Need to raise pH of condensate coming from an old AC

SeafoodLicorce

I have a very old AC that is draining condensate into our roof deck drain. The condensate is of course acidic and I'm concerned it will eventually erode the pipes unless it is treated. I've got a similar pH filter set up on my Noritz tankless water heater, but for the life of me I cannot find a plumber or HVAC contractor in the Los Angeles area who will take the job to add something similar to our AC system. Is this really so rare?

One HVAC vendor said they could add tablets to the condensate pan but that doesn't seem right. Any ideas how to get this done? Could I simply buy the same Noritz filter unit I have for the water heater and direct a plumber to install it? The challenge will be that the HVAC drains from the very bottom of the unit (on the floor of the deck) so I'm not sure where it would be positioned. Sorry for the long message - any feedback would be appreciated.

JStar

You can add the acid neutralizer right at the outelt of the evaporator coil inside.

SeafoodLicorce

Thanks - do you think this job is better suited to an HVAC company or plumber? I'm not having much luck with either on Angie's List but maybe it's how I am describing it. It seems like a simple job, but not many people seem to be aware of it.

RobG

I thought AC condensate wasn't acidic? I have seen condensing gas appliances erode copper and concrete but never had a problem with AC.

SeafoodLicorce

When we run the AC, condensate immediately trickles down through the drain line. I tested the pH of that runoff using a strip and it looked to be between a 5 and 6. Could the acidic pH be caused by the age of the unit?? Its quite old

FranklinD

The condensate from an air conditioner is no different from the water that forms on a cold beverage on a hot, humid day. It's moisture from the air around you. So about the same as rain, I would imagine.

Condensate from a gas-burning appliance is totally different...it's literally condensed products of combustion.

Bob Bona_4

As far as I know, condensate is distilled, non acidic.

hot_rod

slightly acidic. Take a sample of the condensate dripping from you car AC, Is it the same ph?

If so it's in the air around where you live

Any chemical or industrial plants nearby? Sometimes the local weather stations have data on air quality and what is in the air around your area.