Exterior line set wall penetration sealing?
- Thread starter TimberMan
- Start date
pcmeiners
Well-known member
Have 5 minisplits installed. Used Airex pro system for the linesets, control cables and electric. Expensive but looks neat, seals out rain and provides a vinyl wrap to protect the lines going into the outside unit from the weather and sun. Once installed, I shot a small amount of non expanding foam into the bundle from the house interior (basement) for an air/rodent seal, could be done from the outside. Used the largest diameter size. Picked up a couple on Ebay, prices vary considerable from dealers.
airexmfg.com
Airex Pro-System Kit™ | Airex Manufacturing Inc
TGS Airex Pro-System Kit TRS Airex Pro-Systrem Kit TSS Airex Pro-System Kit PRODUCT SUMMARY The AIREX PRO-SYSTEM KIT™ is a 2-in-1 system used to gasket seal HVACR piping penetrating through exterior walls from air leakage (AIREX TITAN OUTLET™) and to protect pipe insulation from outdoor weather...
airexmfg.com
fitter30
Well-known member
That's slick!Have 5 minisplits installed. Used Airex pro system for the linesets, control cables and electric. Expensive but looks neat, seals out rain and provides a vinyl wrap to protect the lines going into the outside unit from the weather and sun. Once installed, I shot a small amount of non expanding foam into the bundle from the house interior (basement) for an air/rodent seal, could be done from the outside. Used the largest diameter size. Picked up a couple on Ebay, prices vary considerable from dealers.
Airex Pro-System Kit™ | Airex Manufacturing Inc
TGS Airex Pro-System Kit TRS Airex Pro-Systrem Kit TSS Airex Pro-System Kit PRODUCT SUMMARY The AIREX PRO-SYSTEM KIT™ is a 2-in-1 system used to gasket seal HVACR piping penetrating through exterior walls from air leakage (AIREX TITAN OUTLET™) and to protect pipe insulation from outdoor weather...
pcmeiners
Well-known member
Initially I thought really expensive for a piece of composite plastic. Still think expensive but it solves a few issues. Easy to install, provides a rain proof seal for all lines entering the home, looks good, a UV resistant vinyl wrap is provided to cover all the lines (if you bundle the lineset and the electric/control lines) and seals them rain with a little effort, provides a decent seal against my houses sheathing.
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Years ago, often I would hole saw through the wall for a 2" PVC pipe, caulk the PVC well to the interior and exterior wall surface, run the line set and interconnecting wiring through and expanding foam around the line set and caulk over that.
pcmeiners
Well-known member
With the Airex product, the only fault I give it is you need to order the largest diameter boot size or else you will have a tough time getting all lines to easily go through the rubber boot especially if you lineset insulation is on the thick side.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I only installed one mini but I used the same hole.
Make absolutely sure you are pitching it down the whole way. Even a little belly will be a problem. Ask me how I know...
pcmeiners
Well-known member
Have the drain line separate from the lineset/ wiring bundle. I bring the drain line out in a separate hole low to the ground as I consider drain lines unsightly/clutter, even though I used flexible clear 5/8" tubing.
Is there some sort of fancy cover to use on the three-quarter inch PVC or just a hole and some sealant?
Sealant only...I did a clean 7/8in dia hole and sealant around it. I also have a screen on the end to prevent bugs etc from going into the line. I cant take a pic if needed.
It is for a 2 story garage but this is how they do it do south for AC condensate water for AC. Nothing fancy and I am sure there are way to dress it up.
I am still shocked by the amount of water the unit pull out of the air! Opening the windows/doors kills it since I did last night for 50F temps but humidity is over 72%.
I suspect most installations use the same hole, but what's the right thing depends on the details of the installation. A separate route can make it easier to make sure it's got good slope, but requires more holes in the building, and makes the inside installation more complicated.
pcmeiners
Well-known member
Same here but your not only drying the air but all the materials in the building. Once you have the minisplit on for a while the amount of water decreases.
Codyboy
Well-known member
I made an oval hole and installed a 2" PVC pipe as a chase for the lineset. Used urethane caulk to seal it up.
Now that the lineset is in the pipe and foam insulation surrounding it on the inside, it does not move.
I ran the pvc drain in its own hole.
I'll follow up with some black paint on the pvc and it should basically disappear.
The only thing I'm concerned about is the drain pipe being completely open. We have lots of dirt daubers and wasps that like to plug things up.
Is there a cap I can use to block the hole to allow water to drain but not let anything enter from outside? Like a check valve maybe? Idk.
I thought about a piece of rubber like from an inner tube and using the urethane caulk to secure to the top edge of the pvc. Basically making a flap.
Now that the lineset is in the pipe and foam insulation surrounding it on the inside, it does not move.
I ran the pvc drain in its own hole.
I'll follow up with some black paint on the pvc and it should basically disappear.
The only thing I'm concerned about is the drain pipe being completely open. We have lots of dirt daubers and wasps that like to plug things up.
Is there a cap I can use to block the hole to allow water to drain but not let anything enter from outside? Like a check valve maybe? Idk.
I thought about a piece of rubber like from an inner tube and using the urethane caulk to secure to the top edge of the pvc. Basically making a flap.
Attachments
window screen? Run the drain below grade, into a drywell?
For my garage minisplit drain, I used 3/4 PVC with a pool vacuum screen that fits perfect inside the pipe. Drips into a 6" dia 4 foot pipe filled with 80% septic sand. Has the "grid" on the pipe so frogs do not jump in.
Drain the water and no bugs, etc can go in. I can remove the filer and clean. If not, I would toss out and use another. you can buy on amazon cheap for like 4 or 6 cheap.
Drain the water and no bugs, etc can go in. I can remove the filer and clean. If not, I would toss out and use another. you can buy on amazon cheap for like 4 or 6 cheap.
