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Trane AC condensation drain pipe is clogged

8 years ago

We have a Trane heat pump, with fan and heat transfer unit in the garage.

The condensation drain (the one at about five feet above the floor) is clogged where it drains out of the system and into the white pvc pipe that goes to the pump on the floor.

Can I clear this plug myself?

If so, how?

The HVAC guy was out here some three years ago clearing the same stoppage. I had to pay for that one.

Top photo is the place where the water leaks from, down the front of the unit.

Thanks.

Mac




Comments (10)

  • 8 years ago

    Yes you can. You need to install a Tee in the line so you will have access to clean out the line. Mine is a horizontal install in the attic.


  • 8 years ago

    My system (attic installed), the drain line simply pulls off the connection point.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Condensate drains vary from one system to another, some drain systems are quite complex.

    If you don't know how to do it, you're better off hiring a pro to do it. How much is your time worth? How much money do you have in your wallet to pay for things if you make things worse or damage something in the process?

    Is it simple, sure. Provided you know what you are doing. You crack that drain pan and you're looking at serious money to fix it. (It's plastic).

    An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

  • 8 years ago

    Thanks for the comments.

    Guess I will have the local HVAC guy come out and fix it.

  • 8 years ago

    If you are going to pay someone to clear the condensate line then have them install an EZ Trap like this:

    The coil should have a trap so the cold air is not lost down the condensate line. The trap is clear so you can see any debris. The caps can be opened and cleaned with the brush that is provided. You won't have to pay anyone to clean the line in the future.

  • 8 years ago

    Mike,

    Thanks.

    I will ask the AC guy about this on Wednesday.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Not all AC systems need a trap configuration like this as Mike shows, for the simple reason they have a trap already. It is never a good idea to have two traps on one drain.

    In some cases the trap is hidden, depending on the age of the home, local codes at the time it was built, etc.

    WHY?

    Double trapping creates an air-lock between the two traps thus impeding flow and not permitting proper air flow in the drainage system. Think: suction as the impeding force.

    In other words you 'may' create a situation that actually clogs your drain more than it otherwise would and if your E-coil does not drain properly the condensate water is known to otherwise be the determining factor in causing refrigerant leaks.

    If your E-coil does not drain properly it is sitting in condensate waste water that contains chemicals (VOC's) that have leeched from the structure furnishings etc.

    Nearly all Freon leaks that develop in the E-coil start in the base of the coil that is typically more exposed to condensate waste water.


  • 8 years ago
    Last summer I self-diagnosed a condensate leak that turned out to be a clog on the pan, not in the line. What a pain in the butt it was to get access to the A coil and clean that out. Because I had cut the drain off, I replumbed it with disconnects and clean outs just in case. Do you have solid evidence the line is really clogged? Could be upstream.
  • 8 years ago

    Folks, thanks for all the comments.

    The AC dude came out and said that a large piece of the pvc pipe was clogged. He could not clean it out. He had to replace it.

    He also installed a little trap, which is basically a two inch piece pointing up at one of the 45 degree joints. It ends in a cap, which can be removed. $300. He was out there for a while.

    I hope this is it for that issue.

  • 2 years ago
    last modified: 2 years ago

    i need to get a new condensate drain for my trane unit inside the house it a black triagle it looks like the one on top of this page.