Question for HVAC folks AC condensate line

Rule3 · Sep 17, 2023

When we had a new AC unit installed they put in a JONES valve to use to blow out the lines. He said just use your compressor. Well the valve on it is not a regular schrader valve, it is a quick connect for nitrogen.

Is there an adapter I can get for my compressor hose to use air instead of nitrogen? I do not have or want a nitrogen bottle and hose

Here is a video of the unit and the type of valve.
Much easier than hooking up the wet dry vac outside.

Thanks

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3uILqfKGkk[/ame]

Ivan the Butcher · Sep 17, 2023

Those threads are standard 1/4" Flair fittings. I use to build my own adapters for the old R-22 bottles converted to air tanks. I have never seen a regular hardware with the fittings you need, but any HVAC supply should have what you need. It isn't anything that requires an EPA Certification, but some suppliers won't sell anything to people of the street! If you have a John Stone Supply in your area, they will sell things like that to anyone at retail.

You may have to make a Air hose adapter. There are 2 common sizes 1/4" and 3/8", make sure you know which size yours has. That and some Teflon tape and you are set.

Ivan

Heymatt · Sep 18, 2023

Just be mindful of the pressure you are using, 30-40 psi at the most. Anything more and you ‘ll find that one fitting that wasn’t glued properly!

jeffrefrig · Sep 18, 2023

Grainger should have what you need, also. I'm not sure if they sell to people without an account. Our local Johnstones in my area you need an account.I've never seen one of those valves in my life. Where is it located? Can you blow out the line in both directions?
Never mind, the video worked for me the second time.

Rule3 · Sep 18, 2023

jeffrefrig said:
Grainger should have what you need, also. I'm not sure if they sell to people without an account. Our local Johnstones in my area you need an account.I've never seen one of those valves in my life. Where is it located? Can you blow out the line in both directions?
Never mind, the video worked for me the second time.

It's the valve the AC tech uses o connect his bottle of Nitrogen to

I wonder if I can just get the hose with the connector and not all the gauges, and then use a barb fitting to connect to my air hose??

SMSgt · Sep 18, 2023

A shop-Vac on the outlet drain is about as easy as it gets, no risk of popping a joint or blowing stuff where you don't want it to go.

Rule3 · Sep 18, 2023

Seems I need one of these and cut one end to adapt to air compressor??

Nitrogen Regulator with 0-400 PSI Delivery Pressure, 60" Hose CGA580 Inlet Connection and 1/4'' Male Flare Outlet Connection

djohns6 · Sep 18, 2023

I put one on my condensate drain . The fitting is the same as the hoses on a set of refrigeration gauges . I had some hoses so it was no problem to make up one to fit my air hose . Have you tried to remove the brass fitting on the side and replace it with something that you can adapt to an air fitting ?

djohns6 · Sep 18, 2023

SMSgt said:
A shop-Vac on the outlet drain is about as easy as it gets, no risk of popping a joint or blowing stuff where you don't want it to go.

No , it's not as easy as it gets but if it works for you then that's cool . Not every drain is plumbed the same . In my case a shop vac is not an option . A Jones valve is the easiest and quickest for me .

WardenRoss · Sep 18, 2023

WFIW...

I use a sludge buster.

I leave a pvc joint loose, slip the joint apart, insert the buster and use my compressor to gently blow out the line. The rubber end of the buster blows out like a balloon, seals itself and poof!

,

djohns6 · Sep 18, 2023

Obviously there's a dozen different way to do it . The OP already has a Jones Valve and is trying to find a way to utilize it .

Ivan the Butcher · Sep 18, 2023

One of the questions that comes to mind is: Where is all your sludge/wet dust coming from? A proper functioning air filter should have cleaned the intake air! Maybe your home needs the ductwork vacuumed out. In service work I found that the pet hair never makes it to the condensate drain, it's all stuck to the return air side of the evaporator coil, so you just have airborne dust and pollen. A couple years of which shouldn't be a problem.

If you are looking at preventative maintenance, you may be over kill!

If it was me, I would probably cut out the Jones valve, as is it one of the more restrictive points in your condensation line!

When I had sludge clogs, the were most often where the condensation tray (at the bottom of the coil) and the exit port for that water came together. I found that a can of computer compressed air was the most convenient way to blow it out. (But in your case the Jones valve will trap it where you cave to do surgery to remove it!)

By the way, The long pipe cleaners for AR-15 gas tubes are your friend in these clogs.

Ivan

jeffrefrig · Sep 18, 2023

I put those anti-sludge pills in my drain about every two-three months and I've never had a clog; but my drain goes to the base of the furnace where both drains go into a Little Giant pump. It pumps up & over to my stationary tub. I collect the water in a bucket in the sink for the birdbaths. My dad would be proud of me for saving all that water instead of house water.
That guy from Supco said these cleanouts, or similar, are code now? When did that happen? Supco buys the invention then lobbies the code writers for the next code upgrade?

Rule3 · Sep 18, 2023

I have done the shop vac thing for years. I did it yesterday and got nothing.This a a pretty new AC and new ducts, Trane It was serviced 3 months ago
The Jones valve can be turned to blow both ways.

I shut down yesterday of course (Sunday)
There is no water in the pan, no water in the secondary float valve that is out side the main drain line (in attic by the air handler
Now it is turning on for a minute and then shut down

Could be algae in side the unit? I am guess it is a faulty thermostat??
Heck it is either electrical or mechanical???

Rule3 · Sep 18, 2023

djohns6 said:
I put one on my condensate drain . The fitting is the same as the hoses on a set of refrigeration gauges . I had some hoses so it was no problem to make up one to fit my air hose . Have you tried to remove the brass fitting on the side and replace it with something that you can adapt to an air fitting ?

I thought about doing that, Is there a schrader valve that will screw into the hole (same threads) But then I would have to put the original back in so the AC guy can use his Nitrogen bottle,

WardenRoss · Sep 18, 2023

Wonder if this adapter (kit) would work? The piece on the left.

Link....

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Industrial-45-degree-Winterize-Preventer-Sprinkler/dp/B09HZ23RCK[/ame]

tlawler · Sep 18, 2023

At first I thought it was some sort of eductor (jet pump) that sucked out the line. If so, the eductor jet would partially restrict the line. But then after reading about it, I realized it’s a three way valve, of sorts, that lets you blow both ways. The problem I see is that if mounted downstream of the trap, it will deposit the contents of the trap into your drain pan and all over your evap coil. Code…Schmode, I’ve seen quite a few gimmicks over the years to facilitate condensate line clean out, but the way that works best (for most…ok, not all), is the wet vac on the outlet where it drains outside. Sucking out all the gunk is way better that blowing it loose to let the backed up condensate flush it through. You just have to remember to plug the vent line, or you’ll just suck air. Then a little bleach introduced to the drain pan and you should be good for six months or so. I don’t do any airside work, just large tonnage industrial chillers, but that’s what all the airside guys I know swear by and it’s always worked on my system and on friends/family that I show it to.

jeffrefrig · Sep 18, 2023

That little valve is one of those things that make you think "I should've invented that." I would've put a little limit switch on it to break power in the A/C control so someone doesn't leave it closed. I liked doing controls installation. I had to make a decent wire diagram for my furnace & A/C controls in the furnace and a couple accessories I hooked up. It's fun! Good luck with your connector. If you have an air chuck for your compressor you can use that, too.

djohns6 · Sep 18, 2023

The Jones Valve is not rocket science . You don't need a limit switch on it . And it is NOT restrictive . Geeezz ..

Rule3 · Sep 18, 2023

WardenRoss said:
Wonder if this adapter (kit) would work? The piece on the left.

Link....

Amazon.com

No, don't think so.

Question for HVAC folks AC condensate line

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