To bleach or not to bleach, that is the question…

November 3, 2024

We’ve all had the problem or know someone who has had a problem with air conditioner drain lines backing up and overflowing the drain pain. Depending upon how quickly we discover it, it can be a minor annoyance to a major ceiling or floor repair.

The most common remedy (that has been used for years) is to crawl in the attic and pour household bleach down the drain line once or twice a year-IF WE REMEMBER! However, bleach can corrode your evaporator coil, can react negatively with other substances that may be in your drain line, and can damage anything that it pours onto when exiting the drain line.

But what else can you do?

How about giving our drain line canister a try! The AC Drain Free Canister is designed to take most of the worry out, and greatly lengthen the times between when you check on your drain lines. Depending upon the size of your air conditioning unit, and the heat and humidity where you live, the AC Drain Free Maintenance system should give you months of worry free drain care.

The AC Drain Free Canister is designed to fit the most common drain line size, ¾”. One can easily install in other line sizes by using pvc adapters. Choose a location in your drain line that will keep the top of the Canister above the top of the drain pan as close as practical to the drain pan and after the overflow shut off switch. Install by removing 3 ½” from the drain line (the space taken up by the Canister). Slide the cut ends of the drain line into the collar connection of the Canister. If the spacing is correct and there is no strain in the drain line, the line can be pulled back out and pvc cleaner and glue can be applied for a permanent installation. Alternatively, the Canister can be installed using hose clamps to allow the Canister to be removed if necessary. You can use a hanger string if the line sags.

All that is left is to place the Tablets into the Canister and install the dust cap. The flow of condensed water will slowly dissolve the tablet and keep the line clear.

Periodic inspection will determine your individual use.