Attic HVAC Drip Pan Water Sensor

benjamming · Jul 10, 2015

I need two water sensors for the drip pans under the A/C coil & also gas furnace in my attic. The Little Giant condensate pumps have a 24V wiring scheme that is supposed to shut off the HVAC when either pump doesn't energize. However, if the check valve is bad, then the pump runs (is energized) but doesn't pump. So the HVAC will continue to run leading to water leakage. The drip pans are approximately 2" tall.

Any recommendations?

Thanks.

dishdude · Jul 10, 2015

I have a little 9V powered alarm in my drip pan that sounds when it detects water. Are you looking for something like that?

EdwardC · Jul 10, 2015

Originally Posted By: dishdude
I have a little 9V powered alarm in my drip pan that sounds when it detects water. Are you looking for something like that?

I was thinking something similar, like this: http://www.amazon.com/Glentronics-Inc-BW...K296G0RWWYNXAHC

benjamming · Jul 10, 2015

I want something that will shut down the HVAC unit (similar to the condensate pumps) so that it will be effective when I'm not home as well.

andyd · Jul 10, 2015

Would rigging a float sensor to open a thermostat wire work?

11crv · Jul 10, 2015

We use the brand wet switch. It's a small hockey puck looking sensor that lays flat in the pan. It also has a led to show moisture and a test button to make sure it is working properly. I wired one in recently for one of our accounts. They work pretty good. You could also wire your little giant to break 24v to the tstat and that would shut down the a/c and air handler.

FSully1 · Jul 10, 2015

Clips to the side of the pan
http://www.amazon.com/Rectorseal-97647-S...mp;keywords=ss3

This one to put into drain line:
http://www.amazon.com/Safe-T-Switch-RECT...=Rectorseal+ss1

benjamming · Jul 10, 2015

Originally Posted By: 11crv
We use the brand wet switch. It's a small hockey puck looking sensor that lays flat in the pan. It also has a led to show moisture and a test button to make sure it is working properly. I wired one in recently for one of our accounts. They work pretty good. You could also wire your little giant to break 24v to the tstat and that would shut down the a/c and air handler.

The makers of wet switch, DiversiTech, have quite a few good looking products. I'll check them out further. I'm thinking their CS-3, condensate switch - clip has my attention.

http://www.diversitech.com/Product?id=01tC0000003Mo2fIAC#downloads

EA82 · Jul 10, 2015

There's a lot of pan float switches out there, why isn't there a gravity drain line in the attic, why do you need a condensate pump?

blupupher · Jul 16, 2015

My A/C has a Water Gard system, my old neighbor was the owner/inventor of this system and installed it on my system when his company did a R/R of my HVAC.
Does what you want, but no idea on cost or where to get (website has info).

zzyzzx · Jul 17, 2015

Personally, I wouldn't buy a house with the A/C in the attic.

DBMaster · Jul 17, 2015

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Personally, I wouldn't buy a house with the A/C in the attic.

Not too many other options in Texas. Most of us do not get basements.

bubbatime · Jul 17, 2015

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Personally, I wouldn't buy a house with the A/C in the attic.

You would be practically homeless than in Florida. Most are in the attic. Some are in the garage.

JustinH · Jul 17, 2015

Every spec house I have seen that is one story has the AC laying sideways in the attic in my area (central Texas).

I put a 9v battery alarm that beeps to sense water in the pan, but that is not proper, I should get a wet switch.

zzyzzx · Jul 17, 2015

Originally Posted By: DBMaster
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Personally, I wouldn't buy a house with the A/C in the attic.

Not too many other options in Texas. Most of us do not get basements.

I wouldn't buy a house without a basement either.

dishdude · Jul 17, 2015

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Originally Posted By: DBMaster
Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Personally, I wouldn't buy a house with the A/C in the attic.

Not too many other options in Texas. Most of us do not get basements.

I wouldn't buy a house without a basement either.

I guess it's a good thing you live in Maryland! I can't imagine what you'd do when you saw my circuit breaker box...on the OUTSIDE of the house!

bubbatime · Jul 18, 2015

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
I wouldn't buy a house without a basement either.

You must like indoor swimming pools!!

michaelluscher · Jul 26, 2015

Originally Posted By: zzyzzx
Personally, I wouldn't buy a house with the A/C in the attic.

You'll be homeless in NYC and at least 1/3 of Jersey.

I'll bet you live in an apartment?

The check valve is good, and the pump moves sufficient water with authority?

SteveSRT8 · Jul 26, 2015

I live in sunny Fl and we have a half basement home.

We also have 3 breaker boxes. Our AC is in our attic.

My goodness, how have we survived our 12 years here?

Tones · Jul 29, 2015

There are also water sensors you can rig into your home alarm system and all the advantages that has such as cell phone text message or monitoring.

Attic HVAC Drip Pan Water Sensor

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