How to Unclog an Indoor AC Unit Drain Pipe

Clean the drain pipe for effective draining.

If your inside AC unit is clogged and draining water on the floor it could be an easy fix. Before you call an HVAC repair company, it could be as simple as a clog in the PVC piping that drains the water outside. It only takes a few minutes to check and fix it and you will have your air conditioning draining smoothly within minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic bag twist tie
• Towel or rag

Instructions

1. Clean up and water on the floor and around the AC unit. The pipe will still be dripping but clean up all the excess water. Place a towel or rag under the drip.

2. Locate the closest connection on the PVC pipe that is not sealed shut and pull it apart at the elbow. If the water begins running smoothly through the rest of the drain, than this piece was the one that is plugged. Run a plastic bag twist tie through the plugged pipe.

3. Locate the next section and pull it apart if the pipe is still plugged. Repeat the procedure from Step #2.

4. When the last AC drain pipe is pulled apart but the water is still not draining correctly, push the twist tie into the the drain pipe of the AC unit proper. The twist tie will hit the blockage, just as a plumbing snake will, and once it punches through the clog, the pipe will begin to drain normally.

5. Fasten the PVC piping back together. Your air conditioner should immediately stop leaking.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a wet/dry vac or any other type of machine that blows air you can use that instead of blowing into the pipe but it shouldn't even be necessary.