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This is an air conditioner condensation drainpipe that drains the condensation from the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil operates below the dew point when the system is in air conditioning mode. As humid air passes over the cold evaporator coil the humidity or moisture in the air condenses. The condensation runs down the coil and into a condensation drain pan.
Air Handler Condensation Drain Leaking | HVAC Repair
Attached to the condensation drain pan is the condensation drainpipe. The condensation pipe usually terminates outside the building at the base of the foundation. On very humid days lots of humidity or condensed moisture is removed from the air when the air conditioner is running. It is important for the condensation drainpipe to remain open or unclogged so this condensed moisture can drain properly. If you find moisture around the base of an air handler it is quite possible that the condensation drainpipe is plugged and needs to be flushed.
Air Handler Condensation Drain Leaking | HVAC Repair - Mold and Algae
Notice this pipe has insulation on the horizontal run. The pipe insulation is black and is called rubatex. The rubatex insulates the condensation pipe keeping it from sweating. If the condensation pipe were to sweat it would leave the area under the condensation drainpipe wet and this leads to water damage and mold. It is very important to make sure all the moisture created by the condensed moisture and drain pipe drain to the outside of the dwelling to prevent water damage and mold growth. Additionally, a plugged or clogged condensation drain can cause water damage that will require major repair.
HVAC Repair - Treatment
Algae and mold grow in dark wet places. Perfect for the drainage system. This algae and mold can grow so much it clocks the drain pipe. It is not a bad idea to treat the drainpipe with something that will kill the mold or algae. On a regular air conditioner or heat pump, a preventive maintenance schedule treat the system with special tablets that kill algae and mold.
Air Handler Condensation Drain Leaking | HVAC Repair
