Help - Compay Owner Coming in the AM - Condensate Line Blocked

[MomofThree]

Sorry to post needing quick answers... OK - the condensate line is totally blocked and has been a problem since the unit was replaced. I understand that "they" did not put the line in - should they have some responsibility in making sure it is draining properly when they install a new unit? (Your Opinions Please)

I have told them several times about the "water dripping" and they have come out to adjust this or that - they have never mentioned the condensate line. They came today - I told them I was sure the drain line was blocked - and they said they could blow it out.

The tech. has a CO2 tank (smaller than my hairspray bottle) with about a 4" tube that yields 100 psi - It didn't move a thing. After a couple of attempts he told me that the line was totally blocked and He didn't know what he could do. He said I used this (holding the co2 tank) and it blows 100 lbs. per square inch - I don't know what else to do. Maybe a plumber could snake it out - if they have a snake that small.

Am I expecting too much from this company? (For you regulars - I posted about it - my air handler caught on fire earlier this year because they used too small of wire to install it - yes they admit that). I have also done a little research to learn that only the owner of the company has any HVAC certification - none of the technicians do - I found the loophole in our state law, too.

Sorry to go so long - What do you think about this? Should I just let it go and find another company? He will be here at 9am - do I let him see what He can do - He told me that he has "something more powerful" to blow the line out with - but it is "very expensive" and he cannot afford to put one on every truck.

Mom of Three :)

[ldmth44]

How long is the drain line? Does it drop vertically, say from attic to ground? Is it pitched correctly (so water can flow downhill, not up)? Is there a siphon break installed (if long drain line and substantial vertical drop)? Does another system drain into same line and if it does, is line able to accomodate the water from both systems? May need to use a more constant pressure than just the handheld CO2 cartridge, such as a tank with a regulator, for sustained pressure to remove blockage. (Could be either nitrogen or CO2).

[the dangling wrangler]

You didn't say, or I missed it.

How long ago was the unit installed?
Yes, they should have made sure it was draining, before they left the first time.

Is this the same A/H that burnt?

Could be melted plastic in the line.

[bluefitness]

I would use a nitrogen tank to try and clear the line. Also, they should go outside and find where the pvc exits. Sometimes the pipe becomes disconnected or is just buried. If you find the line, you should dig around it or make sure it is still connected. If that fails, it is time to run a new drain line. If this isn't possible (line goes under slab), you need to have a condensate pump installed.

[MomofThree]

Yes - same company that caused the fire... They installed the new air handler in 2/07. It replaced the original 1966 GE unit.

Background - this is a 1966 tri-level house. The "unit" is vertical and basically in a closet on the bottom floor. To address a good question - I have read that these lines are "gravity fed". My oldest Son just pointed out to me that the drain where the line comes out "outside" is probably 3' higher that where it starts. My Parents have a similar situation - and when they recently replaced their unit - a pump was installed. I am clueless about the pump. Should I have one?

I'm not sure if it means anything - but they keep saying that my drain line is not "up to code" because it's copper and not pvc - is that a problem?

Mom of Three:)

[the dangling wrangler]

Yes - same company that caused the fire... They installed the new air handler in 2/07. It replaced the original 1966 GE unit.

Background - this is a 1966 tri-level house. The "unit" is vertical and basically in a closet on the bottom floor. To address a good question - I have read that these lines are "gravity fed". My oldest Son just pointed out to me that the drain where the line comes out "outside" is probably 3' higher that where it starts. My Parents have a similar situation - and when they recently replaced their unit - a pump was installed. I am clueless about the pump. Should I have one?

I'm not sure if it means anything - but they keep saying that my drain line is not "up to code" because it's copper and not pvc - is that a problem?

Mom of Three:)

If we knew your location, we could give better code answers.
If my home almost burned, because the contractor cut corners,
let's just say, he wouldn't be my contractor for long. ;)


I really can't say if you need a pump or not.
Did it drain before "the incident?"

[ticotech cayman]

some times what happends the drain is not glogged its just than the drain line gets air lock specially the ones that coming under the house, cause makes like a kind of p -trap , put some water in the drain line and get ur wet vac outside were the pipe is coming out and try to vacunn it out.

[MomofThree]

I'm in Huntsville, Alabama. Yes, it did drain before - but I understand that the unit was over 40+ yrs. so how much condensation could it actually create?

Yes - I'm still calling them because it is under warranty - and I don't have to pay for service calls. I feel like I paid them a lot of money for the new unit - I just want it to work right. Yes - that sounds cheap - but I try to save money first - I am a Single Mom of Three. No - I am not going to let the problem go on - I just figured I would call them first - they caught my house on fire (no I did not sue because I could not sleep at night for fear of my house catching on fire) - I figured they owed me whatever help they can give. Then if they cannot solve it I will move on.

Mom of Three:)

[hvaclover]

go with a pump and new line.

Copper sucks for condensate drains cause it sweats.

[the dangling wrangler]

I'm in Huntsville, Alabama. Yes, it did drain before - but I understand that the unit was over 40+ yrs. so how much condensation could it actually create?

Yes - I'm still calling them because it is under warranty - and I don't have to pay for service calls. I feel like I paid them a lot of money for the new unit - I just want it to work right. Yes - that sounds cheap - but I try to save money first - I am a Single Mom of Three. No - I am not going to let the problem go on - I just figured I would call them first - they caught my house on fire (no I did not sue because I could not sleep at night for fear of my house catching on fire) - I figured they owed me whatever help they can give. Then if they cannot solve it I will move on.

Mom of Three:)

Hope they do the right thing for ya.
It's realistic to think it should work,because, it should.
Good Luck.

[catmanacman]

sometimes i put a shop vac on the line inside at the coil and blow it from outside with nitrogen

[MomofThree]

Which I think should have been hit when the unit caught on fire. I think I need to find a new HVAC compay - I have one in mind.

Yes, they have no responsibility for anything done in the past - but I think they know what to do for now. I cannot even go on vacation because I have to "pump" the over flow out daily!

What do you think?

Lanae:)

[catmanacman]

they should try a little harder to get it unclogged

[DPeoples]

go with a pump and new line.

Copper sucks for condensate drains cause it sweats.

^^agree..

[Twilly]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WjOn5TNjBM&feature=fvst

[heaterman]

If they can't or won't fix it, call someone else. Have a condensate pump with an overflow switch installed and be done with it.

[heaterman]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WjOn5TNjBM&feature=fvst

Didn't know that Twilli was a MJ fan, or has Twilli's son been posting again using Twilli's screen name? :rolleyes:

[the dangling wrangler]

Copper sucks for condensate drains cause it sweats.



PVC does too. Here, we have to insulate with one inch armourflex, for the first twelve or fifteen feet,can't remember which.

[Twilly]

Twilli does admire MJ's musical talent. Past tense.