HVAC Contractors Hate Me For Sharing This Secret

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  • čas přidán 5. 04. 2024
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Komentáře • 378

  • @TheJorgSacul
    @TheJorgSacul Před 2 dny +6

    I had to call for service about just this thing many years ago (2003) . The technician who came out invited me to watch every step of his process, and made sure that I understood that I could do this preventively in the future. For his hour of time he only charged me $35, which was pretty remarkable, considering he also gave me valuable training that has saved me quite a bit over the years. I was very sad when his company sold off his customer list when he retired. Now the company is one of the "advertises on the evening local news" HVAC companies, and they are in the business of selling new units at every opportunity. FORTUNATELY... I married into a family that has a relative who is co-owner of an HVAC company, and he's both young and honest. Your videos are top notch and very useful!

  • @esarlls3
    @esarlls3 Před 24 dny +8

    Here in Houston, the condenser is in the attic and the main condensation drain line runs into the top of a vent stack. You might hear it dripping in the plumbing inside the wall while it's running but it won't be visible outside. If the main line is obstructed, the overflow pan will start filling. This typically drains out under the eave. If you see water dripping from a pipe under the eave it's time to check for obstructions upstairs.

  • @dankelley9361
    @dankelley9361 Před měsícem +15

    Great information, a little maintenance on this condensate line can minimize a lot of downtime on your AC unit. They always get plugged up at the worst times!

  • @Dbb27
    @Dbb27 Před měsícem +3

    Thank you for a great video. I have 4 units and have started doing some of the cleaning myself. I really appreciate your saying not to put pressure through the lines as I was thinking why not do that instead of being on the receiving end and sucking it out. Definitely won’t do it. Really appreciate!

  • @johnduffy6546
    @johnduffy6546 Před měsícem +6

    Excellent video that most people just plain don't know about. This is the kind of stuff that evrey home owner needs to know. Thank you for sharing

  • @irmafacundo7107
    @irmafacundo7107 Před 2 měsíci +12

    Thank you just appreciate your honesty and making our HVAC more efficiently n helping my budget as a 75 year woman.thxs

  • @munozinni
    @munozinni Před 2 měsíci +21

    6:09 Hola 👋 señor Dave I’m glad you made this video cause one big problem that I noticed when I was working in remodeling was that the drain pan in the attic the pvc pipe got clogged with some debris and the drain pan started collecting the water that can’t drain out and then the pan started dripping onto the ceiling and then water damage and then chaos 😫I had to go in the attic remove all the wet insulation and work around the AC guys then cut out the sheet rock ceiling dry out all the joists and put new insulation and install new Sheetrock tape and bed texture and paint and “ just like nothing ever happened “👀😳I hope your followers will check this to avoid the problem of a huge problem…Gracias!!! for helping us with your knowledge I hope you have a great day and a great weekend…Saludos!!!👋😃👋

    • @thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259
      @thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259 Před 2 měsíci +2

      This is a very big problem, it's caused by the condensate drain getting clogged. Configuration of the drain system and regular maintenance are crutial.

    • @whochecksthis
      @whochecksthis Před měsícem +1

      It is CRUCIAL that you have water safety switches in the pan and on the drain lines. Water damage is a huge mess.

  • @jorilea_jarrasept6583
    @jorilea_jarrasept6583 Před měsícem +7

    I use painters tape to seal the hose end to the drain pipe to suction. I also ziptie fine mesh screen over the drain pipe end to prevent insects from entering it.

  • @cu0ngpitt
    @cu0ngpitt Před měsícem +6

    i had a clogged condensate drain with a lot of bends for my drain pipe and the vacuum method only got some of the gunk out. it was still clogged and my drain pan continued to overflow.
    i got the idea of pouring some chlorine into the pan and it started foaming a lot. after letting it sit for about 15 min, i came back and there was lots of gunk floating in the pan. i continued to wait and the clog eventually cleared itself.
    i now use those tabs you recommend and hope to never have to deal with a clogged condensate drain again.

  • @NotSoSimple741
    @NotSoSimple741 Před 2 měsíci +11

    Here in the Midwest where we have basements, our AC condensate tube runs to the sump basin and eventually gets pumped outside the house. And my gravity fed tube actually backed up a few years ago causing water to pool on the floor. So it's always a good idea to periodically inspect that tube for proper drainage.

  • @williamd8886
    @williamd8886 Před měsícem +16

    I have two units in the attic and I am a senior citizen. Today I bought a shop vac and there were some fine particles of yellow dust when I checked. Your video has convinced me that by doing this once a year will keep me from climbing ladders. Thank you!

    • @diyhvacguy
      @diyhvacguy  Před měsícem +3

      Yes it will!!

    • @dgiacco
      @dgiacco Před měsícem +6

      Yes it will but do it about 3 times a year!! Also use algae tabs. I'm the president of my HOA here in SE Florida and I send out emails reminding all of my homeowners about this issue at the end of April.

    • @williamd8886
      @williamd8886 Před měsícem

      I live in Phoenix AZ and in August is the worst time of the year for us. Easy home project with the shop vac

  • @peckerpeter2078
    @peckerpeter2078 Před 2 měsíci +7

    Older units don’t have an easy access panel to condensation coils or the pan. Taking P-trap cap off using funnel best option on longer runs pouring a warm mixed bleach gallon of water and then running a shop vac at the other end is best.
    My home 28 years old at the time was clogged very bad.
    What you just showed in video most never clean ever, it’s a good idea to do yearly..
    Along with cleaning dryer vents with shop vac especially if you have long runs. Can use shop vac at exhaust end, and blower or air nozzle from inside dryer side running at the same time . That gets rid of a lot of blockage.
    People don’t realize if you don’t clean out your dryer vents the lint that gets caught in there (mainly because they screwed it together , and the screws are sticking so far in the vent it catches the lint )is a major cause of fires Over time. A good indication is it’s taking way too long to dry your clothes then it was taken before.

  • @reelivin8112
    @reelivin8112 Před měsícem +44

    Like the content, just retired from hvac business of 40 years. Only 1 suggestion I noticed over the years, I would not use vinegar in the condensate for 2 reasons. 1 - it will eat thru the glue joints if used quarterly
    2 - it acts as a solvent or etching liquid with copper piping/solder joints. Great information for the general public, I commend you for it.

    • @charlesterrizzi8311
      @charlesterrizzi8311 Před 27 dny

      Vinegar cannot eat the pvc glue, neither can bleach. Hell even muriatic acid won’t touch it. These are silly myths. Condensate lines can remove 4-9 gallons of water per day in the green grass states especially. A pint of bleach a quarter won’t do much

    • @jimbroburrito9374
      @jimbroburrito9374 Před 26 dny +1

      Wow what an honor to be commenting to an HVAC vet! I just started my apprenticeship and ive already learned so much but ik theres still much to grasp. One question, what would be the best alternative to vinegar in a scenario where you would need to flush the pipes?

    • @19K7635
      @19K7635 Před 25 dny +2

      I thought that was bleach that would eat the joints?

    • @ralphpagan3371
      @ralphpagan3371 Před 23 dny +1

      Never use bleach or vinegar

    • @Jay-vj1km
      @Jay-vj1km Před 22 dny +1

      Thanks for your advice.
      So what would you recommend? Just use plain water?

  • @Ratlins9
    @Ratlins9 Před 2 měsíci +10

    Thanks!, you’ve helped me so many times. My only regret is I don’t have an HVAC in town with your honesty.

    • @diyhvacguy
      @diyhvacguy  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thanks so much!! I truly appreciate followers like yourself. Where are you located? I’m always looking for trustworthy hvac contractors in different cities.

    • @Ratlins9
      @Ratlins9 Před 2 měsíci +1

      @@diyhvacguy Milford,Pennsylvania

    • @CC-hv5hk
      @CC-hv5hk Před měsícem

      Well go to the next town chep o.

  • @USNveteran
    @USNveteran Před měsícem +9

    Thanks for the tip. I do the bleach thing every year both upstairs & downstairs a few ounces of bleach in a gallon of water in both drains. My reminder to do this is every year when I clean my electronic air cleaners I do this, never had a problem with my drains. FLY NAVY!!!

    • @poolahpot
      @poolahpot Před měsícem +1

      what is a "few"??

    • @USNveteran
      @USNveteran Před měsícem +2

      @@poolahpot I guess you are asking for my interpretation rather than asking google (a small number) so here's my take. One ounce is one, a couple is two, a few is three. Are you a lawyer or just planning to go to law school? FLY NAVY!!!

    • @c50ge
      @c50ge Před měsícem +1

      I agree with your method, straight bleach can be tough on the pump. By putting 1/2 gallon through the system treats the pump and all of the pipes

    • @chuckbolik7060
      @chuckbolik7060 Před měsícem +1

      Hoo-yah !

  • @kenth.832
    @kenth.832 Před 2 měsíci +3

    Thank you the valuable info. I’ll be checking mine out soon. Thanks again!!

  • @Readerb86g
    @Readerb86g Před měsícem +1

    I'm in Florida and had this issue about 3 years ago. Contractor came out and I saw the method first hand and no more than 3 months later, same issue. My AC is located with the pan about 4 feet above the ground level outside but the original install had the PVC pipe of about 4 feet horizontal before it angled down to the garage floor and then beneath the floor to the outside. Gravity had bowed the horizontal portion at least to the diameter of the pipe. I replaced the pipe just outside of the pan with a 90-degree elbow down, then some clear tubing to two 45's to horizontal. Then a tee with the ability to drain down as well as across to the original pipe near the floor. A valve beneath the tee, when open, causes the condensate to drop down from the tee and travel to a series of 5 gallon buckets in the garage. I get easily (during humid times) 50 gallons over about 2+ to 3 days. If I need to bug out for a few days I close the valve and that diverts the flow to the outside. A rare occasion. 750 gallons a month for plants and I have not had an issue since. Special case though since the pan elevation has to be high enough to allow for the water to drain by gravity into your buckets.

  • @jeffreyplumber1975
    @jeffreyplumber1975 Před 20 dny +1

    Great Vid! I already kinew this but its a reminder to do mine again . So Cal 90 percent of homes drain into a wye branch tail piece at a sink , then we dump secondary over a window. Im in plumbing but facinated with hvac as well. I use warm water and bleach

  • @MarieJackson-sp3be
    @MarieJackson-sp3be Před měsícem +1

    Thank you. I'm going to change my air filter right now.

  • @bethhayes1
    @bethhayes1 Před měsícem +34

    Yes! Here in FL. My son uses a shop vac to regularly suction out the condensate drain. Fixes it every time!

    • @roamiblu1833
      @roamiblu1833 Před 20 dny +3

      My dad has a shop vac! Thanks for this!

    • @derekholdt9707
      @derekholdt9707 Před 10 dny +1

      Suction is not a verb.

    • @roamiblu1833
      @roamiblu1833 Před 10 dny +2

      @@derekholdt9707 It can be used as both.

    • @jakemccoy
      @jakemccoy Před 9 dny

      @@derekholdt9707”Suction” can be a verb. Look it up.

  • @lgrantnelson2863
    @lgrantnelson2863 Před měsícem +3

    Reminds me of a company where I did facility maintenance. Twice I got a call saying it was raining in the computer room. Both times I ascertained it was the HVAC unit. I grabbed a portable air bottle and blew the line out. I got four hours for twenty minutes of work. They finally got the HVAC guys to regularly clean the drain.

    • @mikemcdermott1026
      @mikemcdermott1026 Před 22 dny

      I was a painter in florida hospital 40 yrs i worked weekends in the ER THE same room would get flooded every so often ,tv every thing soaked the air handler the next floor would shut down and dump out water, when they had power bumps

  • @karenstein8261
    @karenstein8261 Před 18 dny +2

    When I ran my drain line, I used electrical PVC “sweep” elbows so I would be able, if necessary, to push a fish tape or small snake through to clear any clogs. As an alternative, I could use a vacuum to pull a string through, then use the string to pull a foam “mouse” through. So far there hasn’t been any problems with my drain.
    Proper planning prevents problems.

  • @LeftCoastConservative
    @LeftCoastConservative Před měsícem

    Very nice service recommendations, appreciate your feedback each year Thank you.

  • @quarklan
    @quarklan Před 2 měsíci +1

    Great info, going to try those PurCool tablets this spring and summer.

  • @Ronaldl2350
    @Ronaldl2350 Před 2 měsíci +6

    Thanks for another great tip. I use my shop vac to clean the drain on a regular basis.

  • @zatomb2574
    @zatomb2574 Před 10 dny +1

    Great vid. My basement ac is different but the basics still apply. Here are some differences. The p trap is the worst area 4 me imcluding buildup of dead bugs and wasps, probably comimg in via the furmace vent that doesn't have a screen yet. I pour diluted bleach there into the transparent p trap. Evidently this is a common spot to clog since the installers put in access for a u shaped brush to clean out the trap. Mine drains into the basement drain probably because of.cold winters and high efficiency furnace condensate.

  • @jorgeposadas1192
    @jorgeposadas1192 Před 11 dny +1

    Thankyou, very informative, now I got work to do.

  • @all4onejerzyd.344
    @all4onejerzyd.344 Před 24 dny +1

    THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS VIDEO, AND ALL YOUR OTHER VIDEOS THEY HELPED TREMENDOUSLY... I just wanted to say if I knew this 2 years ago it would have been so much easier for me, because my unit is in the attic and I have a tight attic but it we had a leak up there and we thought it was the attic fan or something else , anyway I started to have a leak upstairs from the unit in the attic to the upstairs was coming down from the upstairs hallway ceiling and ruining one of the walls so I call someone I know, he got up in the attic and he used a air gun or some type of pressure gun I don't know what it's called in the plumbing industry?? But he told me to go out back to where all the gun comes out through the condescending pipe I guess and once he blew that are gun into the PVC pipe or the pipe in the attic I should have had a mark which pipe it was, but needless to say a bunch of Gunk came out from that pipe out back, the league stopped immediately. So thank you for making this video and all the videos you make keep making the great content.. IF YOU OR ANYBODY READING THE COMMENTS KNOW WHAT THAT AIR OR PRESSURE GUN THAT GOES IN THE PVC PIPE AND GET THE GUNK OUT IF ANYONE KNOWS WHAT THAT'S CALLED PLEASE LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS THANK YOU DIY HVAC GUY APPRECIATE ALL THE VIDEOS...

  • @marsoelflaco5722
    @marsoelflaco5722 Před 2 měsíci

    The right tools and a little know-how makes all the difference.✌🏾

  • @para1324
    @para1324 Před měsícem

    A professionals advice. Thank you very much. Respect sent. 🇺🇸

  • @hitekrednek66
    @hitekrednek66 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Great info sir. The a coil tab was something new to me and I like it. Gonna give that try. Great content my friend.

    • @diyhvacguy
      @diyhvacguy  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Thanks sir! Thank you for your loyal support 👊🏼

  • @MaMa-qh4dy
    @MaMa-qh4dy Před 2 měsíci +2

    GREAT advice. Many thanks!!!

  • @munozinni
    @munozinni Před 2 měsíci +2

    9:17 Wow We might try that my wife keeps the house clean and smelling good with esencial oil diffuser 😊…see you in the next video 👋😃👋

  • @ptech88
    @ptech88 Před 14 dny

    Man your right. I cant tell you how many hvac contractors have told me they hate you.

  • @wayneG68
    @wayneG68 Před 7 dny

    Wow! I cannot tell you how many times we've had this issue and the cost involved in a downed AC. What I've done is pushed my hose pipe up the pvc pipe and flushed the pipe on the outside.

  • @mattsanchez4893
    @mattsanchez4893 Před 3 dny +1

    My condensate line drains into my washer drain inside my house so luckily I never have to worry about this, nor a messy puddle next to my outside unit.

  • @MrRight-MAGA
    @MrRight-MAGA Před 2 měsíci +1

    Good info brother. Going to subscribe to those filters.

  • @vics945
    @vics945 Před měsícem +3

    Ty for the info… be blessed.

  • @princessalaina4589
    @princessalaina4589 Před měsícem

    I always use a shop vac connrcted to my a/c discharge pipe and run it for about 10 minutes, once a month. I also add 8 oz of NuLine condensate drain cleaner to the air handler every two months.

  • @stevenjakowski5585
    @stevenjakowski5585 Před 27 dny

    FYI, new systems have all aluminum evaporator coils. And if you use bleach (which is corrosive) you can damage it. This especially on electric air handlers because instead of pushing air through the evaporator coil on a gas furnace, the air is pulled through the evaporator coil. Which could potentially pull the bleach into the evaporator coil area. Best to use white vinegar only. Also you can disassemble your condensation pump for better cleaning. On this type of pump there's a clip on the side to remove the tray.

  • @willythehero88
    @willythehero88 Před měsícem +16

    I got a new HVAC system installed approx. five years ago and the contractor specified that I pour a cup of bleach into the condensate drain upon each air filter change, which I do quarterly. Great video! Thanks.

    • @markj9544
      @markj9544 Před měsícem

      I pour a cup of bleach in mine as well about once a month and then make sure I run it a few minutes later so it mixes with the water. Never a problem in five years.

    • @scottmactavish9716
      @scottmactavish9716 Před měsícem +11

      That's ok, but bleach may cause issues with the PVC pipes and joints. My HVAC installer suggested white vinegar. It's just as acidic, and doesn't contain chlorine, the third letter in PVC. (Chloride)

    • @jetah50
      @jetah50 Před měsícem +5

      odd. bleach usually corrodes the coils.

    • @barrygrant2907
      @barrygrant2907 Před měsícem +4

      Chlorine fumes can get to the coils and cause corrosion.

    • @dgiacco
      @dgiacco Před měsícem

      Use algae tablets. Not BLEACH OR VINEGAR

  • @shauste
    @shauste Před měsícem

    I just tried this and it worked for me. Nice tip!

  • @charlespaine987
    @charlespaine987 Před měsícem

    I did HVAC in an industrial facility (About 8 million sq feet or A/C floor space ,hundreds of units)every year we fought that battle. In machining areas oils and chemicals were troublesome. We were prohibited from using any of common evaporator tabs(air chemical contamination). Condensate pumps failed regularly .

  • @rncine
    @rncine Před 11 dny +7

    I could have used you last week. Here in Florida they put the units up in the attic and the condensers outside. 3 wks ago had my air guy check my units and change the filters, everything was fine. Then a week later my ceiling was leaking, seems this guy dislodged something in 1 of the units when changing the filter and caused a backup of the condensation overflowing in the pan and leaking into all the attic and ceiling! Now caused thousands of dollars of damage, he is fired.

  • @colettejaques2559
    @colettejaques2559 Před 29 dny

    Excellent video!! Im doing that now....thank you

  • @Lepek29
    @Lepek29 Před 2 měsíci +2

    Thanks a lot for these tips.

  • @ljprep6250
    @ljprep6250 Před měsícem +17

    Just had the HVAC tuneup 4 months ago and I got a cup of water and some slime out of the drain pipe. Deep sigh...
    I was very unhappy half a dozen years ago when the A/C stopped working on a 113F day.
    And I was very happy the next day when I ran across an HVAC guy at my chiro's office and bought a $15 cap from him which fixed my unit.

    • @markme4
      @markme4 Před měsícem +2

      A/C tune up ? All new spark plugs ?

    • @JRNipper
      @JRNipper Před měsícem +1

      @@markme4 Plugs were fine, it was the points that were shot😊

    • @markme4
      @markme4 Před měsícem

      @@JRNipper Mine had a cracked distributor cap 😆

    • @meatball6930
      @meatball6930 Před měsícem +1

      Only one cup? In Florida if your pipe is clogged it will fill his shop vac with water and 2 cups of slime on a new unit after a year. You have to suck the line out twice a year in Florida and you will fill half a five gallon bucket.

  • @dgapp76
    @dgapp76 Před 2 měsíci +8

    I use a cheap hand held Harbor Freight transfer pump with hose connected to a rubber wedge to seal to the PVC pipe. You can push air and pull air. Very effective without using high pressure compressed air. Many homes I come across have what I call a "plumbers special" under the sink where the condensate tees into the sink drain before the trap. Many plumbers use a tee fitting where the sink drain tailpipe extends down thru the tee, restricting the flow of AC condensate. The trick is to cut that tailpipe back where both the sink drain and condensate drain have full flow. Then I connect the condensate drain back with a rubber coupling (if it's rigid PVC) for easier future accessibility. Also, using a quarter turn ball valve at the evaporator with a tee right after enables you to clear the drain line without cutting the pipe in the future.

  • @barrygrant2907
    @barrygrant2907 Před měsícem +3

    I vacuum out the drain about twice a year here in S. FL. Nasty stuff always comes out.

  • @NathanHarrison7
    @NathanHarrison7 Před měsícem

    Great video. Thank you so much. Subscribed.

  • @JS-vj1jw
    @JS-vj1jw Před měsícem +1

    Appreciate the video. My AC drainage drips into a hole that goes under a slab foundation. Would dropping these tablets help keeping that line clean? Deal with a back-up every May when we start the use the AC again. I've been told it's because of the build-up of condensation gunk when the AC units is not in use.

  • @cocoabiscuits
    @cocoabiscuits Před 2 měsíci +1

    very good information! Thank you

  • @Iamllumash
    @Iamllumash Před 9 dny

    Thanks Brother..Very helpful

  • @loum.4377
    @loum.4377 Před měsícem +1

    What a great channel You are an excellent teacher.

  • @MarkSmith-js2pu
    @MarkSmith-js2pu Před měsícem +1

    When 8 was an insurance adjuster, I’d get at least 1 claim a week from clogged ac lines. Many of the leaks started AFTER servicing.

  • @jbussell9
    @jbussell9 Před 17 dny

    I’ve found it easier to link a water hose, stick the end in the outside fitting of the condensate line, unkink the hose for about 2 seconds, pull it out and let the suction to the work. So easy anyone can do it and everyone has a hose but not everyone has a shop vac. Just be careful not to use too much water or you’ll overflow the line.

  • @petem5904
    @petem5904 Před 13 dny

    I couldn't fully clear my condensate line by vacuuming, blowing, flushung etc. Always backed up and shut the system down. Came across a link to pour muriatic acid in the condensate line, let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush it out with hot water, cleared the line perfectly. I was told condensate from your ac is not only water but a mixture of pollution it's discharging called Sima. It's like a film similar to a snake skin that was shed.

  • @a.r.r.5626
    @a.r.r.5626 Před 9 dny

    Brilliant...thank you very much!

  • @brianzachary5618
    @brianzachary5618 Před 14 dny +1

    I like to block the vent pipe. Usually I use a piece of duct tape. Often the clog is upstream of the vent and the pipe at that point may remain clogged if the vent is open. Many units have a trap. I see the clog occur in the trap very often. The trap is upstream of the vent.

  • @zacattack4029
    @zacattack4029 Před měsícem

    Great info thank you for your help.

  • @scottmactavish9716
    @scottmactavish9716 Před měsícem +3

    4:59 "That's...impressive". In south Florida, it's "was ALL THAT in the pipes??" You can't comprehend how quickly "snot" builds up in HVAC drain lines.

    • @Dbb27
      @Dbb27 Před měsícem

      Lol exactly what I was thinking. I get big lumps like elephants snot coming out!

  • @anthonygrasso8620
    @anthonygrasso8620 Před měsícem

    I used 2 shop vacs and I melted the plastic. One sucking and one blowing. Wasn’t working. My best approach that worked was a water hose. In Florida what came out was the same mineral deposits as what you would expect from a water heater. Which confused me. Cause I was like this is condensate not Florida hard water Great video…. For men. This will happen when you’re out of town and your lady calls you freaking out that water is all in the garage and you can’t immediately solve the problem.

  • @PhatBoyiee
    @PhatBoyiee Před měsícem +1

    I had my ac guy tell me to pour cleaning vinegar down the pipe. Also to use compress air. On my pancake air compressor you can control the pressure so i set it to low.

    • @crackerjack010101
      @crackerjack010101 Před měsícem +1

      Bought a home where they’d used compressed air to blow a line out and blew out the vent in the attic, particulate and moisture all over the place, cost me a new blower motor and it randomly blew a fuse that “these never blow, that’s weird” sooo…I’d recommend against it. Blower motors in the units made these days have a computer on board and they run shy of $2k so not the old cheap fix it was at one time.

  • @joesmith7427
    @joesmith7427 Před měsícem +1

    I like an electric air cleaner and UV-C lights in the duct work. Change the tubs 1x per yr. Keep the outside coil clean. For the cost of service, it pays to use a good a/c man. And he can add freon if u need it( this is very important- too little and the unit will never shut off!! 😊 the outside unit should be in the shade not the sun!! Just stand in the sun for 10 minutes and see how hot is?? Real hot!! Thats why u hire the a/c man to do the work!

  • @jcmsu2002
    @jcmsu2002 Před 14 dny

    Thank you for this excellent video. Thank you thank you

  • @markleblanc3447
    @markleblanc3447 Před 2 měsíci

    If you have the pump style, should you still suck out the condensate pipe from the furnace?

  • @Jay_Lis
    @Jay_Lis Před 23 dny +1

    This is the problem I'm having!! I moved in last year, AC worked great. Now, it will work for a little while but then the air won't actually be cold and the unit freezes up. A lot of water in the pan. I cannot find the condensate drain on the outside of my house. I've looked and looked and looked. I don't see a pump near the handler like in your video. It's a 2nd floor air handler. This house was previously owned by hoarders and I'm doing the best I can repairing/maintaining things that have been neglected for years. The vents are gross, the handler is gross, it's all gross. I did change the filters every month last summer. I can't afford to bring anyone in. What do I do now? Any advice from anyone would be appreciated!

  • @liamazael
    @liamazael Před 29 dny

    Decent video. Is the bleach in the condensate pump safe for outdoor pets. Should I prime the trap after sucking the sludge out. I've seen some pretty damaged ceilings after customers watch videos like these that fail to inform the importance of priming a trap after clearing it. How many ceilings, carpets and hardwood floors do you think your viewers will damage after watching this?

  • @altennent156
    @altennent156 Před 2 měsíci +8

    Thanks! Mine runs to my sump pump in the basement.

  • @gened9632
    @gened9632 Před dnem

    There may be comments covering this, but I would also notify the uninitiated about their secondary line. It's rare that I run across someone who actually knows why that PVC is sticking out over their kitchen window. If they do proper maintenance on their primary drain, they'll never know what it's for. But once they see that dripping...

  • @goontownfc9199
    @goontownfc9199 Před 8 dny

    Question, I have 2 condensate lines that are exiting at roof/attic height, too high for a shop vac on the exterior. Can I use the shop vac on the lines from the furnace end where I would usually administer liquid? Thanks for the great vid.

  • @gregorymark6014
    @gregorymark6014 Před měsícem +2

    Live in Houston area. Main A/C drain(s) frequently goes to just above the trap of a bathroom sink(s). I use the shop vac there, its often a pain to pull the drain hose off of the plumbing. Outside is the secondary drain(s). If dripping, primary is clogged. Ideally, if the primary drain and secondary drain are clogged, there is a switch on the pan that senses the water filling the pan and tells the A/C not to turn on at all. Secondary note: I have seen where the trap in the bathroom gets clogged with hair and gunk. The A/C drain is working properly and is draining to the sink trap. With the trap clogged the condensate can't get through the trap and backs-up into the sink and eventually the sink overflows from the condensate. Code shouldn't allow this design in my opinion.

    • @newmonengineering
      @newmonengineering Před 27 dny

      So the hvac drain is connected to the plumbing sink drain? I have never heard of that situation. I would think that would not be allowed at all to be honest. The hvac drain is a slow drip vs the sink drain is a large volume of water flushing out. That would be concerning to me as well. If there is no code against that there should be for sure!

    • @gregorymark6014
      @gregorymark6014 Před 23 dny +1

      I replied to this, did it not "take?" Search "ac drain under sink" and you should see a video the shows the plumbing.

  • @chrisknight3681
    @chrisknight3681 Před 8 dny

    In south Texas the condensate runs into the house plumbing. No outside unless the drain pan gets full then it flows out near the front door. So vacuum won’t work here.

  • @genemyersmyers6710
    @genemyersmyers6710 Před měsícem

    All your videos are fantastic.

  • @joemartino6976
    @joemartino6976 Před měsícem

    Good stuff. Thank you!

  • @ctrichell
    @ctrichell Před měsícem +1

    Can I install a thermometer to my outside unit to communicate outside temperatures to my Lennox M30 thermostat

  • @quintkemph973
    @quintkemph973 Před 12 dny +1

    If your condensate drain plugs up your filter is bypassing air. Should have a space guard filter installed on your system. Dirt on the coil is dirt and dander and hair that your filter missed.

  • @PhD777
    @PhD777 Před měsícem

    Excellent informative video! 👍🏻🎅👍🏻

  • @MatthewSmith-cp3hu
    @MatthewSmith-cp3hu Před měsícem +1

    i flush monthly even during the winter easier to just keep up the habit monthly
    i use gallon hot water and a few drops of dawn

  • @Jim-fe2xz
    @Jim-fe2xz Před 2 dny

    When they built my house the hvac guy ran the drain down to the slab and cut it off flush with the outside wall before they stuccoed it. We were in the desert an it was usually dry but one August it was humid, the water backed up an shorted out the blower motor. I was able to measure carefully, chiseled out the stucco and found the pipe first try. A coupler & short piece of pipe plus a small piece of screen to keep the bugs out and all was good.

  • @KufreInyang-gt1hk
    @KufreInyang-gt1hk Před 10 dny

    Greetings DIY Guy! My condensate pump is not pumping any water at all. How should I proceed?

  • @ThomasKuhar
    @ThomasKuhar Před měsícem

    Instead of a rag, you can use a small plastic funnel to accommodate different size dameters.

  • @JBoy340a
    @JBoy340a Před měsícem

    Is it possible that there is never any water to drain. I have been pouring vinegar into tube as you showed at 09:30 in the video. It seems to run out, or at least I smell it when I get downstairs to the drain outlet. However, I never see any water running out the drain when the A/C is running. I live on the West Coast and in the summer, we have low humidity getting down under 10% often.

  • @DeepSound_Music
    @DeepSound_Music Před 24 dny

    Thx for the tip!

  • @Paul-4177
    @Paul-4177 Před 9 dny

    Does bleach encourage the rust process of the internal motor within the condensation pump unit itself? Did with mine, had to replace the condensation pump unit. Motor was shot, rusted shut. No water leaks from lines entering/exiting unit.

  • @alexrebmann1253
    @alexrebmann1253 Před měsícem

    How to remove hard water build up in the drain line and which filter is better pleated or fiber? In AZ the water is very hard.

  • @ekummel
    @ekummel Před 9 dny

    Mine has the P-Trap...but the builder didn't install a real P-trap...they took a piece of PVC, softened it and bent it into a p-trap shape. And they didn't add any kind of cleanout either...that thing clogged because the bend narrowed the pipe to such an extent that nothing but clear water could pass...I ended up cutting the ptrap out and reinstalling it with hose-clamp rubber seals so I can clean it out whenever it needs.

  • @davidlatino6163
    @davidlatino6163 Před měsícem

    Good information thanks

  • @zeroturn7091
    @zeroturn7091 Před 6 dny

    My air handler is in the attic and my condensate line has never dripped in the decade that I’ve owned my home. Overflow plan is also dry. The unit loses the ability to keep up once it’s 90 degrees + outside, and will run for hours with a thermostat temp of 74 degrees (set to 70).
    Any thoughts?

  • @samkitty5894
    @samkitty5894 Před měsícem +3

    Few years ago I bought a new house. HVAC was in the crawl space. Couple of days after running A/C I noticed something wasn't right.
    Went into the crawl space and found HVAC flooded. When they installed the condensate line they didn't bother making sure it was plumbed correctly on the way out through the foundation. Instead of the line gradually sloping down, it was actually pointing up, causing water to flow backwards into the HVAC. Yes, I couldn't believe the stupidity...

  • @mikeslater6246
    @mikeslater6246 Před měsícem +1

    On the unit with a condensate pump, a P-trap would still be necessary to stop the back flow of air into the air handler which will stop your water from draining from that pan. The P-trap is designed to help maintain the flow of water out of the condensate pan in the unit because air coming up the drain pipe will prevent the water from exiting because of the negative pressure created by the air handler. The P-trap creates a water barrier that stops that backflow of air. Why do you not have a P-trap on the line to your condensate pump?

    • @mikeslater6246
      @mikeslater6246 Před měsícem +1

      One qualification to my original statement is the possibility of the fan preceding the cooling coil. My experience has always been the fan is after the coil so the P-trap would be required in that application but would not be required if air is being pushed through the coil instead of being pulled through the coil. And I'm guessing that is the arrangement on your system.

  • @harryharry3193
    @harryharry3193 Před měsícem

    thank you for showing bleach into pump res·er·voir. always worried about doing that.

  • @uup116
    @uup116 Před měsícem +1

    Should have mentioned the low voltage cutoff associated with the condensate pumps...sometimes it's just a stuck float.

    • @diyhvacguy
      @diyhvacguy  Před měsícem

      I have a separate video dedicated to that. But that is a good point!

  • @surgeinc1
    @surgeinc1 Před 21 dnem

    The condensate drain pipe on the outside of the house has a small elbow extension pointing up. Is that right?

  • @fergferguson7370
    @fergferguson7370 Před měsícem

    That house is hammered

  • @garyblackwell3643
    @garyblackwell3643 Před 22 dny

    thanks for the information

  • @georgechilders4297
    @georgechilders4297 Před 10 dny

    How about this, make sure your filtration doesn’t allow any bypass, check the return duct for leakage, check the cabinet for bypass. Do this and you will never have another clog. After all, the condensate is pretty much distilled water. However, for the most part this is good homeowner info.

  • @billballoo7881
    @billballoo7881 Před měsícem

    I've always heard that an A/C doesn't create cold, it removes heat thereby leaving cold. However, your graphic at :46 shows the hot air being pulled in, passing over the cold coil and pumping cold air into the room. So it kind of does create cold by virtue of taking the warm air and cooling it.

    • @ashtonarmstrong3082
      @ashtonarmstrong3082 Před měsícem

      The refrigerant in the coil absorbs heat and takes it outside where the condenser pulls air through the coil outside, fan on top of the condenser expels the heat out the top of the unit. It’s pretty cool how if it’s 100 degrees outside it can still expel hotter air out the top of the condenser.

    • @Bryan-Hensley
      @Bryan-Hensley Před měsícem

      There's no such thing as "cold". Technically it's lack of heat.

  • @BrettBreeden
    @BrettBreeden Před 28 dny

    Pretty sure my condensate drain goes into my regular home drainage system. There is an overflow pipe that goes outside, but how would I clear the main condensate drain if it doesn't have an external outlet?

  • @norcoauctions
    @norcoauctions Před měsícem

    nice video. thanks for sharing. It's condensing and not condensating