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How to rerout AC condensate pipes into drain?

Greetings. I've got two split system ac's with condensate pipes that drip onto patio pavers. One limestone slab has worn away over many years so I'd like to upgrade from a 'catch-drips-in-container-then-empty-into-garden-when-full' strategy to rerouting the pipes into a drain that's located midway between the two pipes. (see images attached)

Shopping list so far:

(Pipes are 15mm) - : 3 x 1m lengths,

15mm elbows and 15mm couplings.
Saddles to attach to wall and conduit (removed for project to show pipe connections to ac, plan to re-attach to wall as final step.)

Initial thought for rerouted ac condensate pipes to end just above the drain cover to catch drips, but now I'm wondering if there's a tidier way for me (DIYer skill level: fair to middling) to have the pipes end within the drain, so they're underneath the drain cover? Currently, the pipes wouldn't fit through the drain cover holes - perhaps it's best to just make 2 of the drain cover holes bigger so the ends of each pipe can fit in from above rather than overcomplicating things?

Ac2 pipe in original positionAc2 condensate pipe end now with drain to L)Is there a ye-beaut connection / way to achieve this, or is it a needs-a-plumber-enter-at-your-own-peril scenario?

Is that a thing?

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Comments

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @Koatrexy

Yes good plan.

Run ac pipe 2 across the doorway (Parallels with the other pipe so it all the pipes together looks better ? ) at a slight angle and drop it vertically into the drain.

Have AC1 at a slight angle ( 5- ) run across and join the AC 2 vertical drop with a tee piece

A tip for you if use a heat gun or blow torch with care or even a lighter in desperation with care as they get hot. Warm the pvc pipe it will become soft and allow you to create a bends in it at need like the kick out from the wall at the bottom hold it into position and cool it with cold water and it takes the new shape.

Koatrexy

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/49349#Comment_49349

Hi Jewelleryrescue,

Appreciate such a fast response!
To clarify re tee piece - so then I will just have the one pipe, ie H2O comes from each ac, the 2 pipes combine at the tee piece - funnelled into the one vertical pipe down to the drain? I like that a lot.

And then just hover that pipe end above drain cover, or would it be better to try to get it inside the drain somehow? Possibly overthinking that bit....

re heating pipe Aha! That's how they did that with ends of pipes.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86762#Comment_86762

Hello @Koatrexy

It's great that you've received excellent suggestions from @Jewelleryrescue. Just to add to the recommendations made, please make sure that the condensate pipes are all angled with a fall to prevent water from pooling inside the pipe. Before you make any changes to your condensate drain works, I suggest looking at your local council's rules and regulations in regards to the correct method of where the condensate pipe must be positioned to drain.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108802#Comment_108802

Good Evening @Koatrexy

@Jewelleryrescue has pretty much said what was in my thoughts, Tho id go with 20mm pipe (no reason other then its was standard conduit is )

Angled as @Jewelleryrescue and @EricL has mentioned is a must, you really dont want water to pool in the pipes.

Id have the brackets off the walls like the one next to the air con and then when the single pipe is below attach it to the wall. That way no need to worry about bends. Really shouldnt have to worry too much for that.

The bottom part I would right angle bracket to end over the drain itself. Two reasons, ease to clean out if needed and also ease at seeing if its clagged up from buildup.

Dave

Nailbag

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86762#Comment_86762

Hi @Koatrexy

I'll just take back in @Jewelleryrescue as he has provided the ideal solution. Yes the idea of the T-piece is to allow a single pipe down in to the storm water opening. If the grate holes are small, the water may drip on the top and run off the edges. So you could open up a couple and then poke the end of the drain pipe in to the grate slightly to avoid this possibility.

Re bending the pipe, you can also use a hair drier on high-heat half up close. There still is a fine line when bending the conduit in preventing it from kinking, so go slow.. Sparkies use a spring inserted inside the conduit to prevent this.

Regards Nailbag

Koatrexy

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/108802#Comment_108802

Thanks for the info, Eric. Will do.

In fact, the condensate pipes will only be 1 - 1.5m further along the same wall that they each are on currently.
It's not a major move, at least I perceived it as fairly minor but perhaps I 'don't know what I don't know'

It just is more sensible using the existing drain in the middle of the patio (see pictures for reference) rather than have a pipe on each end of the wall, each of them draining out into an ice-cream container the alternative is dripping on the patio and wearing away pavers. (as it has at one of the ends).

I didn't know anything about acs when they were installed so it never occurred to me to ask but has irritated me for years looking at that drain.

Koatrexy

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/49349#Comment_49349

Thanks so much

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/86765#Comment_86765

Hi @Koatrexy

On ac2 cut the old drain pipe , probably 20mm pipe (do check this before buying fittings) up near the other horizontal conduit and add on a Conduit elbow

Then have it fall down at a slight angle over the door just under the other conduit you might be able to cable tie too.

Use another elbow to drop it down vertical to the drain. Approx 3/4 way down add in a conduit T piece

to accept the conduit from AC1 it will also need to be cut and have an elbow added then angled down to meet the ac1 vertical drop to the drain.

Because the fitting is at 90 degree turns the 20 mm pipe may have enough flex in it to have some downward angles.

Or that's where heating it and remoulding its shape comes in and will remove any spring out of the conduit. I am pretty sure there will be enough flex.

You can re-use the wall pipe holders from the other vertical drops now not used.

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