Broken pvc fitting in steel coupler on A/C drain pan
#1
06-02-18, 11:39 AM
Broken pvc fitting in steel coupler on A/C drain pan
We have a Unico air conditioning system in the attic, and earlier this week, after finding a wet floor and water damaged ceiling, I discovered that the condensate trap was leaking. It looked easy enough to replace, but in the process of disassembling the old one I broke the 3/4" PVC adapter that threads into the metal discharge on the unit. My initial thought was that I need to make two or three cuts with a hacksaw blade inside the PVC, obviously being careful to not damage the threads, and then peck at it with a small chisel or punch. But my concern, and the reason I didn't consider an extractor, is that if the green pipe dope that was originally used has become strong enough to cause me to break it, how readily are those pieces going to come out once I slice it into halves or thirds? I don't know what other options or tricks there may be, so am asking for whatever advice anyone has. I did wonder if some heat might help, but don't know enough about air conditioning systems to know if getting that fitting hot would hurt anything. And of course there's the concern with using a hot torch in an already hot attic, but would take a fire extinguisher along if I were to have to go that route.
#2
06-02-18, 12:14 PM
Group Moderator
Too much metal for heat to help.
Some cuts without hitting the threads is fine.
I use a hacksaw blade to make the scores.
Some cuts without hitting the threads is fine.
I use a hacksaw blade to make the scores.
#3
06-02-18, 12:16 PM
Well gee whiz, scratch that. It's hot up there in the attic, especially for an old man, and I had just come down when I posted, but cooled down a bit, had a glass of water, stretched my legs, went back up, made four cuts with a hack saw blade, struggled just a little to get the first piece out with a slim drift, then just twisted out the rest. Pretty simple, just like I figured it should be once I gathered myself back together.
#4
06-02-18, 12:20 PM
I was thinking that's how most of them were set up, and mine does have a secondary one for the pan, but this is a brass coupler that comes straight out of the unit. I go up there at least a couple times a year, just to look at this unit as well as the vents, general condition of the sheathing, and whatnot, but couldn't recall exactly how the drain was configured until I got my hands on it. But thank you for replying.
