How to Repair a Hole in Your AC's Drain Line

Whether it's a clog or a crack, your AC drain line is sensitive to many problems that could lead to holes. Even a small hole can cause significant water damage to your property over time, so you should never ignore potential leaks.

While it may seem tempting to repair small holes in AC lines yourself, there's a lot to keep in mind when doing this. Professional repairs last longer and preserve your warranty.

Wondering how to best handle things? Our guide will cover what you need to know about drain holes, including:

• Why a leaking AC drain line needs immediate attention
• Common causes of holes in AC drain lines
• Can you perform DIY AC drain line repairs?
• How professionals repair AC drain line holes
• Why you should hire a professional for AC drain line repairs

Keep reading to learn why this type of repair is so important.

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The shape of your home dictates where your AC drain line runs, and it will often pass through attics, basements, or walls. As such, even a small leak can cause significant damage to your home's structure.

Other complications from leaving a drain hole unrepaired include:

• Mold growth: Mold grows in as little as 24 hours after water damage. It causes additional damage and can contribute to a musty mildew odor.
• Electrical hazards: If water leaks into electrical outlets and circuits, this may cause fires or electric shock.
• Energy inefficiency: Drain line issues can force your AC to work harder, leading to higher energy bills.
• Voided warranties: Ignoring drain holes may void your HVAC system's warranty, increasing out-of-pocket costs for future repairs.

Holes in AC drain lines arise for many reasons. The most common — and often preventable — causes include:

• Wear and tear: Plastic piping can degrade over time, especially when subjected to constant vibrations and temperature fluctuations.
• Improper installation: Incorrect pipe sizing and placement increases pressure and strain throughout the drain line.
• Clogs: Drain line clogs increase pressure on the piping, causing holes to form.
• Freezing: Frozen water in AC drain lines expands and may rupture the piping.
• Chemical reactions: Powerful chemicals like bleach can corrode drain lines if used incorrectly.
• Pests: Rats and mice can chew through drain lines, and insects may lead to blockages.

It's always better to have an HVAC technician examine and repair your AC drain line to ensure you don't run afoul of warranty conditions or cause more damage to your cooling system. They'll also determine why the hole happened to prevent recurrence.

However, there are a few ways you can temporarily manage smaller holes until a professional can visit. These include:

• Applying waterproof epoxy putty
• Wrapping the line with pipe repair tape
• Securing rubber over leaking areas with a hose clamp

Professionals take a comprehensive approach to drain line repair. This entails:

1. Inspecting the entire line visually or with specialized drain cameras to find holes and water leakage
2. Preparing the damaged drain line section for repair
3. Correcting the issues that caused the hole

Your HVAC technician will apply a professional-grade sealant or epoxy for smaller holes. Large holes typically require the replacement of a section of the drain line.

Technicians have access to sophisticated tools for clearing clogs and checking pressure after the repair is complete. This makes their work more reliable than DIY methods.

HVAC technicians have access to more effective tools and products for AC drain line repair and have the expertise to use them appropriately. This professional insight and experience and the ability to work within the confines of strict warranty conditions ensure a better result. However, it's still important to choose a reputable HVAC company.

Trust our decades of experience when you need AC repair. Our honest and professional technicians will get your AC working again with no surprises in pricing.