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.
Hvac condensate drain line to sewer.
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.
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.
Click photo to see an enlarged detailed version.
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.
Problems with a central air conditioner s condensate drain.
But you still need to confirm to yourself that the entire drain line has at least an eighth inch slope to it.
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.
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.
Water lots of it.
Uniform mechanical code section 310 0 310 1 condensate disposal.
That s the line that your air conditioner uses to get rid of all the humidity that it pulls from the air.
Just pour a cup of bleach in the drain line s access opening near the indoor air conditioning unit.
Plumbing code citation for installation of air conditioning condensate drain piping.
When everything is working properly condensation runs down the drain line and exits outside your house.
A clogged condensate drain line is one of the most common reasons homeowners need to call in for professional repair for their ac system.
Condensate drain leaks clogging.
Condensate drain to open sewer line.
Because dry air holds less heat energy humidity.
If the condensate drain line is clogged you will need to use a wet dry vacuum or a special pump to unclog the line.
However many homeowners don t realize the problem is usually avoidable with regular care and diy ac maintenance.
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.
But that drain line is pretty small so it doesn t take much for it to become clogged.