Unclog Your Window AC Unit's Condensate Line

If the condensate line inside of your window air conditioning unit becomes clogged, water may accumulate underneath your unit. Clean out the line with the following steps and keep it maintained to prevent problems in the future.

Use The Following Items

• wet/dry vacuum cleaner
• tarp
• pipe brush
• soapy water
• water hose
• scrub brush
• duct tape
• screwdriver
• towel

Clean Out The Line From Indoors

Turn off the power to your air conditioning unit. Use a towel to dry up any water that is located underneath the unit. Lay a tarp down to collect additional water and debris that are in the line. Unscrew the end of the condensate line, which will be connected directly to your air conditioning unit. Use a tube brush to loosen debris that is located inside of the line. Tilt the condensate line downwards so that any water spills out onto the tarp. Reattach the line and tighten the screws.

Empty The Condensate Pan

Remove the front panel from your air conditioning unit. The condensate pan is located underneath the evaporator coils. The coils are the series of metal tubes that cover the front section of your unit. Slide out the pan and empty it. If it is dirty, clean it with a scrub brush and soapy water. Rinse it out well with plain water and insert it back underneath the evaporator coils. Replace the cover to your unit.

Clean Out The Line From Outside

Go outside and locate the other end of the condensate line, which is on the same wall that your air conditioning unit is kept. Use the tube brush to loosen debris. Spray the opening of the line with a water hose to clean out the interior. Once finished, use a few pieces of duct tape to attach the hose from a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to the end of the condensate line. Turn the vacuum cleaner on high for a few minutes to suck up any dirt or water that is trapped inside. Reattach the condensate line.

Check To Make Sure The Problem Is Resolved

Turn the power back on to your unit and adjust the thermostat. If water is no longer dripping onto your floor, you have successfully fixed the problem. Cleaning out the line a few times throughout the warmer months of the year will prevent problems from occurring in the future. It is also a good idea to empty the condensate pan during these occasions to assist with keeping your unit in operable order. For more information, contact a professional like Omega Air Conditioning.