AC problem, drainage clogged?

Question

I was wonder if i can pour liquid plumber down my AC drain pipe, it seems to be clogged and is backing up into my unit, and the water is leaking onto my air conditioning filter, which then leaks onto the floor. There is also a leak at the start of the drain outlet coming out of the unit itself. Is this an easy fix or should I call a professional ..

thanks

Answer 1

I wouldn't use Drano-You need to look for the drain line and make sure it's open from the point at where it connects to the appliance to the outlet of the same pipe. The drain pipe removes built up condensation from the unit which is perfectly normal for the AC to be producing.

Sometimes it's mold/algae/slime that builds up in the pipe and can be cleared easily by a thin coat hanger followed by pouring a bit of bleach at the end closest to the unit and allowing it to run out the end.

The leak can be fixed by you; if it's not severe. You might have to shut the unit off for a bit so you can work with a dry area. Make sure the area of the leak is dry and clear of debris. Get you a tube of mold resistant caulk and caulk the area that's leaking.

Answer 2

You can use a spray nozzle and push water up the drain from outside and allow to drain back out sevearl intervals.  This forms a vacuum to pull sediment out of the drain line to the outside.  Be careful not to put too much water so that it goes all the way to the unit.  You can also have someone open the line at the unit and cap it off then perform the above mentioned task.  I used this method to clear mine and do this annually to keep it clear.  You will be grosed out by the stuff that comes out and you will know when you are done.

Answer 3

Try what you other answers have said or even compressed air. Never ever use Liquid Plumber on these units you will just make one big big mess and cause more problems that will cost you lots of money.

I say again never ever!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

No, liquid plumber is not the right way to clear the blockage.

Turn the unit off. If you have the owner's manual, look at how the unit can be opened up. The drain pan in the unit should have a drain pipe connected to it. This drain pipe will then have a series of elbows (bends) to create a trap. The trap will typically have the drain pipe dropping in elevation after exiting the unit and then rising back up in elevation. After the trap the pipe should run to the point of discharge. This drain is typically a gravity system, so the pipe should slope down to the discharge point. If the drain pipe is not sloping down to the drain, then the unit will not drain properly.

If the drain pipe is connected and sloped properly, then there may be something blocking it. Check the trap first. In a good installation there will be a plug to access the trap. If you can not clean the trap. I would look for a plumber's auger (snake) to insert into the pipe and try to clear the blockage.

After running the 'snake' down the drain pipe. test it by pouring water into the pipe and seeing if the water is exiting the pipe. You can buy and auger/snake at a hardware store. Check the drain pipe size first.

Good luck.

Answer 5

How long is your pipe?

Try to clear the clog with a long wire - just be careful not to push the wire into the AC unit itself.