The air handler part of our heat pump is in the attic. The PVC
piping, which carries the condensate when the heat pump is in air
conditioner mode, drains via gravity (no pump) to a spot outside, just
behind our deck.

After twenty years of use, a clog developed in the pipe and it
overflowed somewhere, with the overflow draining to the lowest point of
the pipe before it took a turn to lead outside, then dripping onto and
ruining a major swatch of our basement ceiling.

The heat pump guy came,blew the pipe out with air, confirmed it was
clear by pouring down a gallon or so of water, and we had the basement
ceiling repaired.

A neighbor suggested pouring a quart of bleach down the PVC pipe each
year, just before the heat pump switches over from heating to cooling.

My question: is bleach best for this or can someone recommend
something else that would be even better?

Many thanks,
bob

"R. Gerard" wrote in message
...
The air handler part of our heat pump is in the attic. The PVC
piping, which carries the condensate when the heat pump is in air
conditioner mode, drains via gravity (no pump) to a spot outside, just
behind our deck.

After twenty years of use, a clog developed in the pipe and it
overflowed somewhere, with the overflow draining to the lowest point of
the pipe before it took a turn to lead outside, then dripping onto and
ruining a major swatch of our basement ceiling.

The heat pump guy came,blew the pipe out with air, confirmed it was
clear by pouring down a gallon or so of water, and we had the basement
ceiling repaired.

A neighbor suggested pouring a quart of bleach down the PVC pipe each
year, just before the heat pump switches over from heating to cooling.

My question: is bleach best for this or can someone recommend
something else that would be even better?

Many thanks,
bob

Compressed air, the HVAC guy knew the safest way already.

Bleach would disinfect the pipe but would not necessarily dislodge any bug
debris. Drain cleaner might work (slowly) but might be hazardous where it
drains.

Just get a rubber hose, stick it on the drain, take a deep breath and blow
hard. or similar, you get the pix

compressed air followed by bleach. the warm moist closed line likely
had mold growth, the bleach will kill it.

at least flush it yearly to assure it doesnt occur again.

you could always add a overflow line, taking drain water just a little
higher than the regular drain, run this drain to a convenient visible
location like somewhere you walk by daily, even a concrete garage floor

if you see water you know theres a problem

"PipeDown" wrote in message
ink.net...

"R. Gerard" wrote in message
...
The air handler part of our heat pump is in the attic. The PVC
piping, which carries the condensate when the heat pump is in air
conditioner mode, drains via gravity (no pump) to a spot outside, just
behind our deck.

After twenty years of use, a clog developed in the pipe and it
overflowed somewhere, with the overflow draining to the lowest point of
the pipe before it took a turn to lead outside, then dripping onto and
ruining a major swatch of our basement ceiling.

The heat pump guy came,blew the pipe out with air, confirmed it was
clear by pouring down a gallon or so of water, and we had the basement
ceiling repaired.

A neighbor suggested pouring a quart of bleach down the PVC pipe each
year, just before the heat pump switches over from heating to cooling.

My question: is bleach best for this or can someone recommend
something else that would be even better?

Many thanks,
bob

Compressed air, the HVAC guy knew the safest way already.


Actually, a better way would be to use a wet-vac on the outside of the
house.

Less weight
Little or no chance for a mess
It will do the entire drain line, from the pan outlet to the outside

Bleach would disinfect the pipe but would not necessarily dislodge any bug
debris. Drain cleaner might work (slowly) but might be hazardous where it
drains.


On my PM work, I put drian pan tab in the pan AND in the pipe. Usually,
they will do for about half the summer and then I reccommend that the HO put
about a half a cup of bleach down the line monthly.

Just get a rubber hose, stick it on the drain, take a deep breath and blow
hard. or similar, you get the pix

Just don't inhale....