Gas Furnace Condensate Drain Line

When you see water puddling around the furnace with the a c running you have a clogged condensate drain tube.

Gas furnace condensate drain line.

The condensate trap is absolutely mandatory for a high efficiency gas furnace. Just pour a cup of bleach in the drain line s access opening near the indoor air conditioning unit. Since the drain taps into the exhaust system leaving it open to the air would allow for a potential exhaust flue gas leak in the living space which is a big no no. Condensation from air conditioning coils contains bacteria that can form slime and clog the condensate pan drain tube.

This will kill any algae mold or mildew that has formed in the pipe. If the condensate drain line is clogged you will need to use a wet dry vacuum or a special pump to unclog the line. The growth can clog the drip pan or even rinse into the condensate drain lines causing a clog in the piping. Condensate switches imc 307 2 3 states that all hvac equipment that produces condensate must have either a secondary drain line or a condensate overflow switch a secondary drain pan with a secondary drain line or condensate switch or some combination of these installations should be used to prevent overflow if the primary drain line blocks.

If you spot any of the tell tale signs of a condensate line or drip pan clog the average homeowner is more than capable of clearing simple clogs if confident. Additionally the inducer motor would suck air through the drain if it weren t trapped which could. The condensate line is one of the most important components of your hvac system. Clear condensate line clogs.

Furnace condensate typically ranges between 3 0 and 5 0 but it can get stronger.