Have just installed a piece into the drip line of my home's central A/C
evaporator unit that will allow me to connect a garden hose and wash out the
line downstream from the evaporator, as well as adding bleach water to the
same part of the system. Thing is, the 3/4" PVC pipe was almost completely
blocked by whatever is growing in there, and now I am wondering if my
evaporator coil is in similar condition. It's been at least ten years since
this unit was installed, and it is a sealed unit, with no access to the drip
pan for placement of tablets or chemicles to prevent the growth of what now
nearly blocks my drip line. Am I going to have to pay someone to take this
damn thing apart and clean it, or is it possible that I could do that? I am
fairly handy with tools, but have never (yet) attempted anything like this.
What say those who know about such things? I am willing to tackle it, I
would just hate to screw it up.

Just for informational purposes, the evaporator sits above the blower unit
(in a closet at the center of the house) and the rest of the system is up in
the attic (ductwork) and outside (compressor, I believe it is called.) I
guess I need to get some estimates, and talk with someone who does this
professionally. In the meantime I am all ears for those who care to share
their opinions on what I describe.

Thanks,

Dave

Dave wrote:

Have just installed a piece into the drip line of my home's central A/C
evaporator unit that will allow me to connect a garden hose and wash out the
line downstream from the evaporator, as well as adding bleach water to the
same part of the system. Thing is, the 3/4" PVC pipe was almost completely
blocked by whatever is growing in there, and now I am wondering if my
evaporator coil is in similar condition. It's been at least ten years since
this unit was installed, and it is a sealed unit, with no access to the drip
pan for placement of tablets or chemicles to prevent the growth of what now
nearly blocks my drip line. Am I going to have to pay someone to take this
damn thing apart and clean it, or is it possible that I could do that? I am
fairly handy with tools, but have never (yet) attempted anything like this.
What say those who know about such things? I am willing to tackle it, I
would just hate to screw it up.

Just for informational purposes, the evaporator sits above the blower unit
(in a closet at the center of the house) and the rest of the system is up in
the attic (ductwork) and outside (compressor, I believe it is called.) I
guess I need to get some estimates, and talk with someone who does this
professionally. In the meantime I am all ears for those who care to share
their opinions on what I describe.

Thanks,

Dave

Definitely not a sealed unit. There should be a cover or covers that are
easily removable with two or four screws to access and inspect the "A"
coil and blower. It's unlikely that there is any gunk growing on the "A"
coil, but it could be grungy if the filters have not been properly
maintained. The condensate pan(s) below the "A" coil could have some
growing gunk potentially.

Also, be careful with any garden hose flushing since depending on how
things are setup, it could backflow, overflow the condensate pan(s) and
run down onto the blower and blower motor.

You should snake the drain line to clear most of the gunk before trying
to flush anything.

"Pete C." wrote in message
ster.com...

Dave wrote:

Have just installed a piece into the drip line of my home's central A/C
evaporator unit that will allow me to connect a garden hose and wash out
the
line downstream from the evaporator, as well as adding bleach water to
the
same part of the system. Thing is, the 3/4" PVC pipe was almost
completely
blocked by whatever is growing in there, and now I am wondering if my
evaporator coil is in similar condition. It's been at least ten years
since
this unit was installed, and it is a sealed unit, with no access to the
drip
pan for placement of tablets or chemicles to prevent the growth of what
now
nearly blocks my drip line. Am I going to have to pay someone to take
this
damn thing apart and clean it, or is it possible that I could do that? I
am
fairly handy with tools, but have never (yet) attempted anything like
this.
What say those who know about such things? I am willing to tackle it, I
would just hate to screw it up.

Just for informational purposes, the evaporator sits above the blower
unit
(in a closet at the center of the house) and the rest of the system is up
in
the attic (ductwork) and outside (compressor, I believe it is called.) I
guess I need to get some estimates, and talk with someone who does this
professionally. In the meantime I am all ears for those who care to
share
their opinions on what I describe.

Thanks,

Dave

Definitely not a sealed unit. There should be a cover or covers that are
easily removable with two or four screws to access and inspect the "A"
coil and blower. It's unlikely that there is any gunk growing on the "A"
coil, but it could be grungy if the filters have not been properly
maintained. The condensate pan(s) below the "A" coil could have some
growing gunk potentially.

Also, be careful with any garden hose flushing since depending on how
things are setup, it could backflow, overflow the condensate pan(s) and
run down onto the blower and blower motor.

You should snake the drain line to clear most of the gunk before trying
to flush anything.

Hey Pete,

Thanks for the quick reply. I have looked for removable panels, but all I
see looks like sheet metal wrapped around and taped. And I installed a ball
valve "upstream" of the bit that the hose hooks to, so it can be turned off
to prevent water from flowing back into the drip pan.

And I have already found someone with whom I have a working relationship to
come out and look at the beast, for a reasonable price. So I will probably
not be tackling this one. And *if* I hook a hose up to it, I will have the
wife inside watching for any cataclysmic events while we talk on the
wireless phone, so I can shut the water back off post haste. I may just add
more bleach water, and call that good. It is flowing, just very slowly.

BTW, I really don't know that a snake will do this job, as there are
several ninety-degree corners in the drain line before it makes its way
outside. And it is only 3/4" PVC. I don't know if anyone makes a snake
that small, although I have one close to it. I think it's only 25 feet
though, and this would likely require at least thirty-five feet I believe.

'Preciate it...

Dave

On Jun 30, 6:53*pm, "Dave" wrote:
"Pete C." wrote in message

ster.com...





Dave wrote:

Have just installed a piece into the drip line of my home's central A/C
evaporator unit that will allow me to connect a garden hose and wash out
the
line downstream from the evaporator, as well as adding bleach water to
the
same part of the system. Thing is, the 3/4" PVC pipe was almost
completely
blocked by whatever is growing in there, and now I am wondering if my
evaporator coil is in similar condition. *It's been at least ten years
since
this unit was installed, and it is a sealed unit, with no access to the
drip
pan for placement of tablets or chemicles to prevent the growth of what
now
nearly blocks my drip line. *Am I going to have to pay someone to take
this
damn thing apart and clean it, or is it possible that I could do that? *I
am
fairly handy with tools, but have never (yet) attempted anything like
this.
What say those who know about such things? *I am willing to tackle it, I
would just hate to screw it up.

Just for informational purposes, the evaporator sits above the blower
unit
(in a closet at the center of the house) and the rest of the system is up
in
the attic (ductwork) and outside (compressor, I believe it is called.) *I
guess I need to get some estimates, and talk with someone who does this
professionally. *In the meantime I am all ears for those who care to
share
their opinions on what I describe.

Thanks,

Dave

Definitely not a sealed unit. There should be a cover or covers that are
easily removable with two or four screws to access and inspect the "A"
coil and blower. It's unlikely that there is any gunk growing on the "A"
coil, but it could be grungy if the filters have not been properly
maintained. The condensate pan(s) below the "A" coil could have some
growing gunk potentially.

Also, be careful with any garden hose flushing since depending on how
things are setup, it could backflow, overflow the condensate pan(s) and
run down onto the blower and blower motor.

You should snake the drain line to clear most of the gunk before trying
to flush anything.

Hey Pete,

Thanks for the quick reply. *I have looked for removable panels, but all I
see looks like sheet metal wrapped around and taped. *And I installed a ball
valve "upstream" of the bit that the hose hooks to, so it can be turned off
to prevent water from flowing back into the drip pan.

And I have already found someone with whom I have a working relationship to
come out and look at the beast, for a reasonable price. *So I will probably
not be tackling this one. *And *if* I hook a hose up to it, I will have the
wife inside watching for any cataclysmic events while we talk on the
wireless phone, so I can shut the water back off post haste. *I may just add
more bleach water, and call that good. *It is flowing, just very slowly..

BTW, *I really don't know that a snake will do this job, as there are
several ninety-degree corners in the drain line before it makes its way
outside. *And it is only 3/4" PVC. *I don't know if anyone makes a snake
that small, although I have one close to it. *I think it's only 25 feet
though, and this would likely require at least thirty-five feet I believe..

'Preciate it...

Dave


Lol, on a properly installed and sealed section of ductwork you might
have to remove some of the foil tape and mastic sealing the edges to
do a major servicing of the coil by taking the duct apart... Which is
why you would call a service company in to do that work if you don't
know how to do it yourself...

Did you expect a small square access panel that had a label on it
"coil inside" ?

~~ Evan

On Jun 30, 5:53*pm, "Dave" wrote:
"Pete C." wrote in message

ster.com...







Dave wrote:

Have just installed a piece into the drip line of my home's central A/C
evaporator unit that will allow me to connect a garden hose and wash out
the
line downstream from the evaporator, as well as adding bleach water to
the
same part of the system. Thing is, the 3/4" PVC pipe was almost
completely
blocked by whatever is growing in there, and now I am wondering if my
evaporator coil is in similar condition. *It's been at least ten years
since
this unit was installed, and it is a sealed unit, with no access to the
drip
pan for placement of tablets or chemicles to prevent the growth of what
now
nearly blocks my drip line. *Am I going to have to pay someone to take
this
damn thing apart and clean it, or is it possible that I could do that? *I
am
fairly handy with tools, but have never (yet) attempted anything like
this.
What say those who know about such things? *I am willing to tackle it, I
would just hate to screw it up.

Just for informational purposes, the evaporator sits above the blower
unit
(in a closet at the center of the house) and the rest of the system is up
in
the attic (ductwork) and outside (compressor, I believe it is called.) *I
guess I need to get some estimates, and talk with someone who does this
professionally. *In the meantime I am all ears for those who care to
share
their opinions on what I describe.

Thanks,

Dave

Definitely not a sealed unit. There should be a cover or covers that are
easily removable with two or four screws to access and inspect the "A"
coil and blower. It's unlikely that there is any gunk growing on the "A"
coil, but it could be grungy if the filters have not been properly
maintained. The condensate pan(s) below the "A" coil could have some
growing gunk potentially.

Also, be careful with any garden hose flushing since depending on how
things are setup, it could backflow, overflow the condensate pan(s) and
run down onto the blower and blower motor.

You should snake the drain line to clear most of the gunk before trying
to flush anything.

Hey Pete,

Thanks for the quick reply. *I have looked for removable panels, but all I
see looks like sheet metal wrapped around and taped. *And I installed a ball
valve "upstream" of the bit that the hose hooks to, so it can be turned off
to prevent water from flowing back into the drip pan.

And I have already found someone with whom I have a working relationship to
come out and look at the beast, for a reasonable price. *So I will probably
not be tackling this one. *And *if* I hook a hose up to it, I will have the
wife inside watching for any cataclysmic events while we talk on the
wireless phone, so I can shut the water back off post haste. *I may just add
more bleach water, and call that good. *It is flowing, just very slowly..

BTW, *I really don't know that a snake will do this job, as there are
several ninety-degree corners in the drain line before it makes its way
outside. *And it is only 3/4" PVC. *I don't know if anyone makes a snake
that small, although I have one close to it. *I think it's only 25 feet
though, and this would likely require at least thirty-five feet I believe..

'Preciate it...

Dave- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Behind that tape, there should be a removable panel to access the A-
coil. Or it may just be a single-shaped coil placed in the duct at an
angle. But it had to get there somehow and so there is a removable
piece of sheet metal that will allow you to get at the cooling coil.
A shut-off upstream of your flush point is an excellent idea, good
thinking.

Dave wrote:
Have just installed a piece into the drip line of my home's central
A/C evaporator unit that will allow me to connect a garden hose and
wash out the line downstream from the evaporator, as well as adding
bleach water to the same part of the system. Thing is, the 3/4" PVC
pipe was almost completely blocked by whatever is growing in there,
and now I am wondering if my evaporator coil is in similar condition.
It's been at least ten years since this unit was installed, and it is
a sealed unit, with no access to the drip pan for placement of
tablets or chemicles to prevent the growth of what now nearly blocks
my drip line. Am I going to have to pay someone to take this damn
thing apart and clean it, or is it possible that I could do that? I
am fairly handy with tools, but have never (yet) attempted anything
like this. What say those who know about such things? I am willing
to tackle it, I would just hate to screw it up.
Just for informational purposes, the evaporator sits above the blower
unit (in a closet at the center of the house) and the rest of the
system is up in the attic (ductwork) and outside (compressor, I
believe it is called.) I guess I need to get some estimates, and
talk with someone who does this professionally. In the meantime I am
all ears for those who care to share their opinions on what I
describe.

While mine has removable panels, it seemed a lot of trouble to remove eight
screws.

I drilled a 3/4" hole in the sheet metal for adding the bleach (with a
funnel), closed the hole with a cork, and called it done.

"HeyBub" wrote in message
...
Dave wrote:
Have just installed a piece into the drip line of my home's central
A/C evaporator unit that will allow me to connect a garden hose and
wash out the line downstream from the evaporator, as well as adding
bleach water to the same part of the system. Thing is, the 3/4" PVC
pipe was almost completely blocked by whatever is growing in there,
and now I am wondering if my evaporator coil is in similar condition.
It's been at least ten years since this unit was installed, and it is
a sealed unit, with no access to the drip pan for placement of
tablets or chemicles to prevent the growth of what now nearly blocks
my drip line. Am I going to have to pay someone to take this damn
thing apart and clean it, or is it possible that I could do that? I
am fairly handy with tools, but have never (yet) attempted anything
like this. What say those who know about such things? I am willing
to tackle it, I would just hate to screw it up.
Just for informational purposes, the evaporator sits above the blower
unit (in a closet at the center of the house) and the rest of the
system is up in the attic (ductwork) and outside (compressor, I
believe it is called.) I guess I need to get some estimates, and
talk with someone who does this professionally. In the meantime I am
all ears for those who care to share their opinions on what I
describe.

While mine has removable panels, it seemed a lot of trouble to remove
eight screws.

I drilled a 3/4" hole in the sheet metal for adding the bleach (with a
funnel), closed the hole with a cork, and called it done.


Looking at the thing again this AM, I see that there are four screws in
addition to the tape. But there are also hoses coming out of that panel,
which is the only panel I have access to. And those hoses would seriously
interfere with an attempts to get the panel out of the way. Your idea of
just drilling a hole sounds like a wonderful one, so long as I don't hit
anything on the other side. Will have to consider this, and find a way to
make it work. Thanks for the input...

Dave

On Jul 1, 8:49*am, "Dave" wrote:
"HeyBub" wrote in message

...





Dave wrote:
Have just installed a piece into the drip line of my home's central
A/C evaporator unit that will allow me to connect a garden hose and
wash out the line downstream from the evaporator, as well as adding
bleach water to the same part of the system. Thing is, the 3/4" PVC
pipe was almost completely blocked by whatever is growing in there,
and now I am wondering if my evaporator coil is in similar condition.
It's been at least ten years since this unit was installed, and it is
a sealed unit, with no access to the drip pan for placement of
tablets or chemicles to prevent the growth of what now nearly blocks
my drip line. *Am I going to have to pay someone to take this damn
thing apart and clean it, or is it possible that I could do that? *I
am fairly handy with tools, but have never (yet) attempted anything
like this. What say those who know about such things? *I am willing
to tackle it, I would just hate to screw it up.
Just for informational purposes, the evaporator sits above the blower
unit (in a closet at the center of the house) and the rest of the
system is up in the attic (ductwork) and outside (compressor, I
believe it is called.) *I guess I need to get some estimates, and
talk with someone who does this professionally. *In the meantime I am
all ears for those who care to share their opinions on what I
describe.

While mine has removable panels, it seemed a lot of trouble to remove
eight screws.

I drilled a 3/4" hole in the sheet metal for adding the bleach (with a
funnel), closed the hole with a cork, and called it done.

Looking at the thing again this AM, I see that there are four screws in
addition to the tape. *But there are also hoses coming out of that panel,
which is the only panel I have access to. *And those hoses would seriously
interfere with an attempts to get the panel out of the way. *Your idea of
just drilling a hole sounds like a wonderful one, so long as I don't hit
anything on the other side. *Will have to consider this, and find a way to
make it work. *Thanks for the input...

Dave- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I've seen A coils installed in ducting that has no access panel that
is removable. In that case, you would need to cut an opening.
Obviously you need to know what you are doing and use a saw that will
only penetrate 1/4" or so beyond the metal. If you use a long saw
blade you run the risk of destroying the coil. If you need a big
opening, extending near the bottom, then I'd start from the top. Cut
that open, down the sides part way, then you can see inside and know
how much clearance you have at the bottom where the A coil will be
closer. Then cover the cut-out up with a new piece of sheet metal and
tape as needed.

Another consideration would be if you plan to ever install a
humidifier. Now would be a good time to do that if you want one.

wrote in message
...
On Jul 1, 8:49 am, "Dave" wrote:
"HeyBub" wrote in message

...





Dave wrote:
Have just installed a piece into the drip line of my home's central
A/C evaporator unit that will allow me to connect a garden hose and
wash out the line downstream from the evaporator, as well as adding
bleach water to the same part of the system. Thing is, the 3/4" PVC
pipe was almost completely blocked by whatever is growing in there,
and now I am wondering if my evaporator coil is in similar condition.
It's been at least ten years since this unit was installed, and it is
a sealed unit, with no access to the drip pan for placement of
tablets or chemicles to prevent the growth of what now nearly blocks
my drip line. Am I going to have to pay someone to take this damn
thing apart and clean it, or is it possible that I could do that? I
am fairly handy with tools, but have never (yet) attempted anything
like this. What say those who know about such things? I am willing
to tackle it, I would just hate to screw it up.
Just for informational purposes, the evaporator sits above the blower
unit (in a closet at the center of the house) and the rest of the
system is up in the attic (ductwork) and outside (compressor, I
believe it is called.) I guess I need to get some estimates, and
talk with someone who does this professionally. In the meantime I am
all ears for those who care to share their opinions on what I
describe.

While mine has removable panels, it seemed a lot of trouble to remove
eight screws.

I drilled a 3/4" hole in the sheet metal for adding the bleach (with a
funnel), closed the hole with a cork, and called it done.

Looking at the thing again this AM, I see that there are four screws in
addition to the tape. But there are also hoses coming out of that panel,
which is the only panel I have access to. And those hoses would seriously
interfere with an attempts to get the panel out of the way. Your idea of
just drilling a hole sounds like a wonderful one, so long as I don't hit
anything on the other side. Will have to consider this, and find a way to
make it work. Thanks for the input...

Dave- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I've seen A coils installed in ducting that has no access panel that
is removable. In that case, you would need to cut an opening.
Obviously you need to know what you are doing and use a saw that will
only penetrate 1/4" or so beyond the metal. If you use a long saw
blade you run the risk of destroying the coil. If you need a big
opening, extending near the bottom, then I'd start from the top. Cut
that open, down the sides part way, then you can see inside and know
how much clearance you have at the bottom where the A coil will be
closer. Then cover the cut-out up with a new piece of sheet metal and
tape as needed.

Another consideration would be if you plan to ever install a
humidifier. Now would be a good time to do that if you want one.

YES YES YES! This is what I think I have, which is why I am looking for
an expert who works in the field. Thank you, now I don't feel so much like
the Lone Ranger. So tell me, how often do you think such an A coil would
need to be cleaned? It's been at least ten years since this one was
installed...

Dave

"HeyBub" wrote in message
...
Dave wrote:
Have just installed a piece into the drip line of my home's central
A/C evaporator unit that will allow me to connect a garden hose and
wash out the line downstream from the evaporator, as well as adding
bleach water to the same part of the system. Thing is, the 3/4" PVC
pipe was almost completely blocked by whatever is growing in there,
and now I am wondering if my evaporator coil is in similar condition.
It's been at least ten years since this unit was installed, and it is
a sealed unit, with no access to the drip pan for placement of
tablets or chemicles to prevent the growth of what now nearly blocks
my drip line. Am I going to have to pay someone to take this damn
thing apart and clean it, or is it possible that I could do that? I
am fairly handy with tools, but have never (yet) attempted anything
like this. What say those who know about such things? I am willing
to tackle it, I would just hate to screw it up.
Just for informational purposes, the evaporator sits above the blower
unit (in a closet at the center of the house) and the rest of the
system is up in the attic (ductwork) and outside (compressor, I
believe it is called.) I guess I need to get some estimates, and
talk with someone who does this professionally. In the meantime I am
all ears for those who care to share their opinions on what I
describe.

While mine has removable panels, it seemed a lot of trouble to remove
eight screws.

I drilled a 3/4" hole in the sheet metal for adding the bleach (with a
funnel), closed the hole with a cork, and called it done.

I was just looking at my evaporator unit with the thought of where to drill,
and realized I don't need to drill. There is an extra fitting next to the
drip line, like it was set up for two drip lines but they only used one.
And the cap on the second fitting is not cemented in place- it turns with
the help of a pair of pliers. Now waiting for the HVAC guy to confirm for
me that I can use this fitting to add bleach to the system. Damn. Oh, and
the bleach I put in the drip line list night worked at clearing it out while
we slept. I poured some water into the pipe earlier to see how much it took
to fill it up, and it never got full. Checked outside and the hose had spit
out all the goo that I saw inside the pipe yesterday. It now runs clean and
clear. Only the 18 or so inches above the ball valve now need to be
cleared. I love it.

Thanks, all.

Best

Dave

On 7/1/2010 8:24 AM, wrote:
On Jul 1, 8:49 am, wrote:
wrote in message

...





Dave wrote:
Have just installed a piece into the drip line of my home's central
A/C evaporator unit that will allow me to connect a garden hose and
wash out the line downstream from the evaporator, as well as adding
bleach water to the same part of the system. Thing is, the 3/4" PVC
pipe was almost completely blocked by whatever is growing in there,
and now I am wondering if my evaporator coil is in similar condition.
It's been at least ten years since this unit was installed, and it is
a sealed unit, with no access to the drip pan for placement of
tablets or chemicles to prevent the growth of what now nearly blocks
my drip line. Am I going to have to pay someone to take this damn
thing apart and clean it, or is it possible that I could do that? I
am fairly handy with tools, but have never (yet) attempted anything
like this. What say those who know about such things? I am willing
to tackle it, I would just hate to screw it up.
Just for informational purposes, the evaporator sits above the blower
unit (in a closet at the center of the house) and the rest of the
system is up in the attic (ductwork) and outside (compressor, I
believe it is called.) I guess I need to get some estimates, and
talk with someone who does this professionally. In the meantime I am
all ears for those who care to share their opinions on what I
describe.

While mine has removable panels, it seemed a lot of trouble to remove
eight screws.

I drilled a 3/4" hole in the sheet metal for adding the bleach (with a
funnel), closed the hole with a cork, and called it done.

Looking at the thing again this AM, I see that there are four screws in
addition to the tape. But there are also hoses coming out of that panel,
which is the only panel I have access to. And those hoses would seriously
interfere with an attempts to get the panel out of the way. Your idea of
just drilling a hole sounds like a wonderful one, so long as I don't hit
anything on the other side. Will have to consider this, and find a way to
make it work. Thanks for the input...

Dave- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I've seen A coils installed in ducting that has no access panel that
is removable. In that case, you would need to cut an opening.
Obviously you need to know what you are doing and use a saw that will
only penetrate 1/4" or so beyond the metal. If you use a long saw
blade you run the risk of destroying the coil. If you need a big
opening, extending near the bottom, then I'd start from the top. Cut
that open, down the sides part way, then you can see inside and know
how much clearance you have at the bottom where the A coil will be
closer. Then cover the cut-out up with a new piece of sheet metal and
tape as needed.

Another consideration would be if you plan to ever install a
humidifier. Now would be a good time to do that if you want one.

It's not unusual for me to pump a system down storing the freon in
the condenser, closing the service valves, disconnecting the line
set from the evaporator, sliding it out of its housing and taking
the dirty clogged up thing outside for a proper cleaning. Sometimes
it's the only way to get a system with an A coil back into good
operating condition. It can be time consuming but you may have no
other choice if you want an AC that works like it should. Sometimes
I have to add an expansion valve to a system to make it work right.

TDD