Your air conditioner’s condensate line is hidden from view and easy to forget. However, a working drainage line is essential for proper AC operation, and you should keep your eye on it. Here’s why:

Water Damage

Condensate drains are prone to clogs. The dark and humid environment of the line encourages the growth of microbes and algae which can block drainage. The drain line is what your air conditioner uses to funnel moisture from the air in your Sherman, TX, home out of the system. If mold, algae, dirt or debris are blocking the line and water gets backed up, it can overflow the drain pan and damage your property.

Leak Damage

Sometimes the drain line develops a leak along the way that could cause water to drip from your ceiling or damage your drywall. In a worst-case scenario, a leak could develop near wiring, short it out and possibly start an electrical fire.

Cooling System Damage

Backed-up water can turn to ice as it passes over the evaporator coil, causing the coil and the condensate drain to freeze up. This can damage your air conditioner and increase clogging in the drain line.

Polluted Indoor Air

Water that’s trapped in the drain pan can get slimy and contaminated. Every time air passes over the coil to be cooled, it absorbs the microbes in the pan and blows them into your home where they can literally make you sick.

How to Check for Clogs

Go to your air conditioner’s outdoor unit and look for a pipe leading downward from your home. If the AC is turned on, the line should be dripping, or you should see dampness on the ground beneath the line. If no water is dripping, the line may be clogged.

Cleaning the condensate line is part of AC maintenance, so the easiest way to avoid clogs is to schedule an AC tuneup every spring. If you suspect that your drain line is clogged, contact a service technician at Webb's Electric, Heating & Air at (903) 893-4436 for help with clearing the drain.