by Don Rackler, WOAI.com Air Conditioning Expert
Ottie emailed with a very good question.
“Should I use chlorine or vinegar in my drain. My main is PVC,” Ottie wrote.
In the past, using chlorine or vinegar to maintain a clear drain line was common practice and often recommended by service professionals.
In recent years that practice has come under scrutiny. The reason is that exposing the evaporator coil to harsh chemicals may, over time, contribute to the development of refrigerant leaks in the evaporator. This phenomenon, called formicary corrosion, is an industry-wide event and there is speculation that this corrosion may also be associated with modern building materials.
The safest practice would be to routinely flush the drain line with compressed air.
If you have a recurring problem with the main drain, it is possible there are other problems. Clogged drains are sometimes a result of poor filter maintenance or using poor quality air filters. Keep in mind that drain overflow, or evidence of water escaping its designated path may not involve the drain at all. Low refrigerant or other causes may result in condensate disposal issues.
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email: Info@jonwayneair.com
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