How to Clean AC Drain Lines in Under 10 Minutes

Consider that AC drain clog hosed

New air conditioner condenser unit outside of a home
Photo: J.A. / Adobe Stock
New air conditioner condenser unit outside of a home
Photo: J.A. / Adobe Stock
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How to Prevent AC Drain Line Clogs

Because clogged AC drain lines can cause backups and mold (and even cause your AC unit to stop working), follow these tips to prevent clogs:

  • Clean and flush the drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup.

  • Schedule an annual HVAC inspection to tune up your system and catch any issues with your condensate pan, line, or evaporator coil.

  • Change your air filter every three months to keep dust, debris, and pet hair out of the AC system.

  • Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of surrounding debris to avoid clogs and backups.

  • Install a condensate trap to prevent dust and debris from entering the drain line.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can clean an AC drain line yourself without much expense. But some clogs are difficult to remove. A local AC repair pro can clear your line quickly and get your AC unit back up and running at its best. Hiring an HVAC pro costs between $75 and $200, depending on the clog and where you live.

How to Prevent AC Drain Line Clogs

Because clogged AC drain lines can cause backups and mold (and even cause your AC unit to stop working), follow these tips to prevent clogs:

  • Clean and flush the drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup.

  • Schedule an annual HVAC inspection to tune up your system and catch any issues with your condensate pan, line, or evaporator coil.

  • Change your air filter every three months to keep dust, debris, and pet hair out of the AC system.

  • Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of surrounding debris to avoid clogs and backups.

  • Install a condensate trap to prevent dust and debris from entering the drain line.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can clean an AC drain line yourself without much expense. But some clogs are difficult to remove. A local AC repair pro can clear your line quickly and get your AC unit back up and running at its best. Hiring an HVAC pro costs between $75 and $200, depending on the clog and where you live.

How to Prevent AC Drain Line Clogs

Because clogged AC drain lines can cause backups and mold (and even cause your AC unit to stop working), follow these tips to prevent clogs:

  • Clean and flush the drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup.

  • Schedule an annual HVAC inspection to tune up your system and catch any issues with your condensate pan, line, or evaporator coil.

  • Change your air filter every three months to keep dust, debris, and pet hair out of the AC system.

  • Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of surrounding debris to avoid clogs and backups.

  • Install a condensate trap to prevent dust and debris from entering the drain line.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can clean an AC drain line yourself without much expense. But some clogs are difficult to remove. A local AC repair pro can clear your line quickly and get your AC unit back up and running at its best. Hiring an HVAC pro costs between $75 and $200, depending on the clog and where you live.

How to Prevent AC Drain Line Clogs

Because clogged AC drain lines can cause backups and mold (and even cause your AC unit to stop working), follow these tips to prevent clogs:

  • Clean and flush the drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup.

  • Schedule an annual HVAC inspection to tune up your system and catch any issues with your condensate pan, line, or evaporator coil.

  • Change your air filter every three months to keep dust, debris, and pet hair out of the AC system.

  • Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of surrounding debris to avoid clogs and backups.

  • Install a condensate trap to prevent dust and debris from entering the drain line.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can clean an AC drain line yourself without much expense. But some clogs are difficult to remove. A local AC repair pro can clear your line quickly and get your AC unit back up and running at its best. Hiring an HVAC pro costs between $75 and $200, depending on the clog and where you live.

Woman shutting down the thermostat
Photo: santypan / Adobe Stock

How to Prevent AC Drain Line Clogs

Because clogged AC drain lines can cause backups and mold (and even cause your AC unit to stop working), follow these tips to prevent clogs:

  • Clean and flush the drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup.

  • Schedule an annual HVAC inspection to tune up your system and catch any issues with your condensate pan, line, or evaporator coil.

  • Change your air filter every three months to keep dust, debris, and pet hair out of the AC system.

  • Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of surrounding debris to avoid clogs and backups.

  • Install a condensate trap to prevent dust and debris from entering the drain line.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can clean an AC drain line yourself without much expense. But some clogs are difficult to remove. A local AC repair pro can clear your line quickly and get your AC unit back up and running at its best. Hiring an HVAC pro costs between $75 and $200, depending on the clog and where you live.

How to Prevent AC Drain Line Clogs

Because clogged AC drain lines can cause backups and mold (and even cause your AC unit to stop working), follow these tips to prevent clogs:

  • Clean and flush the drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup.

  • Schedule an annual HVAC inspection to tune up your system and catch any issues with your condensate pan, line, or evaporator coil.

  • Change your air filter every three months to keep dust, debris, and pet hair out of the AC system.

  • Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of surrounding debris to avoid clogs and backups.

  • Install a condensate trap to prevent dust and debris from entering the drain line.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can clean an AC drain line yourself without much expense. But some clogs are difficult to remove. A local AC repair pro can clear your line quickly and get your AC unit back up and running at its best. Hiring an HVAC pro costs between $75 and $200, depending on the clog and where you live.

Angi Tip

Do not mix vinegar with hydrogen peroxide or bleach. Mixing vinegar with hydrogen peroxide creates a toxic chemical that can irritate your skin and eyes. Combining vinegar and bleach can create a toxic chlorine gas.

Caroline Gilbert
Director, Content & Editorial, Angi

How to Prevent AC Drain Line Clogs

Because clogged AC drain lines can cause backups and mold (and even cause your AC unit to stop working), follow these tips to prevent clogs:

  • Clean and flush the drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup.

  • Schedule an annual HVAC inspection to tune up your system and catch any issues with your condensate pan, line, or evaporator coil.

  • Change your air filter every three months to keep dust, debris, and pet hair out of the AC system.

  • Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of surrounding debris to avoid clogs and backups.

  • Install a condensate trap to prevent dust and debris from entering the drain line.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can clean an AC drain line yourself without much expense. But some clogs are difficult to remove. A local AC repair pro can clear your line quickly and get your AC unit back up and running at its best. Hiring an HVAC pro costs between $75 and $200, depending on the clog and where you live.

How to Prevent AC Drain Line Clogs

Because clogged AC drain lines can cause backups and mold (and even cause your AC unit to stop working), follow these tips to prevent clogs:

  • Clean and flush the drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup.

  • Schedule an annual HVAC inspection to tune up your system and catch any issues with your condensate pan, line, or evaporator coil.

  • Change your air filter every three months to keep dust, debris, and pet hair out of the AC system.

  • Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of surrounding debris to avoid clogs and backups.

  • Install a condensate trap to prevent dust and debris from entering the drain line.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can clean an AC drain line yourself without much expense. But some clogs are difficult to remove. A local AC repair pro can clear your line quickly and get your AC unit back up and running at its best. Hiring an HVAC pro costs between $75 and $200, depending on the clog and where you live.

11 air conditioner parts illustrated, including the fan, air filter, and coolant lines

How to Prevent AC Drain Line Clogs

Because clogged AC drain lines can cause backups and mold (and even cause your AC unit to stop working), follow these tips to prevent clogs:

  • Clean and flush the drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup.

  • Schedule an annual HVAC inspection to tune up your system and catch any issues with your condensate pan, line, or evaporator coil.

  • Change your air filter every three months to keep dust, debris, and pet hair out of the AC system.

  • Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of surrounding debris to avoid clogs and backups.

  • Install a condensate trap to prevent dust and debris from entering the drain line.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can clean an AC drain line yourself without much expense. But some clogs are difficult to remove. A local AC repair pro can clear your line quickly and get your AC unit back up and running at its best. Hiring an HVAC pro costs between $75 and $200, depending on the clog and where you live.

How to Prevent AC Drain Line Clogs

Because clogged AC drain lines can cause backups and mold (and even cause your AC unit to stop working), follow these tips to prevent clogs:

  • Clean and flush the drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup.

  • Schedule an annual HVAC inspection to tune up your system and catch any issues with your condensate pan, line, or evaporator coil.

  • Change your air filter every three months to keep dust, debris, and pet hair out of the AC system.

  • Keep your outdoor unit clean and free of surrounding debris to avoid clogs and backups.

  • Install a condensate trap to prevent dust and debris from entering the drain line.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

You can clean an AC drain line yourself without much expense. But some clogs are difficult to remove. A local AC repair pro can clear your line quickly and get your AC unit back up and running at its best. Hiring an HVAC pro costs between $75 and $200, depending on the clog and where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vinegar is better for an AC drain line because it’s less corrosive and won’t damage the pipes. It’s also a safer and easier product to use. Bleach should not be used on your AC drain line because it can corrode your pipes and harm the evaporator coil in your air conditioner.

You should flush your AC drain line once every three months to keep it clear of debris and buildup. Keeping your AC drain line clean prevents clogs, backups, mold growth, and extra wear on your AC unit. If you live in a humid area or have several furry pets, up your cleaning schedule to once a month.

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