When your AC runs during a hot Houston summer, it makes cold air and pulls humidity out of your home. All that moisture needs somewhere to go. That’s the job of the condensate drain line.
If that line gets blocked with dirt, algae, or debris, water can back up and leak inside your home. This can lead to mold, damage to walls and floors, and expensive repairs.
At Ace Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating, we help Houston homeowners keep their AC systems running their best. Cleaning a clogged drain line is one of the most common jobs we do.
What Is an AC Condensate Drain Line?
Your AC cools the air by passing it over cold coils. As the warm air cools down, water droplets form (just like condensation on a cold drink).
This water drips into a pan and flows out through the condensate drain line. When the drain is clear, it quietly removes water from your home every day. But when it’s clogged, the water has nowhere to go—and that’s when problems start.
Related: Learn more about how your AC works.
What Causes a Clogged AC Drain Line?
Several things can block a drain line:
- Dust and dirt getting past the air filter
- Algae or mold growth in the moist environment
- Rust particles from older AC parts
- Debris from attics, crawl spaces, or outside
Related: Regular AC tune-ups can help prevent clogs before they happen.
Signs Your AC Drain Line Is Clogged
Watch for these warning signs:
- Water around the indoor unit
- Musty or moldy smells in your home
- AC not cooling like it should
- AC shutting off for no reason
If your AC isn’t cooling properly, a clogged drain line could be part of the problem.
Why Clogged Drain Lines Can Cause Water Damage
If the drain line can’t carry water outside, it can overflow. Water may soak into your walls, ceiling, floors, and insulation. Over time, this moisture can cause mold to grow and damage your home’s structure.
Our emergency AC repair team has seen small clogs turn into major repairs fast. Fixing it early is always cheaper and easier.
Can You Unclog a Drain Line Yourself?
You might be able to clear a simple clog with a shop vacuum or vinegar rinse. But if the blockage is deep or keeps coming back, you could waste time or even damage your system.
For the best results, call for professional drain line cleaning so the problem is fixed the first time.
Professional Drain Line Cleaning in Houston, TX
When you call Ace Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating, we:
- Inspect the drain system to find the clog.
- Clear the blockage safely.
- Flush the line to remove buildup.
- Check for other problems, like rust or a broken float switch.
We’re local HVAC experts in Houston, so we know what it takes to keep your system running in our hot, humid weather.
How to Prevent Clogged AC Drain Lines
You can help keep your drain line clear by:
- Getting annual AC maintenance
- Installing a drain line cleanout port
- Using algaecide tablets during summer
- Changing your air filter regularly
Call Ace Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating Today
If your AC drain line is clogged—or you want to prevent it—call us today. We offer same-day service in Houston and nearby areas.
📞 Call now or schedule AC service online. You can also check out our Google Business Profile to see reviews from our happy customers.
Ace Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating
1504 Rothwell St, Houston, TX 77002
(281) 658-5141
