Compressed Air Solutions

Compressed air solutions are a common method used to unclog large obstructions from condensate drain lines. In most cases, they use a blast of air up to 800 PSI, to force the obstruction out. This blast of air can be far too powerful for drain lines with poorly assembled joints. The joints may come apart during the process, and unluckily for you, finding and fixing them could be a total nightmare! If you choose this method to clean out condensate drain lines, just know the risk you’re taking that could result in other costly repairs in the future.

Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum

An easier and safer solution to cleaning clogged condensate drain lines is by using just the right amount of vacuum pressure. It’s less forceful on your joints and generally clears lines just as well. A vacuum with at least 90 CFM of cleaning power or more will certainly do the trick and our BucketVac® 5 Gallon Bucket Wet/Dry Vacuum is the perfect machine for the job. It features a 1 HP motor with 100 CFM and a 60″ lift that can suck up clogged material in seconds. Not only is it faster than using compressed air, but it also reduces the risk of blowing out joints. Did we mention it also collects all of the dirt and debris for an easier cleanup?

Use Mold Fighting Chemicals and Tools

Up the ante and attach our Condensate Drain Line Tool to clear out mold, mildew, debris or any other obstructions causing clogging in the condensate drain line. This handy tool is designed to work with virtually any wet/dry vacuum with hoses up to 2 1/4″ diameter and includes a reversible end piece for fitting over 3/4″ and 1″ drain lines. A great final step to cleaning drain lines is to apply an EPA registered mold inhibitor to coils and drain lines to help reduce the risk of blockages, so AC systems can operate their best on even the hottest of summer days.

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