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Photograph of drains to a hidden location De-Clog A/C- Heat Pump Condensate Drain FAQs-2
How to un-block the condensate line, Q&A#2

A/C condensate drain de-clog & cleanout: this how-to article explains procedures for cleaning or de-clogging a sluggish, blocked, or leaky air conditioning or heat pump condensate drain.

Condensate drain cleaning and unclogging tools and methods are reviewed, including simple steps that a homeowner can take to clear a blocked condensate drain at little or no cost.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

FAQs-2: How to Un-Clog an Air Conditioning or Heat Pump Condensate Drain

Jones JV-1 condensate line blowout valve available from Supco, Watso, Gemaire and othersThese questions & answers about de-clogging blocked A/C or heat pump condensate traps or drain lines were posted originally at CONDENSATE DRAIN CLEAN & DE-CLOG - be sure to review th advice given there.

Illustration: JV1-Jones Valve Condensate Drain Blow-Out Valve discussed in the article linked-to just above.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2017-10-28 by Gail M H

The condenser is on second floor and the condensate drains through 3/4" pipes into a 3" open stand pipe that is set in the concrete floor of a ground level utility room.

It overflowed this summer and I read that this method of condensate disposal is not to code in my region.

The stand pipe may lead to a dry well under the house. How should it be corrected?

On 2017-07-16 by (mod) - citation of Condensat Disposal Code Section 314 of the ICC

Bill

Using Chapter 3 of the ICC (2006 and also 2012) as adopted and published by the Virginia State Government (verbatim of the ICC for that year), and looking at the

Section 314 on Condensate Disposal,

while the code does not explicitly prohibit shutoff valves that's probably because a code cannot list every possible prohibition; rather the code does note that the drain line cannot decrease in size from its initial connection point at the HVACR unit - a shutoff would certainly do that.

Here is example text from 2012 and 2006

M1411.3 Condensate disposal. Condensate from all cooling coils or evaporators shall be conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved place of disposal.

Such piping shall maintain a minimum horizontal slope in the direction of discharge of not less than 1/8 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (1-percent slope).

Condensate shall not discharge into a street, alley or other areas where it would cause a nuisance.

M1411.3.2 Drain pipe materials and sizes. Components of the condensate disposal system shall be cast iron, galva nized steel, copper, polybutylene, polyethylene, ABS, CPVC or PVC pipe or tubing.

All components shall be selected for the pressure and temperature rating of the installation. Joints and connections shall be made in accor dance with the materials specified in Chapter 30.

Condensate waste and drain line size shall be not less than 3/4-inch (19 mm) internal diameter and shall not decrease in size from the drain pan connection to the place of condensate disposal.

Where the drain pipes from more than one unit are manifolded together for condensate drainage, the pipe or tubing shall be sized in accordance with an approved method.

On 2017-07-16 by Billhomeins - Are shut off valves allowed on condensate drain lines for flushing

Are shut off valves allowed on condensate drain lines for flushing

On 2017-04-13 by (mod) - how do I unclog my air conditioner?

Worth,

Try the condensate drain declog procedures and products suggested in the article CONDENSATE DRAIN CLEAN & DE-CLOG. Let me know what questions remain or which works best for you.

On 2017-04-13 by Worth

How to unclog my air conditioned

On 2016-05-18 by J. Redfield - tips about using a Safe-T-Flush device

To prevent Air Conditioning Condensate Drain Lines from clogging you can install a Safe-T-Flush. The Safe-T-Flush device must be used with a float switch that has a normally open (alarm) function, i.e, EZ Trap by Rector Seal.

The Safe-T-Flush device must be installed down stream of the float switch, and as close to the air handler as possible.

On 2016-04-19 by (mod) - water was not coming out of the condensate pipe

Ron:

Your system merits further visual inspection for a blocked condensate line and condensate production, handling, routing, but just seeing no water discharge does not always mean trouble; when the air is dry very little condensate is produced.

If it's convenient to do so, run some water through the condensate drain line to confirm that it shows up outside.

Then check the condensate drip pan to be sure it's in place and not leaking nor clogged.

Then when the AC is running for a while, turn it off and look into the air handler to see if condensate is ponding somewhere.

On 2016-04-19 by ron

first of all I have a two zone HVAC system. At the end of last season I noticed condensation was not running out of the pipe.

Keep in mind the unit upstairs I believe also runs into this condensate line. I had water in the air handler. What do you think I should do this year first of all.

On 2016-03-21 by (mod) - check valve on condensate drain line

Thanks Joel. I'd add that if the check valve on the condensate pump's outlet line is damaged or has has broken off or is lost, inexpensive replacements are readily available and easily installed (Little Giant check valve for air conditioner condensate pump) for less than $10. U.S.

On 2016-03-12 by Joel Bagman

It should also be noted that modern pumps have a small rubber check valve in the fitting where the evacuation line connects. That valve will completely stop functioning once the rough volumetric equivalent of an M&M builds up inside it.

On 2015-12-19 by (mod) - vinegar to un-clog a condensate drain?

You can but it's not likely to be effective

On 2015-12-19 by DON

CAN i USE VINEGAR TO UNCLOG CONDENSATE LINE FROM FURNACE?


...

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CONDENSATE DRAIN CLEAN & DE-CLOG FAQs-2 at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


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