Air Conditioner Drain

My condensation pan seems to have buildup somewhere between the pan and sump box. I am going to try and run a snake through it to unclog it. (AC is still draining, but slowly). Can I pour CLR or something else into the pan to help dissolve the buildup? Additionally, what can I do to prevent this in the future? I do not want to remove the hose from the elbow if possible.

I would not use CLR since it is condensation and should not have any water deposit buildup. If it is rust, CLR is not good for dissolving rust in my experience and something stronger risks eating the pan even further. It might be biological "gunk" or hair/dust that might come out with snaking the tube from both ends with something firm but flexible. For short runs I have had success using one conductor from household wiring with the plastic left on. Its reasonably stiff and can get past slow curves (not elbows though, so you may have to snake from the sump end.)
A bit of dish soap might help it slide down the pipe.

My ACs drain into my shower box. I was cleaning the box not long ago and noticed no drip from the ACs outlets into the box. I happened to have my shop vac close by so I tried something....The fitting that resembles a thru hull fitting for the condensate drains was almost perfect size for my shop vac hose. I cranked up the shop vac and pressed the hose to the fittings and out came rust, gunk, etc. Once done, all good and outlets were dripping well....might try this way....

Bennett

Once you get your hose cleared ........ I like the shop vac idea...... I would suggest some AC Pan tablets.

I drop a few in my AC pan every few weeks and it keeps things nice and clean.

https://www.amazon.com/Nu-Calgon-42...tablets&qid=1597164952&sr=8-3&tag=googhydr-20

I just went through this with both of my salon units. My pluggage was pretty severe so I was only able to clear them by disconnecting the hose at the ac pan and at the sump box and flushing backwards with dock hose pressure. I was shocked at the color and volume of gunk that came out. I have it on my winter list to do the other three ac units.

I have used my dingy pump and blew air from the shower sub. Works great and no mess.