If you are not familiar with how your air conditioner works, it may feel alarming to see water dripping from the system. While leaks are always a problem, the presence of water inside your air conditioner is not. Either way, noticing a leak means that you need to call for AC repair in Roanoke, VA.
A leak can mean that your condensate drain pipe is clogged. Sometimes you can troubleshoot this problem on your own, but it is better to get an expert technician to look at your unit and make sure there is not a bigger problem at hand. Keep reading to learn more about what it means when water is dripping from your AC and what may be a problem.
About Your Condensate Drain Line
Your air conditioner has a condensate drain line that helps to channel moisture from inside your air conditioner outside of your home. As part of the cooling process, your air conditioner removes some of the moisture in the air to reduce humidity levels and improve comfort. This moisture gathers to form droplets that drain out through the condensate drain line that exits your home at the outdoor portion of the unit.
Condensate Drain Clogs
Unfortunately, water is not the only thing collecting in your condensate drain line. It’s also possible for dust and dirt particles to gather in these water droplets and enter the drain line, too. Since the drain line is fairly small, clogs can happen quickly. Most clogs develop because particles get trapped and begin to foster mold growth which leads to a clog.
When a clog develops, whether it’s due to debris or mold growth, water can back up in the line and begin to spill out into the condensate drain pan. That’s exactly what the condensate drain pan is for, to capture small droplets of water that escape.
But having a major overflow from the condensate drain line is a red flag. Allowing water to continue overflowing into your condensate drain pan can lead to water damage on the surrounding walls and floor. Plus, the clog is only going to get worse as time passes.
Preventing Condensate Drain Clogs
The good news is, once you get our help to address a clog, you can take some steps to prevent them from happening again in the future. The indoor portion of your air conditioning unit has a small pipe that extends up with a cap on it. Pour half a cup of vinegar into this line once a month to help prevent clogs.
You can also make sure that you change your air filter on time each month to prevent dust and dirt from getting into your system, and in turn, entering your condensate drain line. You can also invest in annual AC maintenance to clean the inside of your unit and check for clogs before they worsen.
We can help you make the best choice for all your AC needs including stubborn condensate drain clogs. Rely on the experts at W.C. Butler Heating and Air Conditioning and schedule an appointment today.