Peggie, Not really a head question, but an odor question. Our air conditioning units accumulate a small amount of water in their drip pans which, over time, have started to emit a pretty foul smell. I was thinking about dropping one of those toilet bowl tank tablets in it, but am concerned it might damage the unit. Any suggestions? Thanks. Harry Bethesda, MD Hunter 456 - "Czech Mate"
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Commercial Condensate Treatment
In commercial applications for condensate pans for HVAC units we use a biocide table that is time release designed to last for about 3 months. These products keep your pan clean and the drain line. The also prevent bacterial build-up - including some danagerous forms such as are involved in Legionaires Disease. You can order off the internet or find at an HVAC supply store. I use them in my sump drain, bilge and Air Conditioning pan. Just throw a few in the pan and recheck occasionally and replenish when necessary. The link below is a typical manufacturer, but many other similar products are available.
In commercial applications for condensate pans for HVAC units we use a biocide table that is time release designed to last for about 3 months. These products keep your pan clean and the drain line. The also prevent bacterial build-up - including some danagerous forms such as are involved in Legionaires Disease. You can order off the internet or find at an HVAC supply store. I use them in my sump drain, bilge and Air Conditioning pan. Just throw a few in the pan and recheck occasionally and replenish when necessary. The link below is a typical manufacturer, but many other similar products are available.
I read t;he MSDS, Jerry...
Which stands for Material Safety Data Sheet...in which it says that it contains copper sulfate, which is incompatible with aluminum...also other "proprietary" ingredients that are oxidizers (orxidation = corrosion). So if your condensate pan is aluminum, your cure for the odor may create other worse problems. I wasn't thrilled by their first aid/safey warnings either. Try squirting a couple of ounces of Raritan C.P. into the pan once a week when it can stand at least overnight. C.P. is a bio-enzymatic cleaning product that's marketed as a toilet bowl cleaner, but it's also the best sump and drain cleaner on the planet...'cuz it not only destroys odor on contact, but the enzymes in it "eat" hair, soap scum, grease etc and all the li'l critters that make sumps and condensate pans stink. Try it...I'm pretty sure you'll like it.
Which stands for Material Safety Data Sheet...in which it says that it contains copper sulfate, which is incompatible with aluminum...also other "proprietary" ingredients that are oxidizers (orxidation = corrosion). So if your condensate pan is aluminum, your cure for the odor may create other worse problems. I wasn't thrilled by their first aid/safey warnings either. Try squirting a couple of ounces of Raritan C.P. into the pan once a week when it can stand at least overnight. C.P. is a bio-enzymatic cleaning product that's marketed as a toilet bowl cleaner, but it's also the best sump and drain cleaner on the planet...'cuz it not only destroys odor on contact, but the enzymes in it "eat" hair, soap scum, grease etc and all the li'l critters that make sumps and condensate pans stink. Try it...I'm pretty sure you'll like it.
Thanks Peggy!
I use KO and CP for the toilet, and have used it to keep the sump clean. Hadn't considered that my condensate pan may be aluminum. Most in commercial aps are steel. Will try your suggestion.
I use KO and CP for the toilet, and have used it to keep the sump clean. Hadn't considered that my condensate pan may be aluminum. Most in commercial aps are steel. Will try your suggestion.
Good and pertinent info Jerry ......
When you're at the HVAC supply dont forget to get some of the powerful (aluminum/copper compatible) cleaners used to clean the fins/coils as they too can get loaded with bacterial slimes (stink). You really should cean the fins/coils peridoically on all AC units .... just to release all the attached airborne fouling that soon makes any AC unit very inefficienct.
When you're at the HVAC supply dont forget to get some of the powerful (aluminum/copper compatible) cleaners used to clean the fins/coils as they too can get loaded with bacterial slimes (stink). You really should cean the fins/coils peridoically on all AC units .... just to release all the attached airborne fouling that soon makes any AC unit very inefficienct.
Just be sure to check your condensate pan
Peggy's advice is well taken with regard to the condensate pan material. I am pretty sure mine is stainless steel, but not certain. I looked at the specs on line and they are not clear as to material in the Marine Aire 16M BTU unit I have. Thanks for the additonal imput and I agree.
Peggy's advice is well taken with regard to the condensate pan material. I am pretty sure mine is stainless steel, but not certain. I looked at the specs on line and they are not clear as to material in the Marine Aire 16M BTU unit I have. Thanks for the additonal imput and I agree.
Condensator
You did not specify the manufacturer of your unit. I experienced the same problem with my Mermaid Air. They sell a condensator that T's into the discharge line. All condensation is then pumped overboard. Cost $200.If you don't have a Mermaid suggest calling your manufacturer for a similar solution.
You did not specify the manufacturer of your unit. I experienced the same problem with my Mermaid Air. They sell a condensator that T's into the discharge line. All condensation is then pumped overboard. Cost $200.If you don't have a Mermaid suggest calling your manufacturer for a similar solution.
CP works!
Try Peggy's suggestion, Jerry, it really works. we use CP in our shower sump. AC condensate tray, bilge, etc. on our 356. It really cleans up the "bad" stuff
Try Peggy's suggestion, Jerry, it really works. we use CP in our shower sump. AC condensate tray, bilge, etc. on our 356. It really cleans up the "bad" stuff
Mine goes into the bilge
My A/C condensate drip water goes directly into the bilge. They did this with a small length of hose when the boat was originally commissioned. Wouldn't this seem to be the best solution? My boat is nearly three years old and has never had any kind of odor.
My A/C condensate drip water goes directly into the bilge. They did this with a small length of hose when the boat was originally commissioned. Wouldn't this seem to be the best solution? My boat is nearly three years old and has never had any kind of odor.
Happy puppy!
My condensation goes straight into a dog bowl thati keep located in the head area of my boat.If it overflows then it goes into the shower drain.The dog now always has a full bowl of cool water to sip on while i am at work.....aj
My condensation goes straight into a dog bowl thati keep located in the head area of my boat.If it overflows then it goes into the shower drain.The dog now always has a full bowl of cool water to sip on while i am at work.....aj
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