[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by 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

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

Amazon.com

[Normal]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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

Amazon.com

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

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Normal

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]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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]

Originally Posted by Normal

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.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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

Amazon.com

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

[Pairadocs]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

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]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

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.

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

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]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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.]

Originally Posted by HJBeck

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

Originally Posted by Steve

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.