If you're talking about some water remaining in the pipe a few inches down from the drain grill, yes, that is completely normal. All drains have a trap shortly underneath the grill so a little water remains in the pipes at all times. This is to prevent sewer gasses from working their way back up the drain.
ALL drains are supposed to have water standing in them at the p-trap. The trap holds water that blocks deadly sewer gasses from entering the building.
There are a number of different reasons why outside drains may have water in them. These may include surface water or debris. If your outside drains seem to be constantly backed up, it may be time to consider some preventative measures to keep them clear.
ALL drains are supposed to have water standing in them at the p-trap. The trap holds water that blocks deadly sewer gasses from entering the building.
If it's the drain that comes directly from the unit, then yes, it should be dripping. If it's the drain to the emergency overflow, then no, it should not be dripping.
As mentioned earlier, condensate is almost 100% pure water, and pure water is one of the most corrosive elements on the planet; especially when it comes in contact with steel and starts to cool.
First, remove all stagnant water from the sink. Replace it with hot water until it is halfway full, and it generates a seal around your drain. Place the sink plunger over the drain and start pumping up and down swiftly. Remove the plunger, observe if the water flows, and repeat the procedure until water flows freely.
Most Common Reason for Standing Water in Sewer Lines
No, that's not a new jelly bean flavor. Sewer bellies are the most common reason for standing water to develop in your sewer line. Essentially, a sewer belly is a bend or break in your sewer line that disrupts the flow of water, and creates a backup.
You'll find a white PVC or copper pipe located near your outdoor unit—this is where the drain line ends. Near your indoor unit, you'll find a vertical PVC pipe with a cap on it, which acts as the access point for the condensate drain.
The signs of a blocked outside drain
If you see water pooling and draining slowly, it's likely there is a blockage somewhere down the line. Besides slow drainage, foul smells are often one of the first indicators that you have a blocked drain outside.
You'll need boiling water, a cup, bicarbonate of soda and some vinegar. Take the drain cover off and pour the boiling water down the drain. Add a cup of bicarb followed by a cup of vinegar, it should begin to fizz and bubble up. Replace the drain cover and repeat every couple of hours until the blockage is cleared.
Standing water in a drain, often the bathroom or kitchen sink, is caused by the water not being able to flow through correctly. This is most likely from a blockage that causes the water to rise up outside the drain.
The first answer is YES: Your sewer drains should hold water in certain locations. The reason for the water in the drainage fixture is to prevent rodents and smells entering the building. For example a toilet pan has water in its bowl always this is to prevent foul smells entering the building.
The Short Answer Is: Drano and similar chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to home drain pipes as they contain corrosive chemicals that may deteriorate pipes over time, especially if used frequently.
Drano Max Gel Liquid Clog Remover
The best drain cleaner overall. A thick gel that descends through standing water to the source of the clog and starts to work melting soap scum, grease, and other gunky obstructions, is safe for plumbing and septic systems.
You will likely pay around $350 to $650 to have a plumber unclog a main sewer line unless you have complications like serious damage to the line.
With a clogged basement drain, pouring Drano or similar products down your sewer drain can actually damage your pipes or the glue holding them together, causing more sewer system problems in the future.
However, we have to make a distinction here. It's completely normal for your AC to drain 5-20 gallons of water outside of your home (via the condensate drain).
Common condensate issues
Common ways to identify if your condensate pipe is blocked are listening for an unusual gurgling sound when the boiler attempts to start, or the boiler may repeatedly 'lock out' or stop working and display an EA code.
Flush Condensate Drain Line
The repair cost to have the drain line flushed runs between $75 to $250.