Hi, Last year we had an HVAC system installed and the installers had the condensation tube discharge into the same metal pipe that our front load washing machine uses. Over the past several months we've noticed nothing but drain problems when we use the washing machine. Initially we thought that our drain line was plugged so we snaked the line, but that did not resolve the issue. Then we rerouted the HVAC condensation tube to a 5 gallon bucket, but that bucket was filling up and overflowing in less than 6 days. At this point, I'm not sure what we need to do. Any suggestions?

What is the size of the washing machine standpipe, the pipe that the washer empties into? Before the HVAC was installed did you already have the front loading washer and if so did you have any problems then with overflow? Sometimes the condensate line from an A/C unit has a discharge that sorta looks like snot, it is a sticky goo. That may be contributing to your problem if it accumulates in the washer standpipe trap, since your washer puts out a lot of water quickly when it empties.

Is there a reasonably easy way to run the condensate line differently and get it off the washer drain? Is there a floor drain or a sump pump in that room or nearby? Some houses run the condensate line thru the wall and it goes outside, since it is only draining during summer months when the A/C is running you shouldn't have a problem with it freezing. But it does put the water near your foundation, you can add a splash block to divert it away from the house if it is a lot of water. To determine if the HVAC condensate line is the problem you can run it into the 5 gallon bucket for a while and see if the washer drain problem goes away, just have to keep an eye on the bucket and empty it when needed.



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think about it... after 6 days of condensate draining into a bucket, what did you see?
like the old C & W song.. "cool clear water"..
how in the world is that going to cause a problem ???

Marty Robbins - one of my Dad's favorites.

it wasn't water I thought could be a problem, it is that sticky goo that I see coming out of our condensate lines at work. They had to start dropping the drain pans under the air handler and cleaning them monthly to keep the pan from overflowing, and that is with a half-inch pvc drain pipe. Don't know where the stickiness comes from but it eventually clogs the condensate drain line if left alone. It was just an idea, the OP has something causing the problem and supposedly the drain line was opened up fully so I thought the standpipe trap might be getting full of snot. And if that sticky stuff is getting into the main drain pipe then lint, clothing fibers and strings could be sticking to it, maybe?



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That is VERY little water so it is NOT the cause of any problems.

condensing water does not create sticky stuff..

Not to overly argue the point, maybe you've not seen it, but I and many others have. It isn't about the amount of water produced as condensate, it is the accumulation of slime and sticky stuff that is created in the drain line over time. Perhaps it is something that mostly happens in humid & warm areas of the country. It does exist.



"What is that Jelly-like Substance Coming Out of My A/C Drain Line?"
[berkunair.com]

"Slime in air conditioning drain pipe"
[hvac-talk.com]

"A/C Condensate Drain Pipe Unclogging & Cleaning Guide"
[www.paulstravelpictures.com]

[edited to fix weblinks]



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then i stand corrected...

thanks packy. I learn something just about every time I read this forum and your honest comments on people's problems are a big part of that.



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