Chemical tablets are one of the products that people use in hopes of keeping their condensate drain line clear. Air conditioner pan tablets, often called “condensate pan tablets” or “drain pan tablets,” may be effective in slowing the growth of algae, mold, and slime in your AC’s condensate drain pan. But this is only true for a period of time. Pan tablets are a temporary solution to a serious problem.
How Pan Tablets Work
- Prevent Clogs: The primary function of these tablets is to keep the condensate drain line clear. When algae, mold, and slime build up in the pan, they can eventually block the drain line. This causes the pan to overflow. An overflowing pan can lead to water damage in your home, often to ceilings, walls, or flooring. It can also damage the AC unit itself.
- Biocidal Action: The tablets typically contain a biocide (a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms) that slowly dissolves in the water that collects in the pan. As the water evaporates or drains, a small amount of the biocide is left behind. Hopefully, this creates an environment unfavorable for microbial growth.
- Ease of Use: Place one or more tablets (depending on the size of your unit and pan) directly into the condensate pan. They dissolve slowly over time, typically lasting for a month or more before needing replacement.
Important Considerations:
- Regular Replacement: Some pan tablets only last for a few weeks or one month. You will be required to regularly administer the tablet to keep the line clear.
- Conditional Difficulties: Those who are physically unable to access the air conditioning system to administer pan tablets may find it difficult to administer the tablets according to schedule, especially tablets that last short periods of time.
- Not a Solution for Existing Clogs: If your drain line is already clogged, a tablet won’t clear it. You’ll need to manually clear the clog first.
- Safety: While generally safe for AC units, it’s always good practice to read the specific product instructions for any safety warnings or handling precautions.
The eTrapp Difference
eTrapp Condensate Treatment System addresses the root cause of clogged condensate lines. The permanent solution combines a plumbed-in unit, a replaceable chemical cartridge that lasts for six months, and an advanced sensor array that constantly monitors the system’s flow and alerts the homeowner or building owner of any possible issues before they start.
Because eTrapp feeds up-to-the-minute information to the eTrapp App, there’s no need to physically check on the unit every few weeks to see if it’s functioning properly, unlike pan tablets. There’s also no handling of chemicals.
Read Why eTrapp is The Best Condensate Treatment System on the Market to learn more about what this innovative system can do for you.