Drain Lines & Water Leaks

Clogged AC Drain Line & Water Leak Repair in New Orleans

Your AC pulls gallons of water out of New Orleans air every day, and all of it has to drain somewhere. When algae and slime clog the condensate line, water backs up into the pan, trips the float switch or overflows into your ceiling. We clear the clog, fix the cause and help keep it from coming back.

Call (504) 450-9595 Book online

Clogged drain lines cleared
Float switch troubleshooting
Drain pan repair
Ceiling leak prevention

Technician servicing an AC system to clear a clogged condensate drain line

$99 diagnosticwaived with repair · no overtime fees

Warning signs

AC Drain Line & Water Leak Repair: the warning signs

AC shut off and won't restart

A float switch cuts power to the system when water backs up, preventing an overflow. A clogged drain is a common reason the AC suddenly stops.

Water in the attic pan

Standing water in the secondary pan under the air handler means the main drain is clogged or the primary pan is leaking.

Ceiling stains below the air handler

Brown rings or soft spots on the ceiling are a sign of a past or ongoing overflow. Catch it early to avoid drywall and insulation damage.

Water around the indoor unit

Puddles near a closet air handler or furnace usually mean a clogged line, a disconnected drain or a cracked pan.

Musty smell

Stagnant water and algae in the drain pan and line can make the air smell musty when the system runs.

No water dripping outside

In summer, you should see water dripping from the condensate line outside. If it's dry while the AC runs, the line may be clogged.

What to do next

AC leaking or shut off? Try this first

1
Turn the thermostat to OFF to stop more water from forming.
2
Place towels or a bucket under any drips and move valuables away.
3
Find the float switch on the drain line or in the pan. If the pan is full, that's likely why the system shut off.
4
Find the drain line's access port near the air handler, remove the cap and pour in a cup of distilled white vinegar. Let it sit about 30 minutes.
5
Outside, find the end of the drain line and clear any visible mud, debris or insect nests from the opening.
6
If you have a wet-dry vacuum, you can attach it to the outdoor end of the line to pull out the clog.

Safety first: Don't use bleach mixed with other cleaners or drain chemicals, which can create toxic fumes or damage the pan and line. Don't bypass or disconnect the float switch to get the AC running. It's there to prevent ceiling damage. Stay off attic joists if you're not experienced.

Call a pro right away if…

Water is coming through the ceiling.
The system shuts off again soon after you clear the line.
The drain pan is cracked, rusted or leaking.
You can't find or reach the drain line or float switch.

(504) 450-9595

When we arrive

What to expect from our visit

1
Find the cause
We inspect the drain line, pans, float switch and coil to find out why the water isn't draining, not just where it's leaking.
2
Clear the clog
We flush and clear the line from both ends and confirm water flows freely to the outside or the plumbing connection.
3
Fix what failed
If a pan is cracked or rusted, the line is sagging or a float switch is faulty, we give you a flat-rate price to repair or replace it.
4
Test and protect
We restart the system, test the float switch and confirm drainage, and can add an access port or other upgrades to make future cleaning easier.

Preventative care

How to keep it from happening again

Use vinegar monthly in summer

A cup of distilled white vinegar in the access port each month during cooling season helps slow algae and slime. Our drain line guide walks you through it.

Change filters regularly

A clogged filter can cause the coil to freeze. When it thaws, the extra water can overwhelm the pan and drain.

Keep the outdoor end clear

Check that the line outlet outside isn't buried in mulch, blocked by debris or home to a wasp nest.

Flush the line at every tune-up

Every maintenance visit includes clearing the drain and testing the float switch.

Watch for early signs

Musty smells, a dry outdoor drain line or water in the secondary pan are early warnings. Act before it reaches the ceiling.

Honest pricing

What it costs

Clearing a simple clog is usually a quick fix. Costs go up if the drain pan is cracked or rusted, the float switch needs replacing, the line has to be re-run or the air handler sits in a tight, hot attic. We start with a $99 diagnostic, waived when you approve the repair, and give you a flat-rate price before any work begins. Comfort Club members get 15% off parts and drain flushing at every tune-up.

$99 diagnostic, waived with repair
Flat-rate price approved before work
No overtime fees — ever
Military discount available
Comfort Club members save 15% on parts

From neighbors we've helped

“Called three companies. Two quoted $1,200+ to replace a capacitor. Bradley diagnosed it as a loose wire — $89 and done in 30 minutes. Finally, an honest AC company in NOLA!”

Sarah K.Uptown · AC repair

“Our AC kept freezing up. Two 'big name' companies replaced parts — still broke. Bradley found a cracked drain pan hidden behind the wall. Fixed in one visit. Worth the call!”

Keisha W.New Orleans East · AC repair

FAQ

AC Drain Line & Water Leak Repair questions, answered

Why does my AC drain line keep clogging?

In New Orleans, systems pull a lot of water from the air, and the warm, wet line is perfect for algae and slime. Monthly vinegar treatments in summer and regular maintenance help keep it clear.

What is a float switch?

It's a safety device that shuts off your AC when water backs up in the drain line or pan. It prevents overflows into your ceiling. If it trips, the drain usually needs clearing.

Can I use bleach instead of vinegar?

We recommend distilled white vinegar. Bleach can be harsh on some pans and fittings, and mixing it with other cleaners creates dangerous fumes.

Is a small ceiling stain a big deal?

It can be. A small stain often means an overflow has happened before and may happen again. It's worth getting the drain checked before you have wet drywall, insulation or mold.

Should I keep running the AC if water is leaking?

No. Turn it off to stop more water from forming, contain the leak and call us. In high heat, our emergency AC repair line can help any time.

Related services

AC Maintenance & Tune-Ups

Spring and fall tune-ups that catch problems early. Comfort Club members get two visits a year, priority scheduling and 15% off parts for $149/year.

Comfort Club: $149/year
Two tune-ups per year
Priority scheduling

AC Repair

Capacitors, compressors, fan motors, refrigerant leaks and frozen coils, diagnosed accurately and fixed fast with upfront, flat-rate pricing.

$99 diagnostic, waived with repair
Most repairs same visit
Flat-rate, upfront pricing

24/7 Emergency AC Repair

Day or night, weekends and holidays, with a real ETA on the phone and the same flat-rate pricing. No overtime fees, ever.

Answered 24/7
No overtime fees, ever
Often there within the hour

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