1 cup of vinager followed by several cups of hot water is the best.... also putting a shop vac on the outside once a month is the best preventative maintenance you can do for the drain....
@@sandyreynolds4118 Outside the house you can find the A/C drain pipe. He’s talking about hooking up a shop vac to the drain pipe and sucking out the white algae instead of blowing it out from the inside with his nitrogen bottle.
We have to take in consideration that using bleach in a unit that has a condensate pump isn't good for the pump. In that case, you better use vinegar. An HVAC guy installed a new system in November 2021 and now in July 2022 was already clogged due to mold in the p trap. I took the pump out and clean it because it wasn't pumping the water out and it was cleaned and now is working great. In seven months the drain line was already clogged in an entire new system, new air handler, new heat pump, new drain line and new condensate pump. I never used bleach or vinegar, but I will be using moving forward vinegar one time at month to try to keep the line clean as possible.
Thanks so much brother. Ours was clogged and sure enough a few pumps with my air compressor it cleared the line. Crazy. Thanks for the video, helped us from having to call someone.
You think fixing this will make the air cold again if it stopped being cold? The hvac still works but it's just not blowing very cold air. I'm trying to make sure that I don't need to get a tech to do a freon recharge which cost a shit ton
NEVER USE BLEACH (or vinegar). As the manufacturer of the Safe-T-Switch SS2 in your video, I'd like to offer a "thank you" for your business. It's important, however, that you never use bleach bc of the off-gassing that can damage aluminum built in your AC Coil case. After using Drain Dawg, prevent future build-up < 90 days by leaving 32 oz. of Nu Line with the homeowner...not bleach. Thanks again....
Hey everyone, we know you're looking for a simple maintenance solution, but here at rector seal we want you to piss away more money on OUR products instead. Buy! Buy! Buy today!
I have 30 years experience and I would not recommend bleach in the drain line. It is too caustic!!! The fumes from the bleach is enough to eat away at the ever more thinner aluminum fins on coils. The typical homeowner doesn’t know if it is going in the primary drain pan or not if the drain is backed up. I would call a professional and have the entire system serviced at least once a year then use appropriate cleaner.
... I'm a builder, the problem now is aluminum coils unlike copper doesn't kill off white algae. LMAO and white vinegar is useless. Now I have to blowout, wet vac and bleach to keep up with it. Something's got to change maybe go to copper drain lines and clogging prone PVC...
BTW .. I don't think he suggesting nor would I recommend or suggest using straight bleach to clean the aluminum parts, instead he's referring to the drain line only or at least I hope so...
Although I see the comments to not use bleach(I smell it in the house now 😩). But that line must have been super clogged. I poured vinegar and water down there 3 times and no movement. Bleached it once and that puppy was cleared out. I will make sure to be more attentive to the maintenance. Thank you.
yo da man!!! I didn;t know you can pull the water level indicator to drain the water and I did just that and the furnace start working plus the thermostat is no longer blank... great help man, God bless!
I was always told, and have read on numerous AC company websites, to NEVER use bleach. I know there are many other things that can be used, even something as simple as hot water or just a hose (if possible). Is this something that is controversial in the AC world? I honestly don’t know that’s just what I have seen when doing my own research and the only time I actually see people using bleach for this is on UA-cam videos. Are you a certified tech or a DIY? And do you know the answer to this?
I have been in the business for 15 years. I am a state licensed contractor. I have worked on thousands of units and I tell all of my customers to use bleach followed by hot water. In my 15 years it has not caused any issues. I’m not saying that it couldn’t, but here in Alabama it hasn’t. I’m gonna continue to use bleach, until someone provides me data that proves it harmful to an AC unit
Good to know. Bleach was was my initial thought when I needed to do this with how powerful it is but I never tried. If it happens again though I’ll have to give it a try. So thanks for clearing that up.
@@doomspace I put a 1/2 to 1 cup of bleach followed by a gallon of hot water. Once a month would be good, but if you did it once or twice during the summer season while the A/C unit is running it should prevent clogs.
Thank you for watching, but the video wasn’t for you then! If that’s the only thing you got out of the video was a nitrogen rig, you need to call a professional!
If you would like to use vinegar, I’m sure it would work. I have talked to a few HVAC professionals and manufacturers from around the US all have said if you put bleach flowed by water it shouldn’t cause any issues.
I have looked all over my backyard especially around the AC unit there is literally no drain I believe it goes straight down into the sewer... Is this even built to code?
i dont know what is going on w your particular unit but they do make dissolvable tablets for your ac drain line and air filter air fresheners. also change your filter once a month!
Get your evaporator coil cleaned and fan it is from decaying skin and hair on coil if it gets to bad it will freeze up once coil is clean change filter in unit once a month to keep coil clean
Show me the data where bleach is worse and I’ll change it, been using it for 17 years with no issues. I’ve talked to many HVAC engineers and manufacturers they said use what ever you want it’s personal preference
Can I use an electric air pump to blow air in there? I don't have that nitrogen tank that you do. ;) My A/C sometimes stops cooling or stops altogether, and I resolve the issue by turning it off for a bit (because I think it might be frozen), or I check the pipe, and it's full of water, so I use the little brush to push it down. These two fixes usually work. I couldn't find the pipe that drains to the outside, just a pipe connected to the A/C and a wire/coil type thing connected to it as well. So I can't use a wet vac to clear it out the other end.
My drain was already cleaned out 3 weeks ago. I bought the condensate tablets you recommended. Do I have to turn off the safety switch in order to drop the tablets in?
Chad Eubanks I’m not an HVAC (OLD DUCANE) lady. This is making things difficult, could I have put the filter in wrong?? My attic set up looks nothing like anything I’ve seen! Help?
Do you know what would be causing a rodent urine-like odor from coming through the vents when the heater is on? It isn't like ammonia, it's more like a musty hamster cage sort of smell. Not sure how else to describe it. There's no odor when the AC is on. I'm used to a smell the first few times using your heater in the winter, but this is different.
As a pest control professional, I can tell you it is very likely rats/rodents have chewed through your air ducts and are nesting in them, based on what you described. As a result, they will leave a lot of urine and feces in the air ducts. The rats are most likely to be in the air ducts during the winter months when it is cold, which is also when you would be using your heater. First, have a real pest control professional inspect your attic and other areas of your home for the presence of rats/rodents. Second, if there is an infestation, identify and seal off all rodent points of entry. Third, trap and remove all rodents. Fourth, clean and remove all rodent feces and urine. This includes insulation replacement if necessary. Fifth, if there is evidence of rodents in your air ducts, replace all air ducts with new. Hope this helps! 😃
That’s not how you clean a drain line. It’s deteriorates the drain over time, if you a tech, find a new job. If you a homeowner stop trying to be a tech
@@Mapdotgolf 🤣🤣 I guess there is more than one way to clean a drain line. Just like you said there is more than one way to pull a blower wheel. Since you can’t show data, maybe your not a real tech. Maybe you should really think and educate yourself before your comment on a post of someone who is more educated than you!
1 cup of vinager followed by several cups of hot water is the best.... also putting a shop vac on the outside once a month is the best preventative maintenance you can do for the drain....
If you put a shop vac on it once a month, there is no reason to pour bleach or vinegar down the drain line.
@@chadeubanks1469 my ac guy said that vinegar is better. What is wrong with bleach because it seems like it would work better
@@4mykids. Bleach can Damage the pipes over time.
Shop vac the outside?
@@sandyreynolds4118 Outside the house you can find the A/C drain pipe. He’s talking about hooking up a shop vac to the drain pipe and sucking out the white algae instead of blowing it out from the inside with his nitrogen bottle.
UA-cam is amazing. A nice 68 degrees inside my house now.
Another option is to check for other videos about cleaning the drain outside, basically set the shop vac to suck that nastiness out.
Pour vinegar down it monthly
We have to take in consideration that using bleach in a unit that has a condensate pump isn't good for the pump. In that case, you better use vinegar. An HVAC guy installed a new system in November 2021 and now in July 2022 was already clogged due to mold in the p trap. I took the pump out and clean it because it wasn't pumping the water out and it was cleaned and now is working great. In seven months the drain line was already clogged in an entire new system, new air handler, new heat pump, new drain line and new condensate pump. I never used bleach or vinegar, but I will be using moving forward vinegar one time at month to try to keep the line clean as possible.
Any difference between using vinegar vs bleach? I ask because I was told to put vinegar down mine but if bleach works better I'll switch!!
Thank you so much! Your video helped to fixed the problem; AC blows cold air again and no leaks!
Thanks so much brother. Ours was clogged and sure enough a few pumps with my air compressor it cleared the line. Crazy. Thanks for the video, helped us from having to call someone.
thanks for taking the time! Good info.
its guys like you who make a home owner like calling repair guys
This gentleman has a beautiful " Kentucky " Accent !
Or you could use alagecide packet in actual coil drain pan before even reaches the trap to treat it, which actually better.
You think fixing this will make the air cold again if it stopped being cold? The hvac still works but it's just not blowing very cold air. I'm trying to make sure that I don't need to get a tech to do a freon recharge which cost a shit ton
NEVER USE BLEACH (or vinegar). As the manufacturer of the Safe-T-Switch SS2 in your video, I'd like to offer a "thank you" for your business. It's important, however, that you never use bleach bc of the off-gassing that can damage aluminum built in your AC Coil case. After using Drain Dawg, prevent future build-up < 90 days by leaving 32 oz. of Nu Line with the homeowner...not bleach. Thanks again....
Awe damn. Too late. I poured a whole gallon of bleach. It was over flowing. 😬🤬
Hey everyone, we know you're looking for a simple maintenance solution, but here at rector seal we want you to piss away more money on OUR products instead. Buy! Buy! Buy today!
I have 30 years experience and I would not recommend bleach in the drain line. It is too caustic!!! The fumes from the bleach is enough to eat away at the ever more thinner aluminum fins on coils. The typical homeowner doesn’t know if it is going in the primary drain pan or not if the drain is backed up. I would call a professional and have the entire system serviced at least once a year then use appropriate cleaner.
... I'm a builder, the problem now is aluminum coils unlike copper doesn't kill off white algae. LMAO and white vinegar is useless. Now I have to blowout, wet vac and bleach to keep up with it. Something's got to change maybe go to copper drain lines and clogging prone PVC...
BTW .. I don't think he suggesting nor would I recommend or suggest using straight bleach to clean the aluminum parts, instead he's referring to the drain line only or at least I hope so...
Although I see the comments to not use bleach(I smell it in the house now 😩). But that line must have been super clogged. I poured vinegar and water down there 3 times and no movement. Bleached it once and that puppy was cleared out. I will make sure to be more attentive to the maintenance. Thank you.
I assume you're using: QwikTreat Condensate Pan Treatment Tablets and Diversitech DF-75 Tip Inflatable Drain Dawg.
That is correct
@@chadeubanks1469 .. Thank you! 👍😎
yo da man!!! I didn;t know you can pull the water level indicator to drain the water and I did just that and the furnace start working plus the thermostat is no longer blank... great help man, God bless!
I was always told, and have read on numerous AC company websites, to NEVER use bleach. I know there are many other things that can be used, even something as simple as hot water or just a hose (if possible). Is this something that is controversial in the AC world? I honestly don’t know that’s just what I have seen when doing my own research and the only time I actually see people using bleach for this is on UA-cam videos. Are you a certified tech or a DIY? And do you know the answer to this?
I have been in the business for 15 years. I am a state licensed contractor. I have worked on thousands of units and I tell all of my customers to use bleach followed by hot water. In my 15 years it has not caused any issues. I’m not saying that it couldn’t, but here in Alabama it hasn’t. I’m gonna continue to use bleach, until someone provides me data that proves it harmful to an AC unit
Good to know. Bleach was was my initial thought when I needed to do this with how powerful it is but I never tried. If it happens again though I’ll have to give it a try. So thanks for clearing that up.
How much bleach, how much hot water, and how often? Thanks in advance
@@doomspace I put a 1/2 to 1 cup of bleach followed by a gallon of hot water. Once a month would be good, but if you did it once or twice during the summer season while the A/C unit is running it should prevent clogs.
Bleach will NOT unclog a plugged drain....
Are you in Auburn AL? I’m looking for an AC repair man and think this is the problem we’re having
No, I’m not! But I wish I was!
My darn HVAC guy who installed the system never added an easy access to the pipe. I guess I have to cut it.
I’m sorry to hear that. I have found a lot of people don’t. I feel this is very stupid on there part.
Put a t pipe
LMAO! YEEEE HAAAWWWW
do you have the product name or link of the tablets?
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073S8KDDR?pf_rd_r=0M4XEPRNJVNJ0A9KMQ8J&pf_rd_p=5ae2c7f8-e0c6-4f35-9071-dc3240e894a8&pd_rd_r=99b767ba-7f4d-40cc-800b-eb0c3fa3d4c3&pd_rd_w=8ylrm&pd_rd_wg=2P147&ref_=pd_gw_unk
Couldn’t see a thing. And who owns a “nitrogen rig”?
Thank you for watching, but the video wasn’t for you then! If that’s the only thing you got out of the video was a nitrogen rig, you need to call a professional!
🤣
How much bleach do you suggest we pour in there? Thanks.
A cup followed by hot water
I have a Rheem Inside unit Model ROHL 24A2GH17 and it is on Temp inside house is 80 degrees.What Do you think is the cause of it?
Do you have to refill the trap with water?
Yes, it would be good to refill it
So are you an AU fan?
No need to manually clear an AC drain line ever again!
Cleaning Vinear is better. Bleach is not as good to break down gunk.
My AC guy told me never bleach or vinegar. Hot water only. The former two break down the PVC pipes and fittings.
LOL. If THAT was true, you would be instructed to never use bleach in a washing machine.
We do that the previous owner ruined her ceiling. Yeah we had to do that to our unit just like that
thank you. How much bleach should I put in it?
If you use an air compressor - how many lbs of pressure?
120
Thank you. What about vinegar?
If you would like to use vinegar, I’m sure it would work. I have talked to a few HVAC professionals and manufacturers from around the US all have said if you put bleach flowed by water it shouldn’t cause any issues.
@@chadeubanks1469 I'm allergic to bleach. Feels like my airways are all closing up and I can't breathe. I'll try vinegar!
I have looked all over my backyard especially around the AC unit there is literally no drain I believe it goes straight down into the sewer... Is this even built to code?
probably is draining in a sink in a bathroom.
What do I need to do to stop the sewage smell coming out my vents when the air turns on?
i dont know what is going on w your particular unit but they do make dissolvable tablets for your ac drain line and air filter air fresheners. also change your filter once a month!
You might have a p trap issue on your ac drain line. Good luck.
Sour smell coming from your air conditioning if so please let me know place a video on it
Get your evaporator coil cleaned and fan it is from decaying skin and hair on coil if it gets to bad it will freeze up once coil is clean change filter in unit once a month to keep coil clean
Buy some Mini Split Ductless Units . SCRAP the Central AC !
Thanks.
Just solved the problem using this video.
My ac guy said 4 cups of bleach followed by 4 cups of hot water every 2-3 months.
That’s fine, maybe a little much. The key is to make sure to follow with water.
Thanks Pal from Los angeles California
Hot water and vinegar not bleach !!!!!
Show me the data where bleach is worse and I’ll change it, been using it for 17 years with no issues. I’ve talked to many HVAC engineers and manufacturers they said use what ever you want it’s personal preference
Nice last name
My blower is not blowing air hard enough, is because of capacitor? The blower just got cleaned it was all covered with crap
Get a 4" filter box installed.
Good to know! Thank you so much!
Where do you get the tabs?
Quiktreat condensate tablets on Amazon
Can I use an electric air pump to blow air in there? I don't have that nitrogen tank that you do. ;) My A/C sometimes stops cooling or stops altogether, and I resolve the issue by turning it off for a bit (because I think it might be frozen), or I check the pipe, and it's full of water, so I use the little brush to push it down. These two fixes usually work. I couldn't find the pipe that drains to the outside, just a pipe connected to the A/C and a wire/coil type thing connected to it as well. So I can't use a wet vac to clear it out the other end.
Yes you can, as long as the end fits down in the pipe it will blow the sludge out. I would blow it out, pour water back in it and blow it out again.
@@chadeubanks1469 Thanks so much for your quick reply. I'm going to try it first thing tomorrow.
My unit smells like mildew and its starting to make the house smell. I don't see any water? Any suggestions?
Get u some evap foam no rinse I had tht same issue...I got mine off Amazon its a green spray can
My drain was already cleaned out 3 weeks ago. I bought the condensate tablets you recommended. Do I have to turn off the safety switch in order to drop the tablets in?
No you do not
@@chadeubanks1469 Thank you so much for your response and for sharing your videos!!!🙏☺️
@Chad Eubanks Anybody home??
Chad Eubanks I’m not an HVAC (OLD DUCANE) lady. This is making things difficult, could I have put the filter in wrong?? My attic set up looks nothing like anything I’ve seen! Help?
Thanks chad!
How much bleach do u use?
I was told 1 cup by the technician who does my annual maintenance. My line seems to run freely
Do you know what would be causing a rodent urine-like odor from coming through the vents when the heater is on? It isn't like ammonia, it's more like a musty hamster cage sort of smell. Not sure how else to describe it. There's no odor when the AC is on. I'm used to a smell the first few times using your heater in the winter, but this is different.
Mold, try look inside ur coil with a flashlight.
As a pest control professional, I can tell you it is very likely rats/rodents have chewed through your air ducts and are nesting in them, based on what you described. As a result, they will leave a lot of urine and feces in the air ducts.
The rats are most likely to be in the air ducts during the winter months when it is cold, which is also when you would be using your heater.
First, have a real pest control professional inspect your attic and other areas of your home for the presence of rats/rodents.
Second, if there is an infestation, identify and seal off all rodent points of entry.
Third, trap and remove all rodents.
Fourth, clean and remove all rodent feces and urine. This includes insulation replacement if necessary.
Fifth, if there is evidence of rodents in your air ducts, replace all air ducts with new.
Hope this helps! 😃
That’s not how you clean a drain line. It’s deteriorates the drain over time, if you a tech, find a new job. If you a homeowner stop trying to be a tech
🤣🤣 I love the trolls
Where is your data to prove it deteriorates the pvc drain line? I bet you are one who still uses acid based coil cleaner also!
@@chadeubanks1469 you don’t know what you are doing and that’s okay.
@@chadeubanks1469 a real tech knows you only need a gallon of hot water and a shop vac 😝
@@Mapdotgolf 🤣🤣 I guess there is more than one way to clean a drain line. Just like you said there is more than one way to pull a blower wheel. Since you can’t show data, maybe your not a real tech. Maybe you should really think and educate yourself before your comment on a post of someone who is more educated than you!
Goodness your voice 😍
Cool man, thanks. Very helpful