Condensate slime..when pads don't work...

[aluckyskunk]

:gah:
I've noticed on pool units with condensate pumps, slime can accumilate between PMs to a point that will clog the inlets to the pump, weigh down the float and even grow in the discharge piping. Another mechanic has found the same thing to have happened to the con. pump on a data room unit with a steam capability. Pads have never seemed to help- I've found them laying in slime. I'd appreciate any thoughts.

[pageyjim]

:gah:
I've noticed on pool units with condensate pumps, slime can accumilate between PMs to a point that will clog the inlets to the pump, weigh down the float and even grow in the discharge piping. Another mechanic has found the same thing to have happened to the con. pump on a data room unit with a steam capability. Pads have never seemed to help- I've found them laying in slime. I'd appreciate any thoughts.

I would leave a gallon of bleach and a funnel and see if the occupant can add bleach to it occasionally and return between to check in between pm's. Or increase frequency of pm's if necessary.

[aluckyskunk]

That could work. Thx.

[seascott]

I gave up on pads and tablets long ago. Bleach is so aggressive to metals and some plastics that id be reluctant to use it on anything. My go to product is clean & clear, it's safe to use and doesn't corrode the equipment. I spray it all over the coil and drain pan, no need to clean anything, all of the sludge and slime magically disappears over the next few days. I've taken to spraying the evaporator coils if all water source heat pumps when I do the maintenance, haven't ever had a problem with a plugged condensate line since. Seems to me that the bottle says that it lasts for 6 months. Even with rooftop units where condensate was making crap grow all over the roof in summer everything organic disappears. Here's the description from the web site:

http://www.refrigtech.com/Product/Specialty_Compounds/Clean_Clear/clean_clear.html

Clean & Clear
Condensate Pan and Drain Treatment
Part #RT800S

Description
Use Clean & Clear to prevent Condensate Pan and Drain problems instead of tablets, pads or strips.

Clean & Clear sprays on like water; then reverts to a Silicon Gel immediately upon contact. The Silicon Gel exhibits excellent cling to horizontal and vertical surfaces.

Better Coverage: The entire condensate pan and those hard to reach drain passages can now be spray coated for a more complete cleaning process.

More Effective: The product delivers more concentrated detergent per square inch than can be achieved by slugging the pan with bleach or other one shot cleaning remedies.

Odor Elimination: Clean & Clear instantly removes Slime, Sludge and Algae stains. Contains no Chlorine or pesticides. No VOC, HAPs or TAC.

Prevents Chronic Drain Blockage: The Silicon detergents in CLEAN & CLEAR will dissolve and disperse any grease, grime or sediment build up in the pan and p-trap.

Long Lasting: The Silicon Gel dissolves s-l-o-w-l-y overtime with condensate production for continuous cleaning, odor control and metal protection.