Line going to blower unit from heat pump dripping water . ..

Okay, I don't know any of the correct terminology, but one of the lines that runs between the heat pump (outside) to the blower unit (in the crawl space) constantly drips water during the summer time. The HVAC guy says it isn't leaking, it's condensation, but the constant drip actually ends up being alot of water puddling up. So we put that rubber foam like insulation around the line, and I checked and there was all this water built up inside the insulation tubing, though not as much water if we had left it uncovered. So, my question is, how do I stop it from condensating/dripping water? and is leaving the rubber insulation on it gonna cause the line to rust out? (as my husband says it will rust out it and it's just better to let it drip and then dry out). I have pictures I can email. Thanks for any insight.

 

Hi there.

The line you are speaking of, the one covered in black insulation that gets cold, is called the suction line. Refrigerant travels through it. The small uninsulated warm to hot line is the liquid line.

HVAC guy is right, it isn't leaking, it is water condensation. The line should be cold and sweaty, if the system is doing its job. The line should be insulated with the black insulation. Our A/C insulation gets wet in some places too due to the condensation. Whether or not there is something wrong with the system to cause excessive condensation, I'm not sure (someone else may chime in).

However, don't worry about the lines rusting out. The lines are copper, and copper does not rust, it does oxidize and gets a patina coating (ever seen an old copper pipe with that green stuff on it? Statue of liberty is a fine example of patina).

Good luck!

 

I was afraid my question was stupid and no one was gonna reply!! I had pulled some of the insulation off where is was wet, so should I just put some new insulation back on the line and just leave it alone for the summer?

 

The line would need to be insulated and sealed for the entire length, with the right size insulation for the pipe. Any air leakage to the surface of the pipe will allow condensation. If you don't do the entire line, it will run down and collect inside the insulation.

Since your crawlspace is probably relatively humid, it will condense easily on the line.

BTW Don't know what you used, but the cheaper grey foam insulation is not as good as the black higher density stuff. And there is also a tape that would seal the seam, but I'm not sure of the type or brand.

JMO