Air conditioning units do more than help keep two-thirds of all U.S. homes cool during the summer months. They keep the humidity out, too.
The moisture in the air during those hot summer days collects in your air conditioner’s condensate drip pan. From there, the moisture flows into the AC’s drain tube. The tube leads outside your home to keep the moisture from causing water damage.
But sometimes your air conditioner’s drain tube can suffer from a clog. And left unrepaired, this clog can lead to water damage around your home.
Why do clogs form in AC drain tubes?
It may be confusing why clogs would form in your air conditioner’s drain tube. After all, your air conditioner is sucking the moisture from the air and nowhere else.
But the water in your condensate pan actually contains tiny particles and microscopic bacteria. Because of this, when the water leaves your drain tube it leaves a residue behind.
This residue can lead to a build-up of mold, dust, dirt, and algae. The result is a clog in your drain tube similar to a clog in under your kitchen sink.
Another potential reason why you could have a clog in your drain tube is that the tube leads outdoors. Dust and dirt may enter your AC unit’s drain tube this way as well, causing a clog of dirt to form in the tube.
How can I tell when there’s a clog in my drain tube?
Some air conditioning units will respond by shutting down when their condensate drip pan is too full. But not all air conditioners have this feature.
If your air conditioner is one of the latter units, you may not know you have a drain tube clog until your condensate drip pan overflows. This can cause water to drip through your ceiling, out your vents, or from your air conditioning unit.
When your condensate drip pan has overflowed, it’s important that you shut down your air conditioner as soon as possible to prevent water damage.
Who can I call for air conditioning repair?
If your air conditioner line is clogged or you’re experiencing other issues with your HVAC system, our HVAC services can help. To learn more about our air conditioning repairs and preventative maintenance, contact us today.