AC Line and Tray cleaning - best process?
 

Hi all,

I fully plan on doing my due dilligence on Youtube about cleaning out the drain line and other AC related items.

I also plan on having someone (Munns or Sunshine) do an semi-annual or annual checkup.

For you - what have you found is a solid preventative routine to keep everything working well?

For example, flushing out the line every month with hot water, etc. Avoid bleach, avoid vinegar, etc.

Thanks!

Been using vinegar to flush out the line for 10 years with no issues.

I once called Munn's and asked them why their technicians only recommend using hot water, because their website had an old FAQ that recommended using vinegar. They told that they needed to change their website because Carrier had told them to only use water. No vinegar. I use a gallon of hot tap water about every month.

I also have a "Drain King" that I bought from Amazon that is a small rubber tube that you insert into the drain pipe and connect the other end to a garden hose. When you turn on the water, the tube expands and seals the pipe and allows a thorough flushing of the condensate line, with no backflow. Very handy device.

I’ve seen several caveats about not using bleach or vinegar but I’m missing the rationale.

The condensate line flush entry connection is pvc pipe below the AC air exchange unit. So how could either cause damage to your AC, unless they’re saying the fumes rise from the condensate line upwards into the unit. I could understand if you’re pouring Clorox/vinegar into the AC drain pan.

I’ve also been looking at AC condensate brushes.

RetiredGuy's post is correct. All you need to use is hot water. For whatever reason Carrier doesn't want vinegar or bleach and you may void the warranty if you use it. In addition, if the drain is maintained, you don't need anything more than hot water. When these HVAC guys come to do their maintenance they pour a chemical down the condensate line to prevent mold and other organic growth. After that is done, plain water is all that's needed until the next serviced. Now if you don't maintain your drain and it gets clogged then you need to put a shop vac on the output of the drain and flush it out.

Similar situation with the condensor and evaporator coils. The current thinking is no chemicals, just water. When properly maintained that's all you will need but if you don't clean your coils and the outside unit gets a "fur coat" then it's best to let your HVAC company get it clean. On the newer systems, the coils are more delicate so you need to be careful.

If you have an old 20-30 year old system then "go at it". Use whatever you want to clean the condenser because nothing will hurt it.

The point is if you do the periodic maintenance, the drain and outside and inside coils will not get dirty enough to require harsh chemicles to ge them clean.

#1...Above is true on Carrier HVAC systems direct from Munn's service people.

#2... I also was told along with hot water once a month, add a couple drops
of Dawn dishwashing soap for lubrication.

#3... Use a HVAC service people at least once a year, and you'll sleep better knowing your
AC taken care of. Spend your time golfing.

#4... Your Welcome

Best advice possible.

My AC died after 14 years, so I had a new one installed.
When the inspector came to certify the installation, he said to use a cup of vinegar once a month.
I use Sunshine for service every 6 month, but I change my own filter every 3.

I put my shop vac on the outside end of the drain and vacuum it out at least three times annually. I put nothing in the drain

Yup that exactly the correct procedure .. I've been doing that procedure for over 40 years ...it works perfect

I do the hot water in my condensate line every month. I also just bought an attachment on Amazon for $10 that plugs into the fitting on the outside drain line on one end and the other end has a fitting that plugs into my shop vac. It's called a "A/C drain line cleaner tool".

I used it the first time a few days ago and I was surprised at the gunk it pulled out of the condensate line.

Hot water down the condensate line once a month. Also, I had a neighbor a few years ago who had his condensate line get clogged up. The Munns tech found a rather large, dead, anole stuck in the line. After hearing that, I put stainless steel mesh strainers on the ends of the condensate lines outside the house. These are actually made for live wells in fishing boats, but work well for this purpose, too. Keeps small critters out.

A/C Flush
 

I use HOT WATER to flush, because I have a banana tree close to the drain vent outside and I don't want to harm it.
I have a note on the A/C unit to remind me to do it monthly.

A/C
 

Flush monthly with very hot water, change your filter every 6 months, and have 2 visits per year for maintenance with Sun Kool or a good a/c company. We put some lavender spray in the filter to help the house smell fresh.

I have heard that some people will boil water to add to the condensate drain. This is not a good idea because you can exceed the maximum recommended temperature for the plastic drain pipe. The biggest risk is that you can melt the pipe glue and cause a leak. Hot tap water is fine to use.