Water Leaking From Your AC? Solve The Problem With These DIY Tips
If you see water seeping out of your air conditioning closet, you may think the unit's evaporator coil is broken or frozen. Although these are possible reasons for the leaking water, there may actually be a problem with the unit's drainage line. Sometimes, drainage lines clog up with mold and mildew. The water dripping from the evaporator coil has nowhere to go but onto the floor. You can unclog the drainage line and keep it unclogged with these DIY tips.
Get Your Supplies Ready to Use
Mold and mildew are types of fungi. They can survive in moist, dark places, including AC drainage lines. Over time, drainage lines can build up with bacteria and other living organisms. The organisms form a slimy residue that attract mold and mildew. Once the fungi find a good food source, they use it to grow and thrive.
You can remove the slimy residue and fungi with white distilled or household vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleaner used to kill different types of mold and germs, including black mold. Along with a baby bottle brush, you can unclog your drainage line with the vinegar.
Once you have your vinegar and brush, you'll clean out the line.
Remove and Clean the Drainage Line
First, protect the flooring beneath your AC unit with a large tarp or towel. Although the flooring is already wet, vinegar is acidic and may cause staining on the surfaces of your flooring. Next, remove the drainage line from the bottom of the unit. You may need to use a tool to remove the line. If necessary, read over your unit's owner's manual for additional instructions.
Using a measuring cup, pour 2 cups of vinegar down the drain. You may need to use a funnel for this step. You may wait 15 to 20 minutes for the vinegar to break down the slimy residue and fungi inside the line. The time is just an estimate, so monitor the line to see if it looks clean or clear.
If the line isn't clear by a reasonable time, use your brush to clean it. Try to push the brush into the line as far as it can go. You want to push the debris as far down the drainage line and out of the system. If there's a drainage container at the end of the line, the debris should fall into it. You can pour an additional 2 cups of vinegar down the line to complete the cleaning.
If the line still clogs up or leaks after you complete the tips above, contact a contractor that offers HVAC services.
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