Table of Contents
Where do I run my AC condensate drain line?
Locate the condensate drain access point outside your home or near the indoor air handler enclosure. You should see a small vertical vent extension as part of the piping. The vent is located above the point where the line exits your air handler. Open the plug on top to access the drain lines.
Does condensate drain need a trap?
For the most part evaporator condensate traps are required by the manufacturer help to meet the energy efficiency standards as without it air will blow through that hole. If there is a trap tell them tho clean it all the time because it’ll clog and when it does they might call you.
How far from house should AC drain line?
The condensate drain line is a white circular drain pipe not less than 3/4 of an inch in diameter. The problem that I see often as a Licensed Home Inspector is that most a/c condensate drain lines are routed outside, which is ideal, but stop or terminate 2 to 3 inches from the homes foundation.
Should AC drain line have water in it?
The condensate line should drain to the outdoors and during humid weather you should see plenty of water dripping from it. If it’s not dripping, it’s not draining! If there is standing water in the drain pan, your condensate drain is clogged!Aug 14, 2018.
Why use P-trap for condensate drain?
WHAT ARE P-TRAPS? – Condensate drains typically have traps, which are designed to keep air from moving in or out of the air handler without preventing condensate drainage. The absence of a properly working p-trap could push unfiltered air into your home and cause an overflow of the condensate drain.
Does condensate line need a vent?
In an AC drain, the condensate pan is the vent. No additional vent pipe is required. The line should continually slope down to the outside. The steeper the better.
How does a condensate drain work?
How a condensate drain pan works is by collecting this water as it drips from your air conditioner’s evaporator coils. The condensate pan is attached below the evaporator coils. It must be correctly fitted to catch moisture without leaks. Moisture flows to the condensate drain line and out of your home.
Is bleach or vinegar better for AC drain line?
We recommend using vinegar instead of a bleach solution because bleach can be harmful to your AC system if your drain line has copper tubing. Using vinegar will not damage your system. Spilling bleach can also ruin carpet or clothing, whereas vinegar will just leave a strong odor.
How much should AC drain line drip?
In an arid climate where relative humidity remains well below 50 percent most of the time, the evaporator coil in a residential central air conditioner will send about about 5 gallons of water down the drain per day. In humid climates, however, the drain pipe may convey as much as 20 gallons per day.
Can you use PEX for condensate drain lines?
You could use PEX tubing or Vinyl, but you need to make sure that it does not get kinked in any way and that it has a large enough ID to accomadate the flow of water or you will be asking for trouble. Also make sure that you are allowed to tie into the main drain line.
How deep should the condensate drain trap be?
If a unit were to be operating at minus 6 inches WC maximum negative plenum pressure then the trap height, per the guidelines shown in Figure 1a, requires 7 + 3½ + 1½ + 1 inches of height from under the floor or about 13 inches below the floor level.
Can you run a condensate pipe into a vent pipe?
Definition of condensate Condensate disposal by connection to a plumbing stack vent pipe, is not recommended and is prohibited by building code in some jurisdictions. Watch out: building codes and code enforcement practices vary among communities and even individual code compliance inspectors.
What size PVC is used for AC drain line?
The termination of the condensate drain pipe shall connect indirectly to the drywell drain pipe. The drywell drain pipe to be a minimum of 1-1/2” PVC or other approved material. Drywell to be at least three feet away from the building structure or any footings.
What type of piping do we use for condensate drains?
PVC piping systems are recognized as acceptable for use in condensate drain systems in all major model plumbing codes.
Why are there two condensate drains?
The main air unit is equipped with two condensate drain outlets: a primary drain for conveying water outside and a secondary drain as a backup, in case the primary becomes blocked or congested.
Which material is recommended for condensate pipes?
The recommended material to use for a condensate system is stainless steel. Stainless steel greatly enhances the pipes’ ability to withstand the corrosive attack for a longer, more reliable operational life.
How do I run my AC condensate drain line?
Connect the head of the garden hose to the opening of the condensate drain. Maintain a tight connection between the drain and the hose with your hand and run the hose on high in short bursts. This should allow the water to travel upwards and break up any clogs in the drain. Repeat step 2 until the water runs clear.
How much water should come out of my AC drain line?
It’s completely normal for your AC to drain 5-20 gallons of water outside of your home (via the condensate drain). It’s NOT normal for your AC to drain any amount of water inside your home (around your indoor AC unit).
