A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common reasons homeowners need to call in for professional repair for their ac system.
Hvac condensate drain line to sewer.
Click photo to see an enlarged detailed version.
Cleaning the line will remove clogs and blockages and prevent algae and mold from growing.
Central air conditioners produce something other than cool comfort.
If the condensate lines travel off the service platform and disappear in the insulation that s fine.
Plumbing code citation for installation of air conditioning condensate drain piping.
Condensate drain to open sewer line.
Condensate switches imc 307 2 3 states that all hvac equipment that produces condensate must have either a secondary drain line or a condensate overflow switch a secondary drain pan with a secondary drain line or condensate switch or some combination of these installations should be used to prevent overflow if the primary drain line blocks.
Air conditioning condensate waste pipes shall connect indirectly to the drainage system through an airgap or airbreak to a properly trapped and vented receptors dry wells leach pits or the tailpiece of plumbing fixtures.
Because dry air holds less heat energy humidity.
I ve seen some pretty big dips in pvc piping which clogs the drain line creates a backup and causes water damage in the house.
Our photo left shows a white flexible tube used as condensate drain tubing for a split system air conditioning system being installed in a new york home.
However many homeowners don t realize the problem is usually avoidable with regular care and diy ac maintenance.
When everything is working properly condensation runs down the drain line and exits outside your house.
If your condensate drain line is clogged you can likely remove the clog yourself.
Uniform mechanical code section 310 0 310 1 condensate disposal.
This will kill any algae mold or mildew that has formed in the pipe.
Carson dunlop associates sketches left illustrate both acceptable and not recommended locations for the discharge of an air conditioner or heat pump condensate drain line discharge.
Even hvac technicians may forget to clean the drain during a regular service call which means that it s up to you to check and clean the condensate pan and drain line before a problem develops.
Condensate drain leaks clogging.
But that drain line is pretty small so it doesn t take much for it to become clogged.
Just pour a cup of bleach in the drain line s access opening near the indoor air conditioning unit.
Condensate waste shall not drain over a public way.
But you still need to confirm to yourself that the entire drain line has at least an eighth inch slope to it.
If the condensate drain line is clogged you will need to use a wet dry vacuum or a special pump to unclog the line.