John Walton Dog Training logo

Encouraging obedience through love & affection

​We found this article online and thought others may find it helpful.  If you need your air conditioner lines cleaned monthly while you are away, just let us know!  We can customize our service to meet your needs!

“Air conditioners, whether they are window or central units, dehumidify the air as a byproduct of their cooling method. As they dehumidify, they remove moisture from the air and drain it through a condensate drain. Over time, this drain can become clogged with dirt and debris and needs to be cleaned. There are various ways to clean out an air conditioner condensate drain, and two popular methods are pouring white vinegar or bleach down the line to clear clogs.

Bleach and vinegar both have characteristic odors. They are not the most pleasant chemicals to smell, and you will need to wash out your drain with plain water a few times to remove the odor. Bleach vapor can actually be harmful if it is inhaled, whereas vinegar is more a nuisance than a danger. Vinegar is typically easier to rinse out of a drain line after you are done cleaning.

During the colder months, bleach should not be used for drain lines that are made of PVC or ABS plastic. Chlorine bleach can quickly eat away at not only the line but the glue and cement joining the line to the fittings and the condensation pan. If your drain line is PVC, stick to white distilled vinegar for clearing clogs and debris, particularly during winter.

Mold, mildew and algae will grow in your air conditioner condensation drain year-round. Using bleach during the summer months is safe as long as the unit is operating because the constant flow of condensation will wash out any bleach residue. Pouring bleach into the drain when the unit is not operating can leave residual bleach, which will damage the drain pan and line. Using vinegar for preventative maintenance throughout the year will keep your drain clean and clear and will not damage your line.”