Air Conditioner Question

[mixsonci]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?

[Dana1963]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?
It’s to clean out drain line add a little bleach this helps dissolve and clean out crud. The drain line should be exposed by your A/C unit outside

[davem4616]

we had the drain line back up after two years....our tech told us to pour a tea kettle of boiling water down that drain 2x's a year to clean out any crud that may have accumulated
in the line

I asked if I could use bleach (which I had used in my Ft Lauderdale home on this drain line) and he said to avoid using bleach as it can create problems with the A/C unit

the boiling water does the trick and I avoid having bleach go into the ground

[JGVillages]

Use about a cup of white vinegar once a month

[retiredguy123]

Here is a link to the Drain King 345, on Amazon for $12. You stick the rubber end into the condensate drain line and connect a garden hose to it. It will flush out your condensate line way better then bleach or vinegar, and you can see the water coming out the other end.

Robot Check (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ATBS4W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[EdFNJ]

Here is a link to the Drain King 345, on Amazon for $12. You stick the rubber end into the condensate drain line and connect a garden hose to it. It will flush out your condensate line way better then bleach or vinegar, and you can see the water coming out the other end.

Robot Check (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ATBS4W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) Yep. What he said!

[n8xwb]

Actually a more important question in my mind is, why and who are you paying twice a year to maintain your a/c???? If they are doing their job, twice a year, they should be taking care of that chore! Chuck Farrell A/C vacuums out that line and adds a chemical pellet/pill to that line as part of their maintenance!

[vintageogauge]

Actually a more important question in my mind is, why and who are you paying twice a year to maintain your a/c???? If they are doing their job, twice a year, they should be taking care of that chore! Chuck Farrell A/C vacuums out that line and adds a chemical pellet/pill to that line as part of their maintenance!

I would ask the same question.

[retiredguy123]

Actually a more important question in my mind is, why and who are you paying twice a year to maintain your a/c???? If they are doing their job, twice a year, they should be taking care of that chore! Chuck Farrell A/C vacuums out that line and adds a chemical pellet/pill to that line as part of their maintenance!
I agree. If they are not cleaning the condensate line, what are they cleaning? My system is 5 years old, and the only maintenance I have ever done is to flush the condensate line and replace the filter. My inside and outside coils look like new, and I have never paid anyone to do any maintenance work or cleaning.

[dewilson58]

We do Hot water couple times per year. Helps to flush out critters and their living quarters.

[mixsonci]

Actually a more important question in my mind is, why and who are you paying twice a year to maintain your a/c???? If they are doing their job, twice a year, they should be taking care of that chore! Chuck Farrell A/C vacuums out that line and adds a chemical pellet/pill to that line as part of their maintenance!
I use Sunshine, they were maintaining twice a year but at the last one a month ago, they said they were changing their schedule to only once a year and that's when he told me I should do the water thing.

[merrymini]

Maintenance usually only once a year. Hot water down the tube about once a month.

[joeharing]

4 ounces with water hot twice a year

[thevillagernie]

Vinager and water

[Rwirish]

Yes, every quarter.

[ctmurray]

Just last night I discovered that drain tube had backed up and was leaking water on the garage floor. The tech came out and cleaned it out. He said a fungus had grown in the tube and this results in a swollen organic plug. His suggestion was 1x per week for 4 weeks to have me pour in a 50/50 solution of bleach and water. The goal is to kill all the fungus still in the tube. We to had the system tested 2x per year and they clean out the tube at that time, but just with a water flush. So it appears this tube requires more than the 2x visits per year.

[Sunflower33]

I was told it was warm or hot however I did this every month and my tube still clogged and the valve on the front of the unit malfunctioned and hence the air kept running and 40 gallons came in my garage and inside laundry

[camaguey48]

Use about a cup of white vinegar once a month
That is correct.

[willieboy2110]

bleach or pool chlorine or attach a vacuum to the far end out side

[camaguey48]

I was told it was warm or hot however I did this every month and my tube still clogged and the valve on the front of the unit malfunctioned and hence the air kept running and 40 gallons came in my garage and inside laundry
Most a/c systems have an overflow valve that shuts off the system when the line is clogged and fills with water. Check the other end of the pipe and check for moisture on the ground. If none is present, obviously there is an obstruction. Call the a/c tech and he'll flush the line. It happened to me and I called my tech (that's me. I'm a DIY guy). Be aware of any upselling. Use a cup of white vinegar once a month and periodically check that water is coming out of the tube by the unit outside.

[chrissy2231]

One half cup of bleach is better.

[Kgcetm]

You should certainly do this. We recently experienced a leak as the result of the shut off valve which is supposed to shut our system down failed. Like you we had twice yearly inspections and poured hot water down the drain twice a year. No one thought to inspect the shut off valve (installed by the AC company) failed. The result was 40 gallons of water collecting in the box beneath the unit. A restoration company was called and they removed the water and dried the flooring, box and woodwork over a 3-dad period. Now we have to have the box restored and the woodwork rebuilt that was removed by the restoration company. Insurance company has bee great. We are now two weeks into the process and waiting for the AC company to restore some instillation and replace the filter. When thats completed we will need a carpenter to repair the woodwork. It’s a pain in the neck. So yes, flush the line and check the shutoo valve too.

[mbb11803]

my service guy does it when he services the unit 2x's a year and says i don't need to do it more often

[rmd2]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?

Hot water with 2 drops of dish soap twice a year.

[Bridget Staunton]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?

My hubby worked as a sales engineer as well as Pipefitters in Chicago for 40 years said add a little bleach to the gallon of water he does that regularly in our home

[Labanz]

Nice to read all of the comments everyone has posted on this subject. As an Air Conditioning contractor I want to first state that maintenance on your system only needs to be done once a year if the system is completely cleaned and checked properly. It usually takes me 2 hours to complete. For those that do not do maintenance, if you have an air handler with heat pump if you were to see what has accumulated inside your air handler you would probably change your mind.
As for the drain line cleaning, a cup of bleach down the line and 1/2 hour later followed in a 1/2 or 1 gallon with hot (not boiling) water was what I recommended for almost 40 years. Now, dur to environmental concerns we have changed to vinegar. I recommended to do every time the filter is changed. Here in the villages with the large media filters, it’s normal for every 3 to 6 months.
When I do a maintenance cleaning for my customers I also add a safe cleaner to the line and at the end of the service I pressurize the drain with nitrogen and blow out. I then add a gallon of water to the line.
For the rest of you doing something else, at least you are doing something to help keep it flowing.
Techs will many times say and do something they feel is better than what their companies have told them. Just realize it’s their opinion and not the companies recommendation.
I suggest you get involved and watch what you tech does while he is at your house. Be sure he is taking steps to properly clean the check that drain line to prevent water damage or the ac to stop.

[rmagee]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?

We have been here 2 1/2 years. Our A/C wasn't doing a good job so we brought in a contractor. He cleaned out the drain line (which I didn't even know existed) and showed us the junk/algae that exited the line behind the condenser. The A/C is working beautifully again. He suggested a 1/2 cup of diluted bleach down the line once/month. I am planning on running water through it weekly. Enjoy!

[phansen2246]

I use a wet vac and flush with water then add a cup of vinegar.

[meridian5850]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?

If you're paying for service twice a year, that is something the tech should be doing when he's there.

[Down Sized]

Use about a cup of white vinegar once a month

Each month for eight years I pour:
1. I put about a 1/2 cup of vinegar into a gallon of hot water.
2. Also l pour 1 gallon hot water with 2 tablespoons of Dawn dish soap.
This has kept the line clean so for.

[Singerlady]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?

We pour lukewarm/hot water down the drain once a month. I put a reminder in my phone so we don’t forget. Once a month may sound excessive, but it’s not exactly a difficult thing!

[robinsdw2]

I’ve been doing that once a month every year since I’ve been here. You should use hot water.

[Sherrilee]

We have never done this either. Ours working fine — was told it wasn’t always necessary.

[phillipgiglio]

I was told by my AC guy a year ago to put 2 gallons hot water down that tube every month, that keeps the drain from plugging up. I do it religiously, and check ups are always good.

[racedaygal]

Could someone please post a picture of where I should pour this hot water on my air conditioning unit? I know nothing about this and want to make sure I am doing it right. Thanks.

[emtacba]

Could someone please post a picture of where I should pour this hot water on my air conditioning unit? I know nothing about this and want to make sure I am doing it right. Thanks.
Look it up on UTUBE or GOOGLE it. Tons of pictures and helpful directions. White vinegar is easiest. One cup monthly. Doing it faithfully for 50 YEARS. MONTHLY. Never a problem.

[KRM0614]

Actually a more important question in my mind is, why and who are you paying twice a year to maintain your a/c???? If they are doing their job, twice a year, they should be taking care of that chore! Chuck Farrell A/C vacuums out that line and adds a chemical pellet/pill to that line as part of their maintenance!
How much does it cost for a house ? Not a villa but 1900 sq ft ? I know none of this ! Please someone reply

[diane reynolds]

I was told a cup of vinegar once a month---it cuts mold I think.

[emtacba]

TOO MANY “EXPERTS” say different things. Look it up on google and u tube. Then decide. But do NOT neglect pouring it monthly. The results can be awful.
50 years in the business. I pour one cup of white vinegar down monthly when I change the filter on my system. Yes, MONTHLY pour. So easy and proactive.
There are other methods, too, but the tech who services your system twice a year should/must be doing that (vacuum line out, blow it out, etc.)
Stay cool ! Always diligently maintain your a/c !
If you need info, my email is: emtacba@aol.com

[emtacba]

Look it up on UTUBE or GOOGLE it. Tons of pictures and helpful directions. White vinegar is easiest. One cup monthly. Doing it faithfully for 50 YEARS. MONTHLY. Never a problem.
emtacba@aol.com
My e mail if you have questions.
You’ll do fine. It is easy peasy to do this monthly. 50 years in the business. I do not have all the answers but lots of experience. White vinegar , one cup, is easiest IMHO ( in my humble opinion.)

[Going My Way]

Water alone does absolutely nothing, a cup of vinegar is recommended.

[emtacba]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?
NEVER. A WHOLE GALLOn? NO.
PLEASE*** Read all of these OPINIONS & look it up on UTUBE & GOOGLE.
Then, YOU DECIDE.
Everybody thinks that they are EXPERTS. 😂🤣😅.
50 years in the business. I use one cup of white vinegar MONTHLY.
Never a problem.
But whatever you do , do something. A clogged drain line is bad news and much damage can occur.
emtacba@aol.com is my e mail if you have concerns. Stay cool !

[retiredguy123]

I was using vinegar regularly for several years. But, when I flushed out the line with a garden hose using the device described in Post No. 5, I got many large chunks of white deposits (calcium?) flowing out of the outside pipe. I don't think you can really know if you are cleaning the pipe unless you flush it out occasionally.

[emtacba]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?
LOTS OF OPINIONS. DO RESEARCH.
PLEASE decide wisely.
Stay cool & safe !

[Scorpyo]

Here is a link to the Drain King 345, on Amazon for $12. You stick the rubber end into the condensate drain line and connect a garden hose to it. It will flush out your condensate line way better then bleach or vinegar, and you can see the water coming out the other end.

Robot Check (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ATBS4W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Just what I was looking for. Thanks

[emtacba]

I was using vinegar regularly for several years. But, when I flushed out the line with a garden hose using the device described in Post No. 5, I got many large chunks of white deposits (calcium?) flowing out of the outside pipe. I don't think you can really know if you are cleaning the pipe unless you flush it out occasionally.
Your a/c tech should be doing this
( blow out) when he does the six month maintenance call.
If not, then get a better company!
One cup of white vinegar monthly definitely should be poured down in addition ! Stay cool !

[emtacba]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks
Pouring a cup of white vinegar monthly down the spout is so much easier.
The a/c tech SHOULD be doing the blow out every six months when he dies the maintenance call.

[Skip]

We have never done this either. Ours working fine — was told it wasn’t always necessary.

You will eventually have a flood with water entering the garage and/or air return duct. Then black mold will grow in the duct and you will blow that through the entire house where mold will start to grow in every room in your house. Eventually you will get sick from it and will have to decontaminate the house.

Our drain line has a sensor that shuts off the A/C if the line gets plugged up and prevents flooding. I insisted this to be added when we got a new A/C.

Cleaning out the drain line is a MUST. Once a year is recommended. More often if you are worried about this.

Skip

[emtacba]

I was told a cup of vinegar once a month---it cuts mold I think.
DEFINITELY YES. ONE CUP. WHITE VINEGAR. MONTHLY.
ABSOLUTELY !
See my others posts about this here!

[Eileenrush]

Use about a cup of white vinegar once a month
Our AC guy said to be sure to mix vinegar with equal parts of warm water when flushing because when you just use vinegar it can leave a residue that accumulates and can cause a blockage.

[rickwoolf]

I was using Sunshine twice a year until my last service call when they told me they were cutting service to once a year, but they only reduced my charge modestly. I asked why after four years my need for service magically dropped from twice a year to once a year. I learned that with all the new homes south of 44, it is more profitable for them to do more homes and service them only once a year. I switched to Munn's A/C, and I'm paying less for twice a year service than Sunshine was going to charge me for once a year.

[emtacba]

You will eventually have a flood with water entering the garage and/or air return duct. Then black mold will grow in the duct and you will blow that through the entire house where mold will start to grow in every room in your house. Eventually you will get sick from it and will have to decontaminate the house.

Our drain line has a sensor that shuts off the A/C if the line gets plugged up and prevents flooding. I insisted this to be added when we got a new A/C.

Cleaning out the drain line is a MUST. Once a year is recommended. More often if you are worried about this.

Skip
Those sensors often FAIL. TERRIBLE!
Yes, happened to me.
Monthly white vinegar pour is so proactive & preventative.
Keeps drain line clear.

[emtacba]

Our AC guy said to be sure to mix vinegar with equal parts of warm water when flushing because when you just use vinegar it can leave a residue that accumulates and can cause a blockage.
Nah! Cup of white vinegar monthly. If it makes you feel better, follow with very warm water.
OPINIONS. Every tech has a different remedy. YOU decide what’s best.
UTUBE & GOOGLE it. Excellent information there.

[emtacba]

I was using Sunshine twice a year until my last service call when they told me they were cutting service to once a year, but they only reduced my charge modestly. I asked why after four years my need for service magically dropped from twice a year to once a year. I learned that with all the new homes south of 44, it is more profitable for them to do more homes and service them only once a year. I switched to Munn's A/C, and I'm paying less for twice a year service than Sunshine was going to charge me for once a year.
Yes. Twice a year DEFINITELY.
Better to be safe than sorry.
MUNNS is terrific.
Read all of the good opinions on here. Then YOU decide.

[emtacba]

How much does it cost for a house ? Not a villa but 1900 sq ft ? I know none of this ! Please someone reply
PLEASE read all of these great opinions on here. You’ll do fine. Soooo easy to do white vinegar pour.
A/C tech should be doing the rest twice yearly. A MUST in FL.
See my notes added in here. 50 years in the business. Now retired. But I know something about this!!!!

[emtacba]

Just last night I discovered that drain tube had backed up and was leaking water on the garage floor. The tech came out and cleaned it out. He said a fungus had grown in the tube and this results in a swollen organic plug. His suggestion was 1x per week for 4 weeks to have me pour in a 50/50 solution of bleach and water. The goal is to kill all the fungus still in the tube. We to had the system tested 2x per year and they clean out the tube at that time, but just with a water flush. So it appears this tube requires more than the 2x visits per year.
See my posts below, please!

[emtacba]

See my posts below, please!
My posts above. Please see them.
Thanks.

[emtacba]

I was told it was warm or hot however I did this every month and my tube still clogged and the valve on the front of the unit malfunctioned and hence the air kept running and 40 gallons came in my garage and inside laundry
Yes. Those valves can malfunction. It happens.
Try the monthly white vinegar pour to minimize a clogged line!

[emtacba]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?
READ ALL OF THESE EXCELLENT SUGGESTIONS. VERY EASY TO DO.
WHITE VINEGAR is BEST.
See my notes. Stay cool !

[Scorpyo]

Here is a link to the Drain King 345, on Amazon for $12. You stick the rubber end into the condensate drain line and connect a garden hose to it. It will flush out your condensate line way better then bleach or vinegar, and you can see the water coming out the other end.

Robot Check (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ATBS4W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
I really appreciated your response above. Besides being very informative it validated an opinion I have. I’ve seen many posts where responders criticized the OP by saying they should have done their own research. I personally think most of the TOTV posts have better information than you can get through your own research. Your response is such. Let me explain. I wanted to clean out my a/c drain pipe so I did my own research. I googled cleaning a/c drain pipe (and other versions). I never saw the item you suggested. Here’s some of what I got. Get a shop wet vac. Get the attachment to fit into the drain pipe. Vac - $40 to $120. Attachment - $12 (I think). Next alternative. Use a compressor and make an attachment to fit into the compressor accessories. Compressor - $40 (Harbor Freight), Accessories - $20 (or more). Also, you better use it correctly or you could damage the pipe and that will really cost you. Next one I liked the best. Make your own PVC tool. Get PVC connector for garden hose; get ¾ PVC pipe to connect to PVC garden hose connector. Of course they don’t sell it by the foot and they’re out of 10’. So get a 20’. Now you have to reduce the 3/4” to ½” so get another ¾” to ½” connector and another 20’ ½” PVC pipe (again they’re out of 10’). Oh yeah, you need the tool to cut the PVC and the glue. Don’t forget the duct tape to put around the ½” PVC so that it’s snug in the drain pipe. All done. Only a couple of trips to Lowe’s, a bunch of money spent, a bunch of time putting it together and of course 2 - 19’ PVC pipes to throw away. This was after doing all the research. One post on TOTV like yours and all this research would have been eliminated. Thanks again.

[APovi]

Just last night I discovered that drain tube had backed up and was leaking water on the garage floor. The tech came out and cleaned it out. He said a fungus had grown in the tube and this results in a swollen organic plug. His suggestion was 1x per week for 4 weeks to have me pour in a 50/50 solution of bleach and water. The goal is to kill all the fungus still in the tube. We to had the system tested 2x per year and they clean out the tube at that time, but just with a water flush. So it appears this tube requires more than the 2x visits per year.

No-one collects the water discharged outside?
Probably wasting up to 5 gallons each and every day. That 'distilled water' is useful to top up auto radiator, windshield washer, hand watering and many other things. Also, adding bleach, or vinegar or whatever else is almost useless if you flush it out immediately. Turn off the a/c and go out to lunch. When you turn it back on check your outside 'collection container. If you see a brownish mush you'll know you got it done. . . .

[OhioBuckeye]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?
I was told to pour a qt. of water with some Dawn dish soup in it at the furnace to keep bacteria from blowing in the house.

[Curtisbwp]

YES that little tube should be kept clean

[DonnaNi4os]

I was originally told to add a drop of Dawn in the water and to add it to a gallon of water. Then I was told water and vinegar. The last tech told me water only because Dawn or vinegar water could potentially get suck up into the works. Doesn’t sound logical but who knows. The idea is to make sure that the pipe never gets clogged. You don’t want the condensation tube backing up into your home.

[retiredguy123]

Nice to read all of the comments everyone has posted on this subject. As an Air Conditioning contractor I want to first state that maintenance on your system only needs to be done once a year if the system is completely cleaned and checked properly. It usually takes me 2 hours to complete. For those that do not do maintenance, if you have an air handler with heat pump if you were to see what has accumulated inside your air handler you would probably change your mind.
As for the drain line cleaning, a cup of bleach down the line and 1/2 hour later followed in a 1/2 or 1 gallon with hot (not boiling) water was what I recommended for almost 40 years. Now, dur to environmental concerns we have changed to vinegar. I recommended to do every time the filter is changed. Here in the villages with the large media filters, it’s normal for every 3 to 6 months.
When I do a maintenance cleaning for my customers I also add a safe cleaner to the line and at the end of the service I pressurize the drain with nitrogen and blow out. I then add a gallon of water to the line.
For the rest of you doing something else, at least you are doing something to help keep it flowing.
Techs will many times say and do something they feel is better than what their companies have told them. Just realize it’s their opinion and not the companies recommendation.
I suggest you get involved and watch what you tech does while he is at your house. Be sure he is taking steps to properly clean the check that drain line to prevent water damage or the ac to stop.
Thanks for your insight. I agree that it should take about 2 hours. On my Carrier unit, in order to access and thoroughly clean the air handler and the evaporator coil, you would need to remove about a dozen screws, two metal panels, and several strips of HVAC silver tape that seal the seams to be airtight. After cleaning, you would need to replace the panels and reseal the unit with new tape. Some HVAC technicians may do that work, but I don't think it is typical for them to disassemble the unit and clean it. If you are paying someone to do it, I would suggest that you take a photo of your unit before the technician comes, so the you can verify if he actually removed the panels and re-taped the unit. Or, watch him take the unit apart. But, without taking the unit apart, the only thing he could do would be to remove the filter and spray a foam cleaner on the underside of the evaporator coil. He could not access the fan unit.

[cbmerl]

It’s to clean out drain line add a little bleach this helps dissolve and clean out crud. The drain line should be exposed by your A/C unit outside

I just had my first A/C yearly maintenance (new house) done by Munn's and he told me to use very hot water once a month and no vinegar or bleach (which I had heard from others). I leave a funnel out there and then slowly pour a gallon of hot water from the tap. That's it.

[pgettinger01]

This is a drain tube for the AC unit. If it becomes clogged the AC unit shuts off to prevent flooding inside the garage or the house. DO NOT USE bleach or boiling water because it weakens the glue and the plastic pipe. Warm water prevents clogs in the pipe. The water drains next to the AC unit outside.

[cassjax2]

Our A/C guy says: 2 cups white vinegar every 60 days. It cleans out build up residue in the line from the A/C to outside. I keep the reminder on my iPhone calendar so it’s easy to remember.

[emtacba]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?
NOT hot water!
See all of these responses posted.
Good info !

[ts12755]

I've been told to put a cup of vinegar down each month Or bleach. I forget which one because I don't do it. I have a float switch that will shut the unit off if the water in the condenser Pan gets too high.Then I can clean the outside tube drain with my wet back.My unit was 3 years old now and I haven't done any maintenance on it. If you pay in for twice a year maintenance they should suck out that drain line each time for you.

[Nordy]

I worked in the HVAC industry in Miami for 40 yearts. 60% of the service calls involved a plugged drain. Alittle bleach is a good idea if you put it in the drain line. It won't harm your a/c as long as you don't put it in the drain pan inside the airhandling unit. I checked the link to the drain king. great idea but make sure you insert it enough so that the water doesn't run into your a/c unit.
Could be messy.

[rdwalls]

Use hot water from the faucet. I add skittle bleach with it as the point is to remove algae and mildew and mold that can build up in the drain. I have a close friend who just had $20,000 plus damage to their home because this drain line clogged and spilled over into their home.

[BostonRich]

Here is a link to the Drain King 345, on Amazon for $12. You stick the rubber end into the condensate drain line and connect a garden hose to it. It will flush out your condensate line way better then bleach or vinegar, and you can see the water coming out the other end.

Robot Check (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ATBS4W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

I read this and thought I could use this with a hose connected to my water heater so I could kill two birds with one stone when I drain my water heater. However now I understand that using hot water might not be a good idea.

The other problem I have is that the last time I had my AC serviced (and it was for a blocked drain line which had water pouring out of the side of the unit) the technician couldn't find the other end of the drain line so maybe this will actually expose that hidden end. Worth a try I guess.

BTW - For what it's worth this technician said flushing with plan water was adequate.

[bgamble3]

Here is a link to the Drain King 345, on Amazon for $12. You stick the rubber end into the condensate drain line and connect a garden hose to it. It will flush out your condensate line way better then bleach or vinegar, and you can see the water coming out the other end.

Robot Check (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ATBS4W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
What a great idea and tool. A/C companies should use these and also tell homeowners about this. Thanks for the tip. I have had my drain line cleaned twice by a/c company even though I was using the vinegar and hot water.

[newbie1758]

Use about a cup of white vinegar once a month

I also add 1 cup of Vinegar on the 1st of each month.

[loufromnewjersey]

Munn's told me to use water only, bleach causes the glue on the connections to soften and dissolve
And what accumulates is mostly grass clippings

[Billnoyes]

I’m an HVAC Tech moving to the villages. Just take your shop vac to the outside end of and let it suck any debri out of the line and you’ll be fine.
Bill

[jbnkelly@optonline.net]

Just had orientation today. It’s the condensation tube which leads to a p trap you pour 1 gallon of water to flush out the p trap every three months I believe. There is a back up kill switch that will shut down your ac if you don’t flush and get a back up

[TCNY61]

Munn's told me to use water only, bleach causes the glue on the connections to soften and dissolve
And what accumulates is mostly grass clippings

The PVC glue and pipes on the AC drain line are the same as for the hot water piping in a house. It is not really a glue since it melts the plastic of the pipes together. PVC pipe it designed for up to 140 degree water so it is safe to use any hot water that comes out of the faucet. I have a chlorine injector in my house and the PVC pipes have been fine for 10 years using up to 20 PPM chlorine at the injector, putting a small amount of bleach in a gallon of water will not hurt the pipes.

[Topspinmo]

NEVER. A WHOLE GALLOn? NO.
PLEASE*** Read all of these OPINIONS & look it up on UTUBE & GOOGLE.
Then, YOU DECIDE.
Everybody thinks that they are EXPERTS. 😂🤣😅.
50 years in the business. I use one cup of white vinegar MONTHLY.
Never a problem.
But whatever you do , do something. A clogged drain line is bad news and much damage can occur.
emtacba@aol.com is my e mail if you have concerns. Stay cool !

Why not, it a drain?

[Topspinmo]

No-one collects the water discharged outside?
Probably wasting up to 5 gallons each and every day. That 'distilled water' is useful to top up auto radiator, windshield washer, hand watering and many other things. Also, adding bleach, or vinegar or whatever else is almost useless if you flush it out immediately. Turn off the a/c and go out to lunch. When you turn it back on check your outside 'collection container. If you see a brownish mush you'll know you got it done. . . .

I collect it During dry spells and water my Pepper plants with it.

[Topspinmo]

Just had orientation today. It’s the condensation tube which leads to a p trap you pour 1 gallon of water to flush out the p trap every three months I believe. There is a back up kill switch that will shut down your ac if you don’t flush and get a back up


Only on newer built houses.

[Topspinmo]

I was told to pour a qt. of water with some Dawn dish soup in it at the furnace to keep bacteria from blowing in the house.

I do mine with garden hose pressure 55 psi. Takes about 4 mins.

[dadspet]

We have a new house and I never pored water down the AC tube. Well to make a long story short > one day (house about 4-5 yrs old at this point) it backed up and we had water in our laundry room/hallway and kitchen from the AC water backing up. It was an expensive lesson. Bottom Line is its easy to do > do it.

[mstepka78]

Our AC company does this as part of their normal preventive maintenance program, and they have a drain line guarantee if you pay for their annual service. As far as I am concerned your AC service technician should be doing this. You shouldn't have to do it if you are having them do the maintenance.

Maintenance | M&S Air Conditioning (https://www.msaccfl.com/maintenance/)

[snbrafford]

I've lived here for 6 years and have had my A/C maintained twice a year and never has it been mentioned to me that I need to add a gallon of water into the little tube on the unit inside the garage until now?

My last cleaning last month the technician told me I should do this? A whole gallon down that little tube?? Do any of you do this and is it correct? Does it matter if it's hot, warm or cold water?

Yes. I've been told that here and elsewhere where I've had a heat pump. My understanding is that tube is to let the condensation out of the unit. I've been told to add bleach to the water and warm water shouldn't heart. It's to keep the tube clear of mold

[sbarron01]

Thanks for all the condensate pipe cleaning suggestions, and especially to emtacba@aol.com for responding to my emails and including pictures of the pipe. Sure, it's easy enough to find the pipe once you know which one it is - hard if you're not sure and don't want to send vinegar directly into the a/c system itself. ; )

My husband and I moved here from Washington, DC, and in the 1920's rowhouse we lived in (plaster walls, cloth covered insulation on the wiring) there was no central a/c, only window units. We haven't done anything to the a/c in the 1.5 yrs we've lived here except change the filter every other month; didn't know maintenance was necessary. I first poured hot water into the pipe, and some not-pleasant-looking "stuff" came out into a bowl I placed to collect the water from the outside pipe. Then, I poured white vinegar into the pipe, and a tiny bit more stuff came out. Looks like that combo did the job! Left a bottle of vinegar next to the unit for next month's cleaning.

Thanks again for the tips! It's so true...Florida's friendliest hometown!
-Suzanne