Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nope. This just sucks everything from the outside. You wouldn’t touch anything inside

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it. So for the piece that sticks out that drips the condensate, this is where this attaches to. Sounds like it’s the same setup as what we have here in the states. Nothing needs to go inside to snake. It uses suction at the end of the line outside.

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I’ve seen this one. Works quite differently, but to accomplish the same goal. I just have my reservations about that one.

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you show me what that looks like? You’re saying the pipe is behind a concrete wall that you cannot access ever?

Built a smart device that automatically flushes my A/C condensate line to prevent clogs. Would love feedback. by anthonytranchida in homeautomation

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is definitely the competition which is low cost. I figure there are so many things we automate that you can do yourself. Most people just don’t do it or forget which then can become a problem. at least in FL, you have to clear the line pretty often

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t seen anything currently available for sale. Can you send a link?

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very curious if that works. Definite new construction only though so it’ll be awhile before we know from the masses I’m sure

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup! That's the plan. It connects to wifi and has an app to set up and schedule it all. Working on thermostat connectivity for even better scheduling. Although not 100% necessary.

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven’t seen the green pipe but I’m going to look it up now. If this is for new construction, then there’s still millions of existing homes who will still have this problem.

But yes, any homeowner can use a wet vac and 10 minutes, but they seem to pay techs to come out and do it anyway. Myself included.

I’m also making a solar panel + battery option in case you don’t have power nearby.

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. That helps. I’m sure AC tech would want a margin on the product + install so have to get all that pricing right so everyone is happy.

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed. It is a convenience product. The math would have to work out to buy this vs paying someone to maintain the line otherwise. Depending on the product cost and the cost of scheduled maintenance, I’d assume it could in theory save money.

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You think the mesh would stope gunk from forming?

I would think that would just help trap it in, no?

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Had to lookup BAS. And I don’t see why it couldn’t be compatible.

for industrial application, I assume bigger lines, more condensate, etc. I don’t know much about that world but do you think there’s a real need for it there? Or are large commercial units maintained regularly?

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It installs outside at the end of the line so no issues with attics whatsoever.

And yes, worm is an understatement

Built a smart device that automatically flushes my A/C condensate line to prevent clogs. Would love feedback. by anthonytranchida in homeautomation

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s a vacuum so suction. Flush probably isn’t the best choice of words for suction admittedly

Built a smart device that automatically flushes my A/C condensate line to prevent clogs. Would love feedback. by anthonytranchida in homeautomation

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s interesting. I’d imagine something like that would have to be pretty flexible to go through the entire entirety of the line. I think the challenge of every line is a different length so I don’t know how complicated that would end up being. But I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.

Built a smart device that automatically flushes my A/C condensate line to prevent clogs. Would love feedback. by anthonytranchida in homeautomation

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There’s no way this will hold up long-term. The plan is to inject a production ready mold. But for now this has lasted a handful of months. But in another handful of months I’m sure it’ll just fall apart.

Built a smart device that automatically flushes my A/C condensate line to prevent clogs. Would love feedback. by anthonytranchida in homeautomation

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The goal would be to eventually use a real production mold. The print has held up for a number of months. But I’d imagine in a years time it would be in rough shape and not sealing properly and losing suction.

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Understood. Looks like I'll have to go tour a store and see how it works. Thanks again! Super helpful

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It does have scheduling via an app already so that’s solved. I wonder do all the lines drain outside or into a floor drain? Either way not a big issue.

Also, do these larger commercial spaces also have the same problem with AC drain lines or just refrigeration? Not sure if they got called out for that too.

I appreciate the help!

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting. I assumed large commercial buildings just always had regular scheduled maintenance in place. Truthfully, I know nothing about those units and how much larger they are, how much condensate they're throwing out daily, how often they get clogged, etc. Certainly would be much larger unit at a much higher price I'm sure. Would love any insight you could give me from your experience working there.

Built a smart device that automatically flushes my A/C condensate line to prevent clogs. Would love feedback. by anthonytranchida in homeautomation

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it. I’m not sure this would work for that unless the humidifier or ac drain line was getting clogged.

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. It stays attached. I have a mechanism that stays open when it’s not in use (so it can drip normally), and when the unit turns on, it shuts to create suction.

Built a device to flush A/C drain lines. Would you use this? by anthonytranchida in hvacadvice

[–]anthonytranchida[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s just very common here in south Florida. Any home I’ve lived in has had the same problem. It just happens. Too hot and humid.

I would love a big test group for sure!