Please Help: Air Handler Drain Pipe? Or Something Else?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I am a newbie when it comes to maintaining heat and AC units. There is a drainage pipe on the right side of my house (please see pics), and I suspect it is related to the air handlers which are under the house. Have not spent much time under the house because we have a tiny, tiny access portal to get in. Regardless, I was hoping that someone might be able to confirm that the water consistently dripping from this pipe is related to our AC usage. Also, why are there two pipes?

The main problem here is that the ground has become so muddy. Is there a proper way to deal with the water? I foolishly tried putting a bucket under the pipe and by morning it was overflowing...and I was concerned it might be sending water back the wrong way.

Last point which may not be related to this issue...it's smells a bit like oil in that area--it could be the neighbors house, just wanted to mention in case I'm missing something in terms of the smell. We don't have oil heat; it's all electric. Thanks in advance for any help!

Featured Answer

mike_home

6 years ago

It would make sense that there a drain pipe for each of the AC units. You could attach a Y connector and then have a single pipe travel away from the house. You can bury the pipe a few inches into the ground so you don't have to worry about anyone stepping on it. You need a slope of at least 1/4 inch per foot for drainage.

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Comments (8)

suburbanmd
6 years ago
I agree that they're air handler condensate drains. If there's any doubt, turn off the A/C and wait to see if the dripping gradually stops. Assuming it is from the A/C, there may be two drain pans under the air handler, the main one and a backup drain pan under it, each with its own drain. So that's why two pipes.

There should be an elbow at the bottom of each pipe, with a horizontal pipe attached to carry the water away from the house.
James Mason thanked suburbanmd
dadoes
6 years ago
Condensate drains in my area are typically run into the household plumbing so the drain water isn't seen. A secondary drain for the safety pan SuburbanMD mentions that's beneath the air handler is run to a visible location as a signal to the homeowner that water dripping from it means the primary drain is clogged and service attention is needed.

James Mason, if those two drains are primary and secondary a/c condensate drains, you need to identify which is the secondary to be aware that it shouldn't drip unless there's a problem. You may need to check with the system installer for that information.
James Mason thanked dadoes
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James Mason
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you both so much for the help @dadoes and @subarbanmd ! I should mention that there are two central air units: one for upstairs and one for downstairs...could that be the reason for the two pipes? It sounds like I need to get some pvc piping and redirect that water, correct? I appreciate your help and patience with someone who is learning—truly appreciated!
suburbanmd
6 years ago
How about getting a small, lithe person to go in through the access portal and take pictures of everything under there? It would be best if that person was familiar with houses so they know what's important.
Cima Locert
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Since you just said you have 2 AC systems, I have to assume those 2 pipes are both secondary pipes. In a normal set up, your primary drain goes to your plumbing system(you won't see it), the secondary goes to outside so you can see it as a warning, see dadoes's post. So, at this point, your primary drain may be clogged, you need to find out which one (or both) and get it cleaned.
suburbanmd
6 years ago
It depends on where you live, it seems. In my area, condensate may not be routed into the plumbing system.
woodbutcher_ca
6 years ago
Hi, Just A thought. Could one of those pipes be for a drain from a T/P valve for your water heater?

Good Luck Woodbutcher