How to unclog the air conditioner drain line

Shut off the house circuit breaker for the HVAC unit to disconnect electrical power.

Wear work gloves to protect your hands.

Pull the condensate drain float switch to remove it from the drain system.

Set the drain float switch aside. The switch has wires connected to it. Don't disturb the wiring connections as you set the float switch out of the way.

Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck water and clogs out of the condensate drain line.

You can vacuum water and clogs out through the opening for the float switch, the vent hole and the drain pipe outside your home.

If you're able to remove the clog and water flows freely through the drain pipe, you don't need to use the plumber's snake to clear the drain line.

Use a plumber's snake to clear clogs from the AC drain line.

You can run the plumbers snake through the opening for the float switch, the drain vent and the drain line outside your home.

If you're not able to clear clogs in the drain line, have a plumber or service technician clear the drain.

Position a drain pan under the drain line at the outside of your home to protect the grass or other vegetation.

Don work glove if you don't already have them on.

Insert a funnel in the drain line vent.

Pour 1 cup of chlorine bleach down the drain line vent to prevent future clogs.

Remove the funnel.

Safely dispose of the chlorine bleach that goes through the drain line and collects in in the drain pan outside your home.

Reset the house circuit breaker to restore electrical power to your HVAC system.