Unclog the A/C drain line
Signs: water around the indoor unit, a musty smell, or the A/C shut itself off.
Safety first: turn the power off before touching your A/C. Never open the electrical panel cover or the inside of the outdoor unit. If you smell burning, see sparks, or a breaker keeps tripping, turn it off and call us.
Steps
- Turn the A/C off at the thermostat.
- Find the drain line: a white PVC pipe coming out of the indoor unit. Most have a T-shaped vent with a cap near the unit.
- Take the cap off and slowly pour in 1 cup of white vinegar. Wait 30 minutes.
- Pour in a cup of warm water to flush it.
- Outside, find where the pipe ends (usually near the outdoor unit or the house wall). If water still won't flow, hold a wet/dry vac hose tight over the end and run it for 1–2 minutes.
- Wipe out any water in the drain pan under the unit. Put the cap back and turn the A/C on.
In Florida's humidity, pour vinegar in every 1–2 months to keep it clear. Don't mix vinegar with bleach, and don't use plumbing drain cleaners.
Call us if: Water keeps backing up, there's a stain on the ceiling, or the pipe is cracked. (305) 842-0295
How-to guides
- Change the air filter
- A/C won't turn on: check these first
- Ice on the pipes or the unit
- Keep the outdoor unit breathing
- An outlet stopped working
Didn't fix it?
Call or text us and we'll take it from here.