How the Condensate Drain Tube Functions

A condensate drain tube may play an important role in proper function of both your air-conditioning and heating systems. As a vital part of the cooling process, the evaporator coil in the central AC condenses water vapor into many gallons of condensate every day. Also, if your home utilizes a high-efficiency gas furnace, the secondary heat exchanger in this unit extracts extra heat from water vapor present in the furnace exhaust, producing condensate water that must be drained away.

Potential Condensate Drain Tube Issues

Air Conditioner

Condensate water generated by the AC evaporator coil drips down into a pan situated beneath the indoor air handler. Collected water then flows through a condensate drain tube into a connection with the household plumbing system.

Clogs originating in the drip pan — a common location for algae or mold growth — may block free flow through the condensate drain tube. A clogged drip pan rapidly overflows and continues to do so every time the system cycles on. Because the pan is located beneath the air handler, leakage is often not initially obvious to occupants. Significant water damage may occur before the problem is noticed.

High-Efficiency Furnace

As the secondary heat exchanger produces water, the liquid accumulates in a collection box, then flows by gravity through a sloped condensate drain tube and is discharged outside the house. A drain trap integrated into this system permits free condensate flow while preventing hazardous combustion fumes from leaking out of the furnace. 

A sensor detects blockage in the furnace condensate drain tube and automatically shuts down the furnace as a safety precaution. Locating and clearing the clog, including checking and cleaning the drain trap, are required in order to restart the furnace and restore normal heating.

Prevention

Annual preventative maintenance by a qualified HVAC service technician includes inspection and cleaning of the AC condensate drain tube as well as the furnace condensate drain system. This helps prevent condensate drain clogs before they interrupt normal cooling or heating operation.

For qualified service to prevent condensate drain tube issues — or promptly repair any that may occur — contact the professionals at Air Assurance.

How to Install a Perforated Sewer Drain Pipe

Your septic system is comprised of pipes leading from your home to your septic tank, solid piping leading from your tank to a field bed and a perforated sewer drain pipe for drainage. Since improper placement of this pipe can cause sewer backup or clogs, knowing how to install one properly before undertaking this project is very important.

First, if you're working on a new installation, this job is best left to a professional. New septic systems must be approved by a permit in Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas before beginning. Grading and drainage requirements are quite stringent and a plan must be submitted for approval. If you're simply replacing an existing pipe, you should be fine as long as the problem you're having is due to the pipe itself.

You should use a four-inch pipe made of rigid PVC that has appropriate drainage holes. Never use corrugated flexible piping as these can't be cleaned without damaging the pipe. Once you've dug down to the original pipe, remove it carefully. Ensure there's a layer of gravel still in place for proper drainage. If necessary, add enough gravel to level the pipe with the system piping (usually six to 12 inches deep. Then, clean the main pipe thoroughly and allow it to dry.

With the majority of holes facing down, place your sections of perforated sewer drain pipe where they'll be installed. Using PVC primer and glue, glue the individual sections together. Use a level to make sure the pipe is in line, and then attach it to the non-perforated drain pipe on the tank. Next, cover the pipe with another six inches of gravel and a barrier to prevent the finishing soil from going into your gravel.

Air Assurance can relieve your septic drainage worries and develop a plan to best suit your needs. With award-winning services provided to the greater metro and surrounding areas of Tulsa, we're the team you can count on.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: “iQoncept/Shutterstock”