Humidifier drain PVC piping clogged - overflows

Hi,

I noticed water under my whole house humidifer and furnace. It turns out the water that drains out of the humidifier was overflowing the drain PVC (where the plastic tubing goes into the PVC which then is routed to the floor drain).

I tested it by pouring water with a funnel into the PVC and it immediately overflowed.

Also - there is always a white fluffy substance on the floor - so I think it's from the water that runs through the humidifier (softened water).

I'm looking for suggestions on how to clear out the PVC. There is a 90 degree elbow within around 9 inches. Would vinegar or something like that work? I would plug up the other end to keep the vinegar of whatever in there to break up the material.

Thanks!

 

Do you have a shop vac? I'd use the suction from the shop vac, and try to suck it out on the other end.

 

I've used the old standby snake... a cut-up coat hanger.

 

I keep one of those big duct zip ties near each system to clear HVAC drains.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I actually did try one of those wire fish things but I really need something that will bend into the elbow and clean that out.

May I ask what exactly is a big duct zip tie??

 

I had a condensate line that did that every now and then and I could disconnect the hose and clear it by just blowing into it really hard, like blowing up a balloon.

If the other ideas don't work, maybe an air compressor w/air nozzle and some duct putty would work. (duct putty to seal up the pipe around your air nozzle so as to build up some pressure.) Or use a cork as a stopper with a hole drilled in it for the air nozzle.

The shop vac would be cleaner.

 

A duct zip tie is just a large heavy duty zip tie used to connect flex duct to metal round duct etc.
48 in. Natural Heavy-Duty Cable Ties (10-Pack)-296234 at The Home Depot

 

Thanks! I actually have some zip ties at home (not necessarily the same, probably smaller). I'll give it a try!

 

Have you tried the shop vac to suck on it??