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AC DRAIN LINE CLOGGED? FIND OUT WHY AND HOW TO FIX YOUR AC

One of the most overlooked yet important components of an HVAC system is the AC condensate drain line. Your AC cools your home, but it’s also responsible for regulating the humidity, which requires a properly working drain line.

The system keeps your space comfortable by pulling moisture out of the indoor air. That excess moisture drips into the condensate pan where it travels through the AC drain line and exits the system.

WHAT IS AN AC DRAIN LINE?

The AC drain line is a small pipe that transports water and debris from the evaporator coils into the condensate pan, a small pan that catches water and debris that needs to be removed from the system. In order for the system to function properly, that moisture must be drained. When the water drips from the evaporator coils into the condensate pan and drains line, it’s possible that dirt and other debris come along.

If too much dirt accumulates in the drain line, a clog can form. Given that the line is responsible for releasing excess moisture, it’s a convenient growing space for mold and mildew, which can also contribute to the blocked line.

If left uncleaned, the dirt, mold, and mildew can create a clogged condensate drain line. A clogged AC drain line could result in a complete system failure, so we’re here to help you understand how to keep the line clean and what to do if you suspect a clog. To find the condensate line, look for a pipe (often PVC) that drains outside by your HVAC.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE AC DRAIN LINE KEEPS CLOGGING?

A clogged condensate drain line can cause a backup of water. If the condensate line can’t carry the pooled moisture away from the drain pan, it can increase the humidity in the zone, making your home feel muggy and uncomfortable.

If the pan overflows, the water can damage floors and drywall, potentially causing mold and mildew issues. In addition, if moisture is not moved away from the unit, it can cause rust and other issues that can shorten your AC system’s life.
SIGNS OF A CLOGGED CONDENSATE DRAIN LINE

There are a few ways you can tell if your AC drain line is clogged. If you own a newer HVAC, it may have a sensor that warns you of when your air conditioner drain line is clogged. However, most homeowners don’t have units with sensors. Look for signs of a clogged AC drain line other ways, such as:

  • Water collected in drain pan: An AC drain line should carry the water away from the pan (typically located under the HVAC unit)
  • Flooding or puddles: Water may overflow from the pan
  • Rust: Rust or other types of water damage along the base of the unit could point to a clogged air conditioner drain line
  • Mildew odor coming from the vents: The moisture can cause unpleasant smells to circulate throughout the house
  • AC not cooling: The water safety switch on the unit may sense the overflow and prevent the HVAC from running

CAN I UNCLOG A CONDENSATE LINE MYSELF?

If there is minimal damage caused by the AC drain line clogged, you can probably unclog it yourself. However, if your HVAC stops working or you notice mold or mildew odors coming from the unit and vents, the clog may be causing more serious issues. Complex issues require an HVAC specialist.

HOW TO UNCLOG AC DRAIN LINE

You can unclog an AC drain line in just a few minutes using minimal tools if you catch the clog early enough. Many HVAC professionals suggest that you avoid using harsh chemicals such as Drano to unclog the block. Follow these steps when an AC drain line clogged:

1. Collect supplies: You may need a bucket or pan to catch the water in the line, a wire brush or pipe cleaner to gently unclog the line, and a cleaning solution such as diluted bleach or vinegar.

2. Turn off the AC’s power: Working with water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. Shut off the power for the unit at the breaker before you get started.

3. Remove the cap from the drain line: You’ll notice the drain may be T-shaped and have a cap at the top of the line. Remove the cap so you can take a better look at the clog.

4. Look for the clog: Once you remove the cap, check for obvious blockages from hair or dirt. If you can remove the clog without pushing it further down the pipe, pull it out carefully.

5. Loosen debris in the line: Use the pipe cleaner or wire brush to loosen debris inside the line.

6. Pour in diluted vinegar or bleach solution: To further break down any clogs, pour the solution you made into the pipe and let it sit for half an hour or longer, depending on the severity of the clog.

7. Flush the pipe: Drain the solution and rinse the pipe with fresh water.

8. Monitor the system’s performance: If the AC drain pipe is still clogged, you may need to contact an HVAC specialist for help.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHECK THE AIR CONDITIONER DRAIN LINE?
Checking the AC drain line periodically can stop bigger issues before they happen. If the line backs up and the water has nowhere to go, the pan could overflow, flooding the area or causing moisture damage.

Make it a habit to check the AC condensate line each time you change the AC filters. It’s far easier to unclog AC drain lines if they’re monitored regularly. Look for excess water in the drain pan as one of the first signs of a clogged AC drain.

One of the best ways to prevent a clogged AC drain line is to schedule seasonal inspections for your HVAC system. A trained technician will evaluate the components of the unit, including the drain line.

Shout Out

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Home Wiz Guy Posted on September 7th, 2021

GUTTER HELMET VS. ONE-PIECE GUTTER SYSTEMS

Homeowners need to think about their gutter system and how it works for them. An important part of this is keeping your gutters clear of clogs and running freely. To do that, you have to be able to make decisions about what kind of gutter system you need as well as possible upgrades to your gutter system. In this guide, you’ll learn more information about gutter helmets vs. a one-piece gutter system.

ONE-PIECE GUTTER SYSTEM FACTS

One of the biggest differences between one-piece gutter systems and gutter helmets is that one-piece gutter systems are a replacement for your existing gutters, while gutter helmets are installed over your existing gutters.

This is an important distinction. Many gutter systems are sectional, meaning they come in separate pieces that are installed separately and then fused together. One-pieces are supposed to be "seamless" — because they don’t have the seams that hold separate pieces together. If you currently have a sectional gutter, there’s simply no way to get a one-piece gutter system without completely removing and replacing your existing gutter system.

This seriously drives up the cost and inconvenience factor of your purchase. A whole new gutter system is a lot of material, so it’s going to cost more. It’s also going to take more time to install, which means both higher costs and more time with work going on at your home, which can be an inconvenience.


This could all be worthwhile if a one-piece gutter system was a better system. But is it? The truth is that while a one-piece gutter system’s design may keep some debris out of the gutters, it will still let some through. And since it’s only one piece, it’s harder to clean inside of if it gets clogged. That means that not only will it be more costly and inconvenient to install, but it will also be more costly and inconvenient to maintain.

GUTTER HELMET FACTS

A gutter helmet is not a new gutter system, which means it’s a viable option for you, even if your current gutter system is just fine. It’s installed over your gutters, and it has a specific design that’s meant to keep debris out of your gutters while allowing rainwater in. This prevents clogs and keeps you from having to get your gutters cleaned or pay to have it done.

A gutter helmet tends to cost less because it requires less material and doesn’t involve the labor and expense of removing the gutter system that you already have in place. Plus, its design is very effective at preventing the entry of debris, which means that it saves you time and money that you might have spent on cleaning your gutters, having them professionally cleaned, or repairing the damage caused by clogs.

Shout out

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Home Wiz Guy Posted on September 7th, 2021

REMODELING A BATHROOM FOR AGING IN PLACE – SIX IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER

We believe it’s possible to consider Universal Design in a bathroom remodel project given each client’s particular situation to create a flexible space that adapts to their changing needs as they age while making it beautiful and meeting their aesthetic vision. When executed thoughtfully, many people wouldn’t even realize that a space incorporates Universal Design principles. The whole point of Universal Design, in my opinion, is to minimize the differences in our physical abilities, not to call attention to them.

We hope you will find this post on remodeling your bathroom for Aging in Place helpful.


WHY SHOULD WE CONSIDER AGING IN PLACE WHEN REMODELING MY MASTER BATHROOM?



Design for Aging in Place draws on the tenets of Universal Design. Many people think that Universal Design is about creating handicapped accessible spaces, but it’s actually much broader in its application. When we mention Aging in Place to my clients, their minds immediately jump to being wheelchair-bound, and they kind of freak out. It’s possible to be guided by Universal Design principles in your home and not extend them as far as creating a wheelchair-accessible space. It’s all about your particular needs for your home.


SO HOW DO YOU IMPLEMENT UNIVERSAL DESIGN OR AGING IN PLACE IN A BATHROOM REMODEL?



#1 Start at the entrance: Many older homes have bathrooms with doors that are only 28″ wide. If there is enough room for framing, consider enlarging the door to at least 32″. Although we aren’t talking specifically about wheelchair access, 32″ is the minimum door opening to accommodate a wheelchair. And, it’s actually easier to navigate a wider opening with a walker or assistant as well. And, while you’re at it, switch out any round door knobs for lever handles.



#2 Install blocking for grab bars: The best time to install blocking in your walls for grab bars at your toilet and in your shower is during a major remodel. Especially in your shower. If you should need a grab bar later, it will be impossible to install it without blocking, and you don’t want to rip out all that pretty tile you just installed. You don’t need to install the grab bars right away. Make sure the contractor notes their location on your plans, and you can add them later when they become necessary.


#3 Optimize your shower: Aside from grab bar blocking, there are a few other design elements you should include in your shower. You will want to enlarge the shower to at least 5′ x 3′ even if it means eliminating your tub. Discuss the option of installing a curbless shower with your contractor. This means there is no threshold to step over, reducing your likelihood of falling. And, FYI, we actually fell stepping over the curb in our shower while pregnant, so this issue doesn’t only affect older people.


If your bathroom is large enough, consider eliminating the shower door altogether. If a door is necessary, then enlarge it from the standard 24″ to 32″. A sliding barn door style is a perfect solution rather than a swinging glass door.


Include a bench that is at least 18″ deep and 18″ high. we would also make it wider, spanning the width of the shower. There may come a time when you do actually want to sit while you shower, and it might not have anything to do with getting old. You could break your ankle or have your hip replaced. Corner benches are not optimal for this scenario. And, make sure you add a recessed wall niche that is accessible from a seated position at the bench.
Add a separate hand shower on an adjustable bar close to the bench. We always specify a hand shower for cleaning anyway.



Use an anti-slip mosaic tile for the shower floor. Mosaics, by nature, are less slippery because there are so many grout lines. Often a curbless shower is installed with a linear drain, the purpose of which is to continue the main bathroom floor seamlessly into the shower. It’s a cool look, but we would not do it in this situation.

Finally, choose plumbing fixtures with lever handles instead of cross handles. Yes, the cross handles look cool but they are harder to operate if you develop joint issues.


#4 Choose materials thoughtfully: As you age, your vision will naturally degenerate. One way to compensate for the loss of vision in design is by incorporating high contrast at changes in plane (horizontal to vertical). For instance, if you select a medium to dark floor, you may want to paint your baseboards white so that the change in plane from floor to wall is obvious. If you choose dark cabinets, then select light countertops.

Next, make sure your floor tile has a high coefficient of friction and use smaller tiles so that you have more grout lines. We think the wood look tiles are actually perfect for a Universal Design bathroom because many of them are textured and only 6″ wide. Avoid high-contrast patterned mosaics which can seem to vibrate.



#5 Float the vanity: If you raise your vanity off the floor by 9″, it will make your bathroom feel larger and add a contemporary vibe to the design. It will also accommodate the wheels of a walker. This is definitely one of those Universal Design principles no one will ever think twice about. They’ll just think you have a cool modern bathroom. You should install the countertop height at 34″, which is 2″ lower than standard height.

Some other vanity features that are great for Universal Design and Aging in Place are:

Create a seated makeup counter. If it gets harder for you to stand as you age, or if you have a mobility issue, you may prefer to dry your hair and apply your makeup while seated.
Install a swing-out, lighted makeup mirror with a magnifying option. These are great for shaving too, completely illuminate your face, and make everything easier to see (good and bad). You also don’t have to lean over the counter to see yourself.
Install pulls instead of knobs. Pulls are easier to grasp than knobs, especially for arthritic fingers.
Select a faucet for your sink that has a single lever handle, which is the easiest style to operate.



#6 Design your lighting with intention: In order to use your bathroom safely, you need to be able to see properly. Install a variety of lighting including scones on either side of the mirror, recessed can lights both inside and outside of the shower, and LED strip lighting under the floating vanity or in the toe kick of a regular vanity.


WHAT ABOUT THE TUB?


If you don’t have room to create a large shower with all of the features we described unless you eliminate the tub, then get rid of the tub. If you do have room for a tub, then consider a model that is shallower to reduce the perils of stepping over the side and keep the thickness of the side as narrow as possible. If you absolutely must have a tub and plan to use it for as long as possible, then you may want to consider investing in a walk-in version.

WHEN DOES AGING IN PLACE DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS BECOME LESS IMPORTANT FOR A BATHROOM REMODEL?


This is a very good question. We think there are a couple of circumstances in which it would be less important to consider Aging in Place for a bathroom remodel.

First, if your master suite is on the second floor of your home, then it’s less likely you’ll remain in your home if mobility becomes a serious issue. You may want to consider creating a more accessible bathroom and bedroom suite on your main level instead.

Second, if you are in your sixties but planning to move within the next five years, then it sounds like your remodel might be driven more by resale considerations than your personal preferences. But, it’s never a bad idea to use Universal Design principles whenever possible. As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, if you thoughtfully approach your bathroom remodel from a Universal Design perspective, then it probably will not affect the aesthetics of the design. You can still achieve a beautiful new bathroom that can serve you for many years to come.


Shout out


Here are some highly trusted companies who are very popular for providing standard remodeling service in their local area. So if you are in their service area then you can get their services.

Home Wiz Guy Posted on September 7th, 2021