Check my logic -- AC drain

[Bevo5]

So because of some bars on the window of the apartment we rent, we have to have indoor/portable AC units. So these are big, loud machines that suck. Anyway.

They fill up with water..and even though they are supposed to evaporate the water automatically, this is actually done by a big wheel that spins the water into vapor and then shoots it out with the hot air through the exhaust. THis is fine, except as the water builds up the wheel starts to make a loud noise as it hits the water.

So here is what I am thinking.

I can run a tube out of the back for a constant drain..but my apt is below ground..so running it out the window wont work since there is no way to get the water up hill.

My plan -- run a long tube from the back spout to my bathroom and then push it like 5 ft down into the drain of the bathtub to get it below the level of the spout on the AC unit -- which should mean the water will flow right?

It's probably a 20ft distance to cover.

This is only necessary because I hate repetitive noises when I sleep -- and it gets loud.

 

[brntorng]

If I understand the situation, you're trying to drain the water out of the AC pan by keeping the end of a drain hose below the water level in the pan. It will work when a siphon is created, but it will stop and not restart once the pan is empty and the siphon draws air. If the hose never gets above the pan's water level enroute to the drain then it would work without having to create a siphon.

 

[accuratehorn]

How about a cheap pump from Lowe's, made for a small recirculating fountain? You could pump the water into an indoor fountain, or into your bathtub, or into your neighbor's apartment through a small hole in the wall when they play their Abba records too loud.

 

[Bevo5]

Yeah -- the problem is getting the water out of the AC unit and into something else to either A) be pumped away, or B) put down a drain.

I could raise the unit off the ground and put a container under it with a float switch that turns on the pump I guess. Seems like a lot of hassle..haha.

Now that I think of it..the tube wont work since it would have to go up into the tub.

Damn.

 

[horn blooded]

Get an ice chest that is large enough for the AC unit to sit on. Put a small hole on top and use a tube to drain the AC into the ice chest. Run a hose from the ice chest drain to the tub. When enough water builds up in the ice chest, there will be sufficient pressure to force the water to the tub.

 

[spidey69]

raise the ac slightly and drain it off to a pan that can be emptied every few days. Keep it simple.