I noticed last night my overflow condensate line is dripping so I need to get up in the attic this morning and clean the main line. Really need to get this on a regular PM schedule rather than wait for it to clog every spring it seems.

I think in thr past I've used bleach or vinegar but know in some places I've read to use one but not the other or neither. Opinions before I lug the shop vac and my sweaty ass up in the attic?

My AC tech told me about these:



https://www.amazon.com/Homiom-Drain-cartridges-Included-Condensate/dp/B071JS76ZP/ref=pd_day0fbt_img_sccl_1/138-6815579-3132315?pd_rd_w=goB9n&pf_rd_p=bcb8482a-3db5-4b0b-9f15-b86e24acdb00&pf_rd_r=224Q41ZDWNGYTF0NKYM0&pd_rd_r=e2d0ec80-f912-4e3e-87a2-ddd05d273d31&pd_rd_wg=4gyzX&pd_rd_i=B071JS76ZP&psc=1

Worth every penny. I typically do it 2x/year.

Chlorine bleach vapors can corrode your equipment, though I do not know how much of an issue this really is.

There are a variety of primary drain pan treatments that are supposed to prevent clogs. I started using a similar product after a clog 2 years ago.
Nu-Calgon 4296-60 Pan-Treat Scum 200 Tablets https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B003N5AS60/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7DMW175FM7YB8G3TJ6VP

I tried the shop vac method a couple years back with zero success. Thankfully the pipe run to the vent stack was short so I cut it out and was able to clean it with a swab on a fish tape outside.

I dump some of these into my condensate pan every 6 months or so. I used to get slime building up in my drain line all the time and these have done a pretty good job keeping it at bay.

These probably won't clear the line if it's already plugged, but they've worked well as a preventative.

I have two drains going to the outside, not sewer pipe. Main drain line that goes outside near the foundation and the backup that exits over a window.

Our AC guy told us to take the water hose and force the water up the pipe and hold for 10 second and then let it flush out. Do this till it runs clean. we get a lot of white putty type build up, and this usually clears the line. I do it a couple times a year when working in the yard.

I pour boiling water down the line every 6 months on the recommendation of a HVAC guy.

Never had a single problem.

I don't do boiling but i use scalding hot water on a similar schedule. Once every year or two I'll dump a cup of bleach and then rinse with the hot water.

Tagging on here vs a new thread. My line has condensation where you pour the bleach in. I use tabs. FWIW. Never seen the condensation before. Should be concerned?