Mini split condensate line

[notmine]

I’ve recently received 2 quotes for installing a mini split in my garage. The wall that I want to install the interior portion on is also an interior wall between the garage an inside my home.
1st quote has no problem running the condensate line in a interior wall. Second quote or installer says you should never run a condensate line through a interior wall.
Now it’s got me wondering and I can’t seem to get my head wrapped around whether i should be listening to the second quotes advice and not be running a condensate line through it.
Just wondering wondering if any one here has the knowledge to to say yes or no to running a condensate line through a interior wall?

 

[jjrbus]

Not an AC tech or builder, a DIY guy trying to get by. If I wanted to run a line inside the wall I would use PVC not the ribbed normally used. However I would not want to run one in a wall if it could be avoided. I do have one run 16 feet horizontally with PVC, it is hidden but not in the wall

 

[mike93lx]

All of the condensate lines in my house are in walls, but they are also running to split systems that have drain pans. If the line for a mini clogs, it backs up to the unit and either drains down the wall or would follow the condensate line and leak inside the wall.

Condensate drains require some maintenance, so making that easier to do wouldn't be terrible, but having an exposed drain isn't usually ideal

 

[PoorUB]

The only issue i can see would be a near horizontal, gravity drain line,run in poly tube. The sags will fill with dirt and plug up.
I have done horizontal lines. but run with sch 40 PVC so there are no sags.

Vertical drains I always used the braided poly tube. The stuff is tough, rated for something like 100 PSI and it wants to stay round.

If a line burried in the wall plugs up you can always run the line out side the wall later.

 

[justinjoyal]

There is no issue with installing a drain line inside the wall as long as it's done properly.

 

[notmine]

There is no issue with installing a drain line inside the wall as long as it's done properly.

No kidding!

 

[justinjoyal]

No kidding!

Meaning : appropriate slope, no useless fittings that could leak, protective metal plates on the studs if a nail/screw could hit the pipe, etc.

 

[notmine]

Meaning : appropriate slope, no useless fittings that could leak, protective metal plates on the studs if a nail/screw could hit the pipe, etc.

Yes for sure..and no useless fittings is a good reminder to keep it simple

 

[pcmeiners]

Pet peeve....
The cheap corrigated tubinig they generally supply in lineset kits. Supplies a ton of surface area to grow mold/bacteria or to trap small dirt particles, possibly causing blockage over time. Also it must be fun to try and run something down or up the corrugated tubing to clean it out.

 

[dcg9381]

Second quote or installer says you should never run a condensate line through a interior wall.

I'd assume me means you should never run the OEM piece of **** condensation line through a wall. If he means that, I'd agree.
Condensation lines in the wall are pretty standard here. Just used 3/4" PVC. I use 3/4 PVC lines for our mini-splits in the wall.
Yes, requires some maintenance depending on how often you use it.. (bleach, etc)

 

[notmine]

Pet peeve....
The cheap corrigated tubinig they generally supply in lineset kits. Supplies a ton of surface area to grow mold/bacteria or to trap small dirt particles, possibly causing blockage over time. Also it must be fun to try and run something down or up the corrugated tubing to clean it out.

Really I’d never have thought linesets come with corrugated tubing..no wonder there is no consumer confidence anymore!
I’ve purchased a home and my garage space is 26x23 with 10 ft ceilings and heated by a 1500w in wall heater there fore my thoughts steer towards mini split.
Now after extensive research I can probably install a mini without employing outside expensive help. Yes I’ve limited myself towards using a exterior wall for mounting after thinking through all the problems that can occur when you mount these things on interior walls now I’m faced with how to properly seal that hole created to the outside on a exterior wall that has now compromised the insulation value of the space. The more I look into this the more attractive is the thought of replacing my 1500w fan forced in wall heater for a 5000w unit that will heat my space…..no worries about plugged or leaking condensate lines nor2 pieces of equipment that run an rely on circuit boards to operate no a/c but….as I research mini splits the in wall heater is starting to look better all the time

 

[428PI]

I'd assume me means you should never run the OEM piece of **** condensation line through a wall. If he means that, I'd agree.

I did run the cheap corrugated line in my wall but I can replace it within a few minutes if I need to. Just pop the indoor unit back, unplug the line and pull it up and drop in new line. The bottom of my wall has an almost 1 ft sq opening to drop the line through though.

 

[TimberMan]

Meaning : appropriate slope, no useless fittings that could leak, protective metal plates on the studs if a nail/screw could hit the pipe, etc.

I would also guess that the line needs to be insulated, at least where it turns and penetrates the wall sheathing and siding to prevent condensation on the outside of it??