Condensate line clogs very often

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

My A/C condensate line keeps getting clogged with algae and I use a Shop Vac to suck out the clogs. For whatever reason, it clogs very frequently. Sometimes every couple of weeks. So it's a real pain, especially when the float switch shuts the unit off in the middle of the night and the house gets hot.I was thinking about putting chlorine tablets in the drain pain but I'd rather not have to open up the unit periodically to deal with that if I don't have to. I was wondering if there was some sort of drain stick/chlorine stick I could use to just drop into the drain pipe. The pipe has a 90 degree turn so a stick would not go far down the line. Does such a stick exist? I want to do that and pour bleach or vinegar down the pipe every couple of weeks as well. Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

dianeski
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
You probably need to flush the drain line .Twice a year, we flush the line. We connect a garden hose to an adaptor and to the condensate drain line and flush it. In our system, it takes two people yelling through an open window to turn the hose on and off. Then we pour a cup of bleach in the line. I am always amazed at the gunk and slime that is flushed out of the pipe on the exterior. We keep a log. Good luck.
ci_lantro
6 years ago
Larger diameter line? Eliminate the 90?
Related Professionals
Salisbury General Contractors · Pierre General Contractors · Charlotte Home Remodeling · Cherry Hill Home Remodeling · Fort Dodge Home Remodeling · Westerly Bathroom Remodelers · Chico Bathroom Remodelers · Odessa Bathroom Remodelers · Rome Home Remodeling · Yuba City Home Remodeling · Gulfport General Contractors · Kenosha General Contractors · Omaha Furniture & Accessories · Lawton Carpenters · Redding Carpenters
Greg
Original Author
6 years ago
The unit is in an upstairs closet so I do not really feel comfortable hooking a hose up to it. I don't think the line is particularly narrow. The 90 is near the beginning and is not where it clogs. The pipe is run between the two floors so modifying the pipe would be very difficult. I was hoping thaat maybe I could just drop a drain clearing stick, like Sani Stick, in the pipe. It's like a Drano stick that keeps your sink drain from clogging, and does not damage PVC. I was hoping there was a product like that that would work for condensate drain lines. If not, iI guess I will just use bleach or vinegar. I have read that bleach can damage PVC piping and pipe connections/glue, though. Thanks!
ci_lantro
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I googled condensate drain line cleaner and came up with this:

https://www.supplyhouse.com/DiversiTech-GG-1-Charles-Gallo-Drain-Gun-for-A-C-Condensate-Lines?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6JO7xY_76QIV3otaBR0K2QK7EAQYAyABEgLadfD_BwE

No experience with the tool. I did just place an order w/ Supplyhouse & rec'd the order very promptly. First order that I've made with them but was well satisfied with the price, cost of shipping and prompt delivery.

ETA--I don't think the ShopVac is doing a really good job of cleaning out the line. The line just shouldn't need to be cleaned every couple of weeks The vac may be removing part of the goop but not doing a bang-up job of it.
sktn77a
6 years ago
Your condensate drain should have a vent "T" pointing up after the trap. If so, pour some pure bleach (6%-10%) down the vent - it should run down the entire drain. Flush it down with a glass full of water after a few minutes. You either have a bad mold problem in the drain or a very dusty house with poor filtration for it to be clogging up that frequently.
Greg
Original Author
6 years ago
I'm sorry, I must have missed you post! I would love to see it. Could you please re-post it? When I made my last post, I had just clicked on a link in an email from Houzz so I think maybe I only saw another post made at almost the exact same time as your post, apparently. Your post and another post were made about an hour ago and I only saw the other post :(