Central Air Conditioner's Condensate Drain Line

[jayerose]

Heard a new one last week...a friend's drain line was clogged due to a dead frog who got stuck in the drain; their AC started overflowing into the house while they were gone for a few days...of course, they came home to a mess.

Does anyone have a screen or flappable door over the drain line?

[retiredguy123]

Heard a new one last week...a friend's drain line was clogged due to a dead frog who got stuck in the drain; their AC started overflowing into the house while they were gone for a few days...of course, they came home to a mess.

Does anyone have a screen or flappable door over the drain line?
Do a search for this thread, "Screen for HVAC Discharge".

Although, if the float switch in the condensate drain pan was operating properly, the HVAC unit should have shut down, and there would have been no flood damage.

[ronda]

Heard a new one last week...a friend's drain line was clogged due to a dead frog who got stuck in the drain; their AC started overflowing into the house while they were gone for a few days...of course, they came home to a mess.

Does anyone have a screen or flappable door over the drain line?

here is a link to amazon screen for 3/4" pipe. I don't remember what size the pipe is?

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Compatible-Corrosion-Resistant-Industrial/dp/B0BB7RG1GN/ref=sr_1_21?crid=2XO5VOINIWEBN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.92TwoS-cVVEkcGMZutlF-eJJFhwNxTwrl0D1HlpWUdY5iz6K7ECXMbxEjPOcz1yC8-Bnw0zsTSo-fepqD7tYsj76vr45ezZy50AbevUgWX0q2iTMiTjvJj9rRVDS--Hgi7Map0OvjfsGey-tSMfzZ99DyiAEU7BMUdXIb5xSv7bcFq_AxuOe4wJzxZ9BoYUcm AzkiqvvDrXQO_nl_mSg3GEcwd-2S4336RtObUe7EEq_cwdjXmRnAlZAWc7XtlSpw3byvOcwIhS9z 9uE6F3faGXtevHKOlcT6OYtXqHIkOg.WEJ6K4BxkIRPyiBUl_1 s0um-6chxExM35fOgMjZ25RI&dib_tag=se&keywords=condensate+line+screen&qid=1716767757&sprefix=sondensate+line+scereen%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-21)

[coffeebean]

Do a search for this thread, "Screen for HVAC Discharge".

Although, if the float switch in the condensate drain pan was operating properly, the HVAC unit should have shut down, and there would have been no flood damage.

Our old HVAC system did not have that shut off valve if the condensation drain line gets clogged. Found out the hard way. Our new system does have it though so that gives up peace of mind.

[Topspinmo]

Do a search for this thread, "Screen for HVAC Discharge".

Although, if the float switch in the condensate drain pan was operating properly, the HVAC unit should have shut down, and there would have been no flood damage.

Older units don’t have float shut off. The heard from friend didn’t mention how old unit was.

[Teed_Off]

I purchased washing machine screens from Home Depot, 2 for about $4. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Exact-Replacement-Parts-Washing-Machine-Lint-Trap-Aluminum-OM112/325498240

[MrFlorida]

Go to Lowe's and pick up a 3/4 inch cap for PVC pipe, drill lots of little holes in it, and stick it on.... keep lizards out also.

[retiredguy123]

Go to Lowe's and pick up a 3/4 inch cap for PVC pipe, drill lots of little holes in it, and stick it on.... keep lizards out also.
That could work, but I would be concerned that it would clog with mold or other debris. Whenever I flush out the drain pipe, I get a lot of gunk.

[vintageogauge]

That could work, but I would be concerned that it would clog with mold or other debris. Whenever I flush out the drain pipe, I get a lot of gunk.

If you run a gallon of hot water through the drain pipe monthly you shouldn't have any gunk in there. If you want to be sure add a little vinegar.

[ton80]

If you run a gallon of hot water through the drain pipe monthly you shouldn't have any gunk in there. If you want to be sure add a little vinegar.

I agree with RG123 that any thing you install needs to be easily removable and re-installable to be able to flush out the line completely. In my case my ac drain line plugged due to white slime...a gelatinous substance that was essentially a biofilm. It took 15 minutes for the wet/dry vacuum to suck out the white slime followed by a hot water wash. White slime forms in dark, cool, damp atmosphere which describes you AC condensate drain system.

I now use the vinegar wash, warm water rinse monthly as per above. So far no more drain issues for about 8 months
.

If your thermostat suddenly goes blank, your condensate line has blocked up and the water sensor in the condensate pan has shutoff the power to the AC unit.

[Bill14564]

I agree with RG123 that any thing you install needs to be easily removable and re-installable to be able to flush out the line completely. In my case my ac drain line plugged due to white slime...a gelatinous substance that was essentially a biofilm. It took 15 minutes for the wet/dry vacuum to suck out the white slime followed by a hot water wash. White slime forms in dark, cool, damp atmosphere which describes you AC condensate drain system.

I now use the vinegar wash, warm water rinse monthly as per above. So far no more drain issues for about 8 months
.

If your thermostat suddenly goes blank, your condensate line has blocked up and the water sensor in the condensate pan has shutoff the power to the AC unit.

Mine went three years with no flushing before it plugged. I believe it was the white slime but it was very dark when I cleared it to get it running again. Since then I flush it with a gallon of water monthly. Two years and no problems yet.

[MrFlorida]

That could work, but I would be concerned that it would clog with mold or other debris. Whenever I flush out the drain pipe, I get a lot of gunk.

I didn't glue mine on, just pushed it over the 3/4 inch pvc pipe, it snaps off for when you want to flush out the system.... snaps back on when done.

[tophcfa]

A small piece of fiberglass screen and a zip tie should do the trick.

[retiredguy123]

I didn't glue mine on, just pushed it over the 3/4 inch pvc pipe, it snaps off for when you want to flush out the system.... snaps back on when done.
I assumed that you didn't glue it on. My concern is that, if the holes are too small, they could become clogged with debris or insects seeking a water source, unless the outlet was frequently maintained. That is why the Amazon type product would be more reliable. Some homeowners neglect doing maintenance until it is too late. But if it works, it works.

[Topspinmo]

Quickly way I found is blow it out with water pressure. Takes me less than 4 mins all I got to do hook up water hose to my adapter, close off ball valve that I installed above the y-tube (so water back pressure won’t up tube as it blown out other end) turn 60 psi water spigot on for less than minute, done. If interested do search in “do it it yourself” about 5 pages down

[retiredguy123]

Quickly way I found is blow it out with water pressure. Takes me less than 4 mins all I got to do hook up water hose to my adapter, close off ball valve that I installed above the y-tube (so water back pressure won’t up tube as it blown out other end) turn 60 psi water spigot on for less than minute, done. If interested do search in “do it it yourself” about 5 pages down
I use this device. No need for an adapter or a valve.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ATBS4W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1)

[Normal]

I use this device. No need for an adapter or a valve.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ATBS4W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1)

Our 3/4 inch discharge line is elbowed with a trap (like under a sink) so critters can’t get in.

[retiredguy123]

Our 3/4 inch discharge line is elbowed with a trap (like under a sink) so critters can’t get in.
The Drain King device is used to flush out the condensate drain. The drain can still be clogged by a critter, even if there is a trap located near the inside HVAC unit.

Note that most condensate drains in The Villages do not have a trap because a trap is not required by the code. The primary purpose for a trap is to prevent sewer gas from entering the house, but it can also deter critters as well. The condensate drain is not connected to the sanitary sewer, so sewer gas is not an issue.

[Topspinmo]

The Drain King device is used to flush out the condensate drain. The drain can still be clogged by a critter, even if there is a trap located near the inside HVAC unit.

Note that most condensate drains in The Villages do not have a trap because a trap is not required by the code. The primary purpose for a trap is to prevent sewer gas from entering the house, but it can also deter critters as well. The condensate drain is not connected to the sanitary sewer, so sewer gas is not an issue.

The built in trap is under ground goes down under the foundation the back up and out, built in trap

[Topspinmo]

Our 3/4 inch discharge line is elbowed with a trap (like under a sink) so critters can’t get in.

Did you know roach can hold it breath for 40 minutes and survive under water for 30 mins. :22yikes:

[Topspinmo]

I use this device. No need for an adapter or a valve.

Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ATBS4W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1)

I’m cheap, I had parts lying around and know how, cost me nothing.

[Pairadocs]

Our old HVAC system did not have that shut off valve if the condensation drain line gets clogged. Found out the hard way. Our new system does have it though so that gives up peace of mind.

Ditto, "learned the hard way" also. Now not only does our new unit have a functioning shut off, the experience of having it back up into the wallboard/sheet-rock, has kept me from every again forgetting to put the monthly cup or bleach or vinegar into the drain ! ! Yes, as gram paw used to say, " Learned the hard way", LOL !

[retiredguy123]

The built in trap is under ground goes down under the foundation the back up and out, built in trap
Some condensate drains are "trapped accidentally" by the way the water is routed, but there is no code requirement to design a trap into the drain line.

[AZ SLIM]

I clean my drain frequently and put a little bleach in it. It still backed up last summer. I couldn't get it to unclog by pouring hot water into it, had to call an AC tech. He was not able to clear it until he hooked a wet/dry vacuum to the outlet. That worked great so I bought some pvc parts and made an adapter to fit between my wet/dry shop vac and the 3/4 pvc outlet. Works great.

[csricksdds1]

Add dish detergent to the hot water for better results. I do the same every month and also have a small vacuum that I hook to the end (like the HVAC technicians do) and have it suck the water out as I run the soapy water through. Then I re-flush with more hot water.

[GizmoWhiskers]

Heard a new one last week...a friend's drain line was clogged due to a dead frog who got stuck in the drain; their AC started overflowing into the house while they were gone for a few days...of course, they came home to a mess.

Does anyone have a screen or flappable door over the drain line?
Since FL is more like AZ now the poor frog was looking for a cool drink. Call me crazy but I have a small dish catching the drips for the lizzards and such - no need to try to hop in when it's a drive thru. The lizzards eat the bugs that I don't want in my house. Don't see too many frogs where I am.

When I was in DeLuna did the same thing though. Tons of mosquito so the frogs were a good thing and had their drive thru too.

Yeah, I know, too much time on my hands. Just looking out for the little guys that play a role. I do like the screen idea for those unsatisfied frogs that want more...

[bmcgowan13]

If you run a gallon of hot water through the drain pipe monthly you shouldn't have any gunk in there. If you want to be sure add a little vinegar.

Ditto. Ten years ago the HVAC tech told me to put 1/2 cup of vinegar directly into each drain pipe; let sit 30 minutes and flush with 1/2 gallon of water. I put a reminder on my phone and each year the tech is impressed how clean or drain lines are. Easy effort to avoid big problem later.

[HJBeck]

I agree. Think people will make their clogging issue worse. Use hot water monthly and no problems at all.

[Steve]

Do a search for this thread, "Screen for HVAC Discharge".

Although, if the float switch in the condensate drain pan was operating properly, the HVAC unit should have shut down, and there would have been no flood damage.

I've found over the years that the float switch in the HVAC works about as well as the rain sensor on my irrigation system...NEVER! I just check my drain line once a month by pouring hot water through it.

[Michael G.]

I agree. Think people will make their clogging issue worse. Use hot water monthly and no problems at all.

I just check my drain line once a month by pouring hot water through it.

I had Munn's install my new carrier HVAC and he said the same thing.
"Pour hot water through the lines once a month and you'll be good to go"

"I ask what about bleach or vinegar?"

AGAIN, nope, just hot water.

[Bwanajim]

Heard a new one last week...a friend's drain line was clogged due to a dead frog who got stuck in the drain; their AC started overflowing into the house while they were gone for a few days...of course, they came home to a mess.

Does anyone have a screen or flappable door over the drain line?

Two things. The overflow pipe is not properly installed. It should come up, have two 90s together and go back down an inch or two. in other words have it make a quick U-turn
2) get in the habit of pouring some vinegar down your drain pipe that’s next to the AC every few weeks. That removes any slime buildup.

[Topspinmo]

Some condensate drains are "trapped accidentally" by the way the water is routed, but there is no code requirement to design a trap into the drain line.

Anytime goes down and back up it’s trap :police:

[retiredguy123]

Anytime goes down and back up it’s trap :police:
I agree. But, some HVAC systems do not have a condensate drain that goes down and then up. They just drain in a constant downward direction, with no trap. My only point was that a trap in the condensate drain is not needed or required.

[retiredguy123]

I've found over the years that the float switch in the HVAC works about as well as the rain sensor on my irrigation system...NEVER! I just check my drain line once a month by pouring hot water through it.
I agree. But, some people (not me) pay an HVAC company to maintain their system every 6 months or a year. If you do that, I would require the company to test the float switch for proper operation as part of their regular "tune-up".