Reverse cycle (refrigerative) air conditioners contain drain pipes that remove any condensation from an air conditioning system. Sometimes these condensation pipes can become blocked. So what happens if these drain pipes become blocked and what can you do to clear them? Below is a guide to air conditioning drains with 3 tips to maintain and clear your air conditioning systems drains.

Air conditioning drains remove any condensation from your air conditioning system. If these drains become blocked, water will often overflow and fall either through the ceiling or down the wall depending on what type of system you have. This water damage can stain your walls, ceilings and cause damage to your home. So how can you keep your air conditioners drain pipes clear?

1. Examine The Drains Using Water – If you have got a ducted or central air conditioning system, the easiest way to check the drains is by using a bucket of soapy water. Firstly, turn the power off to your home via the meter box. Now, get into the roof and you should see a drain tray (or emergency tray) located underneath the air conditioning unit. Pour some water into this tray and it should flow to one end of the tray and out of your home. Have someone check to see if the water flows out of the drain too outside. The drain will usually run to outside next to the compressor unit. If however this drain does not flow, you may have a blockage somewhere in your air conditioners drains.

2. Check For Any Obstructions – Insects and twigs can often get caught inside your drains. Insects can make nests in your air conditioners drain pipes which will quickly and easily block the pipes. To get rid of these obstructions, you can use a device called a snake. A snake is basically a long flexible strap that you use to push up the pipes. If you quickly push and pull this snake up and down, you should be able to remove any obstructions. Another thing you can do is blow compressed air from up in the roof, down the drains to blow any material out of the pipes.

3. Remove Mold From Drains – Mold can easily grow in your air conditioners drain causing an obstruction. To remove, prepare a water and bleach solution and pour this down your air conditioners drains.

These 3 tips will help ensure your air conditioning systems runs trouble free for many years to come.

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Author: The Boat Man

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com