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What Happens When the Condensation Line Is Clogged?

It is easy to forget about your air conditioner -- as long as it is working and keeping you cool. Eventually, however, frequent use encourages a buildup of mold and mildew, and leads to a clogged condensation line. These lines are designed to capture water condensation from the air conditioner and carry it to a nearby drain. Fixing the clog is generally an easy, if somewhat messy, project.

  1. Identifying the problem

    • The first indication of a clogged condensation line is usually a soggy floor or carpet near the utility closet. If you examine the air conditioner, you should notice water beading on the outside of the unit. That means that a buildup is preventing water from flowing down into the drain. Instead, the water is staying in the unit, causing both a water backup and increased condensation on the outside of the unit.

    Find the line

    • Locate the condensation line. If you have the manual for your air conditioner, it will be easy to find on the plans. Otherwise, the line is generally attached to the front top half of the unit. One end of the line will be attached to the air conditioner, the other end of the line will lead to a nearby drain (usually located right next to the unit).

    Fix the line

    • Remove the attached end of the condensation line from the unit. Some units have the condensation line attached with a screw, sometimes it is a small bolted clamp. But it will be obvious how to remove it, The connection will be tight, but it should relatively easy to remove.

    Remove the algae

    • After detaching the line, hold it up so that whatever is collected in the line moves toward the floor drain. If the mold or algae in the line has not clogged it, you can pour a 50/50 mixture of bleach and water down the line to clean it. The bleach mixture also slows future mold/algae growth in the line. If the line is clogged, you will need to repeatedly blow into the line, sending the contaminants down the drain. Reattach the line, and your air conditioner should begin flushing out the condensate through the now-opened line.

    Prevention

    • To prevent problems, also clean out the condensate drip pan. It is a flat pan that is usually located just below the place where the condensation line is attached to the air conditioner. Wipe the pan thoroughly, and treat it with a couple of spoonfuls of bleach. That should help hold down the spread of algae in the system.

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