Question for a/c guys

[CADDOKILLER]

There is a drain coming out of my attic from the a/c that is dripping water at a high rate. Its on the side of my house where I never go and must have beeen doing it for awhile as its turned the grass green. Any ideas whats causing this?

[MrWSM]

I think you are talking about your condensation drip pipe.

[miket]

Depending on the design of the system it may be completely normal. Ac units remove moisture from the air. Water drains off of the coils into a pan and then into your houses drain system, or outside, depending on design. Newer systems usually have one that goes to the drain system and an overflow that goes outside. So, basically it could be completely normal or could indicate the primary drain ( the one that goes to your sewer/septic drain system ) is clogged up.

[CADDOKILLER]

I've lived here 11 years and have never seen it drip before

[lnester]

Probably your overflow condensation line. Which means your regular primary condensation line is clogged or plugged. You need to find your AC unit pronto and check it out.

[Lokmdwn]

Primary drain line is clogged. There should be an open section of PVC pipe near the secondary drain line right beside the unit (in the attic). Blow that line out with compressed air. I'm not an AC guy, but I have stayed at a holiday inn express before and I had my AC guy tell me to do that

[CADDOKILLER]

That seems to be the consensus. Guess Ill be up there tonight with the air compressor

[BWDean]

Primary drain line is clogged. There should be an open section of PVC pipe near the secondary drain line right beside the unit (in the attic). Blow that line out with compressed air. I'm not an AC guy, but I have stayed at a holiday inn express before and I had my AC guy tell me to do that

A lot of the time it can be algae growing in the drain that will clog the line. if it is easy to get to you can pour a bit of bleach in it periodically to keep it clear.

[ted_kennedys_liver]

Primary drain line is clogged. There should be an open section of PVC pipe near the secondary drain line right beside the unit (in the attic). Blow that line out with compressed air. I'm not an AC guy, but I have stayed at a holiday inn express before and I had my AC guy tell me to do that

Before you go blowing a couple hundred PSIG of air down that primary clean out - determine where it is connected. Generally it tied to a sink. If you dont cover drain with something you will have one god aweful mess to clean up.

I agree your primar drain line is clogged so now your secondary line is active. Ideally you want to vac drain line where it terminates but that sometimes isnt feasible so then you blow the line (sometimes the shop vac switched to blow willbe enough unlessits a bad one).

[ted_kennedys_liver]

A lot of the time it can be algae growing in the drain that will clog the line. if it is easy to get to you can pour a bit of bleach in it periodically to keep it clear.

I would stay away from bleach if possible - you can use condensate drain pan tabs (no worry about spilling it, vapors etc etc).