Guides / Updated 2026-11-09
Clear the AC drain before the house stays closed
Florida drains grow algae all summer. November is when people close the windows and notice the smell, or find the system off because the float switch did its job.
What a clog looks like
Water in the pan, a float switch that keeps shutting the system down, or a wet spot at the air handler. Sometimes the only clue is a musty start once the house is closed. That water belongs in the drain outside, not in the drywall.
What you can check
If you know the cleanout, a cup of water or vinegar tells you whether the line is open. If the water sits in the pan, stop. Do not keep resetting the float and running the system onto a full pan.
Why it is not a duct cleaning
Vacuuming the ducts will not open a clogged drain, and a UV light does not replace a drain that is already packed. UV can slow growth on a coil after the drain is clear. Maintenance is the visit that opens the line and checks the pan. Price before the work starts.