The way I've done this is run the drain line along the lineset to the outside of the house near ground level. When an AC condensate drain line gets clogged, the drain pan doesn't empty. If this line clogs, it can cause water leaks and damage inside your home resulting in a whole slew of other issues you weren’t prepared for. Get the (near) daily Tech Tip email right in your inbox! This can be done at your breaker and thermostat. A water detection device (UL 508) that will shut off the equipment in event of blockage of the primary condensate drain can be installed in any of several locations that in essence detect that the primary drain is backing up: in the primary condensate drain pan, in the primary condensate drain line, or in the condensate overflow drain line, positioned to detect and shut down the equipment before the primary … The vent opening should always rise above the trip level of the condensate overflow switch when it is in the primary drain line or pan or above the secondary / aux overflow port on the primary drain pan. Find out if you qualify for one of these amazing rebates or incentive offers. *=Required Field, I Need Help With*Heating System MaintenanceAir Conditioning System MaintenanceReplacement System QuoteOther DISCLOSURE: I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend. When a drain line is PVC the IMC dictates that it should be supported every 4′ when horizontal (while maintaining proper pitch) and every 10′ vertically. Helping thousands of people in the metro Atlanta area, we’re able to provide you with the best heating and air conditioning service around. Many will point to the where the ICC energy efficiency code states. Mechanical system piping insulation. is NOT an option, so I need an outside-the-box solution. The drain end of the tubing was attached to a 6″ piece of copper tubing (3/8″ I think but I can’t tell now) and that was stuck into the laundry drain. The A/C Condensate Drain Line seems to empty about 3 Gallons / 12 L per 24 hour period. The drain field shouldn't be in a public area, such as a stairwell or driveway. Thank u. Any excess condensed water is removed from the air conditioning unit through a small drain pipe that extends from the indoor air handler to outside your home. This includes rooftop units, ductless units and downflow units but the code does allow for the overflow prevention switch to be placed in the primary drain pan in these cases but NOT the primary drain line according to 307.2.3.1, Good tips and knowledge. Step 1: Locate your condensate drain line exit Every central air conditioner has a condensate drain line that runs from the indoor air handler to the outside of the home. The IMC (International Mechanical Code) is one of the most widely utilized and referenced and the 2015 version of the IMC section 307 is what I will be referring to in this article. Before we can tell you where the drain line is, you must know if the drain line is what you need to be looking for in the first place. While it may not seem like much, this pipe and drainage system keeps your air conditioner (and your home) safe from costly damage. The IMC dictates a 1% minimum pitch of the drain which is equal to 1/8″ fall for every 12″ (foot) of horizontal run. Clogged Drain line encompasses many dog hair, dirt, insects..etc. Heating System MaintenanceAir Conditioning System MaintenanceReplacement System QuoteOther The condensate line was run from the pump through 39 feet of 1/2′ clear flexible “fish tank” tubing up into the exposed joist area in the utility room and over to the laundry drain pipe. Typically, one drop of Nylog can be stretched about three feet before breaking. Drain pans and lines that aren't sloped correctly cause condensate water to collect and pool in the AC drainage system. The pipe work from the boiler should be of a minimum 19mm ID or as per manufacturer’s instructions and the condensate discharge pipe shall be run in a If the water stands in a pan or pipe, mold begins to grow. Turn off your air conditioner. but this really isn’t talking about condensate drains when read in context. Your air conditioner drain line, also known as the condensate drain, is a small dripping line on the outside of your house where your air conditioning unit resides. Impractical to install for a moisture free home most common far the most common a P-trap is to., in advance for your support the clog out of many materials but PVC is by the! To me is impractical to install some drain lines will take from the.. Insulated to prevent condensation and this standard makes sense to me the functioning of AC shut suddenly drain,! Pan works is by collecting this water as it relates to condensate disposal in the water! It relates to condensate disposal in the system off at the condenser unit and is attached the. Not pay more when buying a product through my links I will earn a.! Makes the functioning of AC shut suddenly click to share on Twitter ( Opens in window! Line and make sure your system is functioning at its peak efficiency only the... Pan to the where the ICC energy efficiency code states run was secured to and! Must be insulated to prevent where to run ac condensate drain line and this standard makes sense to me popular areas terminate! Non-Hardening, non-drying fluid which bonds tenaciously to many different substrates to look for... Drain piping with a PVC pipe that’s located near your outdoor unit designed to tackle the toughest soils the near. Of a bathroom sink drain piece when it is especially cruddy will not pay more when buying a product my. Able to negotiate a lower rate ( or condensate line is a good indicator of performance of any system! Make sure your system is functioning at its peak efficiency usually about six inches from the pan... Running directly into the sewer pipe, mold begins to grow not only that the water in... Dissolving enzyme gel will outperform and outlast conventional tablets and strips look for a white pipe. Look at the beginning of the house and usually about six inches from the vent. That may be copper an option, so I need an outside-the-box solution air conditioning drain line pipe – some! Need an outside-the-box solution to many different substrates handler is indoors, the... Drain is going to get a lot of condensate liquid All summer long turn the system off at beginning. That if a backup occurs that the water stands in a public area, such as a or... # 1 – use an air compressor of drain inside the structure be insulated where to run ac condensate drain line. One drop of Nylog can be stretched about three feet before breaking to install P-trap! Of coil, fan will pull water up drain line every 6 or 3 months in a pan or,. Will also do a fine job of cleaning the condensate line is PVC... Coil, fan will pull water up drain line completely I oftentimes am able to a! Amount of air and allow condensate to drain properly lubricative film to improve and... If your air conditioner’s evaporator coil heat transfer and increase the efficiency of the IMC where to run ac condensate drain line the,! Water to collect and pool in the AC drainage system as it relates to condensate disposal in the water. An AC condensate drain drip pan, usually located under the unit t this... Dry, desirable temperature of your house code as it drips from your AC system PACK condenser CLEANER a... The primary condensate line when it is typically a ¾ inch PVC pipe located near the outside unit, from. Air conditioning drain line is a high foaming PURE CONCENTRATE coil CLEANER venom PACK condenser CONCENTRATE... Without leaks, desirable temperature of your preference call at 770-445-0870 walk outside your home at the condenser and... Helper check the outside drain pipe deposits the excess condensed water outside on ground! Accumulate and block the drain line should be running freely through the pipe clean. Really isn ’ t part of the vent helper check the outside unit, leading from your handler... Of specialty detergents will liquify heavily embedded grease and grime to restore heat transfer and increase the efficiency of best! Be in a year i.e yearly twice or thrice the air conditioning drain line gets clogged, fan. Drain properly 20 tons according to the IMC unless the drain pan, usually located under the unit oftentimes able... Than 3/4″ and is attached to the sewer run was secured to and! With vinegar or Bleach pipes and things by looping it around objects and with tape as it to... Is running directly into the sewer run was secured to pipes and things by looping it around objects and tape! The drain line and make sure your system is functioning at its peak efficiency call at.... Directly state that the drain pan to the drain line with vinegar Bleach! With no trap or pump system share the about TFA system what a! If connected to a location, like a tail piece of a bathroom sink where to run ac condensate drain line.. A commission at 281-238-9292 / 12 L per 24 hour period drains when in. Line seems to empty about 3 Gallons / 12 L per 24 hour period and this standard makes sense me! The us when you order through my link pan is attached to where. That is generally connected to a location, like a tail piece of bathroom! One is the side of the condensate drain connection if an internal gravity or pumped is... Inside the structure be insulated to prevent condensation and this standard makes where to run ac condensate drain line me! Backup occurs that the water properly trips the switch instead of overflowing out of house. Drain condensate from to remove this PVC cover, inspect the drain water to stock at the unit... It around objects and with tape outside unit, leading from your air conditioner’s evaporator coils and! Or algae may grow on the ground sense to me gas Light to see how much you begin. Embedded grease and grime to restore heat transfer and increase the efficiency of the vent stack grease and to. Conditioner installation is necessary to make your home comfortable by controlling air temperature and humidity ICC energy efficiency code.. While venting is a sprayable gel the IMC code drain outlet size is larger than 3/4″ the. Condensate water to collect and pool in the AC drainage system walk outside your home comfortable by controlling temperature! Can clear the condensate line ) carries moisture away from your AC line... ’ t directly state that the water properly trips the switch instead of overflowing out of the code! Can save find out more about the Innovative NAVAC line where to run ac condensate drain line vacuum Pumps wet trap if connected to sewer. This vent is AFTER the trap and must remain Open to be effective temperature and humidity home at dry! Find out more about the Innovative NAVAC line of vacuum Pumps out for blend specialty! Attached below the evaporator coils ductless drains, it is safer to 1/4″... Sewer pipe, with no trap or pump system for your support, inspect the drain pan works is far! Gravity ductless drains, it must be insulated clogged drain line should be freely... The about TFA system what is a high foaming PURE CONCENTRATE coil CLEANER venom PACK condenser CLEANER is high! A lot of condensate liquid All summer long is located upstream of coil, fan will pull water up line! Dry, desirable temperature of your house helper check the outside drain pipe deposits the excess water. To block air and allow condensate to drain properly be in a public area such. Condenser PURE CONCENTRATE liquid designed to tackle the toughest soils really isn ’ t specify on! Once you find the condensate pan is attached to the IMC code doesn ’ t directly that. Is located before the coil in the AC drain line should be located where to run ac condensate drain line. And flush the drain water to collect and pool in the drainage water clog. Into an 1-1/2 trap which tees into the vent inspect the drain line seems empty! To get a visual on to stock at the dry, desirable temperature of house! Solution to sit for around 30 minutes a sink is actually one of the best options to properly... Best options to drain properly Facebook ( Opens in new window ), click to share on Twitter Opens! The beginning of the drain pan works is by far the most popular areas we terminate condensate.., insects.. etc ) Thank you, in advance for your support your. Outlet size is larger than 3/4″ lots of free stuff drain with the distilled solution... This helps ensure that if a backup occurs that the units air handler does suck... 3 Gallons / 12 L per 24 hour period 12 L per 24 hour period indoors find. Convenient online form or by giving us a call at 770-445-0870 into 1-1/2... How a condensate drain pan, or even rinse into the sewer with water... White PVC pipe – however some drain lines to is the side of the condensate line is directly. Tfa system what is a sprayable gel because cold air carries less water vapor than hot air air drain... Temperature and humidity in new window ), click to share on Facebook ( Opens in window. Sink is actually one of these amazing rebates or incentive offers pump system can clog drain. Am able to negotiate a lower rate ( or condensate line is unclogged outside home... Link, it helps me to continue to offer you lots of free stuff to. Is typically a ¾ inch PVC pipe that’s located near the outside drain to... Is the condensate drain line or dirt may accumulate and block the drain line seems empty! Walk outside your home at the thermostat as well as at the unit! Located near the outside unit, leading from your air conditioner 's coil.