[Topspinmo]

A/C condensation drain clean out



Here how I solved my problem. Takes less than 3 mins.

[willbush]

Originally Posted by Homer49

New in TV and going thru The Villages "Home Owner's Maintenance" recommendations list. One of the items is "Flush Condensation Line with warm water" every six months. I'm curious about techniques folks are using to keep that line draining properly.

In our new home the condensate line comes out of the AC, drops down a couple of feet into the slab, runs under (thru?) the slab for 25-30 feet then comes up in the side yard and ends in a gooseneck about 9" above ground. That's a lot longer run than I've ever seen and seems like it will be susceptible to pluggage. There's a cap on a tee in the pipe run near the AC unit that is removable for pouring or pushing something into that line. It seems to me that just pouring a couple of gallons of warm water into the pipe would not be enough to keep such a long run flushed out. Can you use a hose to feed a flow into the line? - thinking that pressurizing the line might push water into the AC unit and flood there. Anyone use a chemical to add to the poured flush water to help stop slime growth without damaging the pipe? Am I overthinking all this? (probably - that's a common problem for me...).

Thanks for any thoughts.

I flush mine 1st of every month with hot water and about 1 cup of bleach - been doing it since we moved in Dec 2009 - Never had a problem with it plugging up;also connect hose every 3 months (I can screw hose on mine) and force water through the drain. I passed this to my neighbors when I moved in and as they moved into our street. Of those who didn't listen, their drains plugged up and water flooded there a/c area - yes they had a/c service annually. Trust me, many of those doing service don't flush out the drain.

[holmesperdue]

You might try ordering a "Drain King 345" attachment for your garden hose to flush it out every few months. Check drain line size before ordering.

[Homer49]

Again, thanks for all the feedback folks. Much appreciated!

[retiredguy123]

You can order a Drain King 345 device from Amazon for $11.70. It attaches to your garden hose and will flush water through your condensate line in a few minutes. I don't understand why anyone would hire a highly paid HVAC technician to flush out a simple plastic pipe.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

You can order a Drain King 345 device from Amazon for $11.70. It attaches to your garden hose and will flush water through your condensate line in a few minutes. I don't understand why anyone would hire a highly paid HVAC technician to flush out a simple plastic pipe.

Clever device. Looks like it might make a good tool for a doctor as well. Gonna try a modified version of Topspinmo's contraption first because I can build that for about $2.00.

[Lottoguy]

Every six months pour 50/50 of a water and bleach mixture down the line. This will keep it open and prevent a blockage that can back up and make a mess.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

You can order a Drain King 345 device from Amazon for $11.70. It attaches to your garden hose and will flush water through your condensate line in a few minutes. I don't understand why anyone would hire a highly paid HVAC technician to flush out a simple plastic pipe.

PERFECT! Best $11.70 "fix"for A/C drain. Just make sure you push it ALL THE WAY IN. Some Amazon review dummy didn't RTFM and he had quite a mess.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by EdFNJ

PERFECT! Best $11.70 "fix"for A/C drain. Just make sure you push it ALL THE WAY IN. Some Amazon review dummy didn't RTFM and he had quite a mess.

I just flushed my condensate drain with the Drain King 345. Even though I had been pouring vinegar down the drain every several months, when I flush it, I get a load of white calcium lime flakes out the discharge pipe.