| Project by Houston | posted 08-27-2010 07:49 PM | 15027 views | 0 times favorited | 8 comments |  |
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I hate seeing things go to waste, so one of the first things I do on any property I am a steward of is re-route the AC condensation drain pipe into a mint/basil garden.
I begin by sectioning an area off for the garden (within a couple feet from the AC drainage pipe) using stone or brick or some other sustainable material I find that is hardy enough to take being next to moist earth for its life (and will not leach toxins). I usually buy some bulk garden dirt from local nurseries specializing in making dirt/compost.
Next see what size pvc/piping the drain pipe is and purchase some extension piping that is the same size and a connector to connect (get an angled one if you need to maneuver the pipe) the pieces.
I am an electrician and AC repairman so this comes a bit natural to me, but make sure you stay clear of the AC electrical units/grounds and make sure the drainage pipe is at a slight decline into the garden. What you absolutely don’t want happening is the water not draining cause you have obstructed gravity from doing it’s job.
Make sure to plant a high water loving plant that likes to be in constantly moist soil. I find mint is perfect for this, but basil does pretty well too. I have apple mint, chocolate mint, and regular mint growing within a 2 foot radius from the drain and I never have to water them in Houston because the AC runs constant in the summer during Texas’ 100+ degree heatwaves.
This is an easy 20 minute project (once you have the supplies) and well worth it, especially if you like mint tea.
-- If you need an electrician in Houston, we'll do a great job and respect your time. http://www.ontime-electric.com
8 comments so far
Houston
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47 posts in 4592 days
posted 09-08-2010 06:22 PM
I know this is a really simple project and not fanciful at all, but it is a really great way to use a by-product (water) of a system already in place (AC).
On a side note, the water usually keeps a diameter of 4 feet moist and I do have a tomato plant and a couple pepper plants within that range (if you can tell from the pictures)... I do not recommend this though, I would just do water-loving herbs.
-- If you need an electrician in Houston, we'll do a great job and respect your time. http://www.ontime-electric.com
HokieMojo
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4 posts in 4712 days
posted 09-08-2010 10:45 PM
I’ve thought about doing somethign like this a few times. It looks pretty good! Since you work in the trade, you might know the answer to this. Is there any risk of metals (from solder, etc.) leaching into the soil? I’ve hear this can happen but am not sure if it is a wives tale. Thanks for sharing your ideas and knowledge!
Houston
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47 posts in 4592 days
posted 09-09-2010 04:44 PM
Specifically in AC units and such there is no danger since they use a hard solder which is mostly a silver alloy… there is a danger in electronics though since they use a soft solder. Nothing from the condensation we are routing in this project that I would worry about! I’d be more worried about the 100(s) year old aluminum piping city water is shipped to the home (depending on where you live)... but that’s a whole different can of worms.
-- If you need an electrician in Houston, we'll do a great job and respect your time. http://www.ontime-electric.com
HokieMojo
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4 posts in 4712 days
posted 09-09-2010 05:23 PM
interesting. thanks for the reply. like i said, I’m no expert so this was enlightening. thanks again.
Composter
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1 post in 4575 days
posted 09-11-2010 01:56 PM
Years ago I added an adapter (PVC-NPT), a scrap of brass pipe and a brass spigot to my drain. It has a post under it about 18” out from the house. We keep a watering can onder it in the flowerbed so the water can be used where it’s needed. (I took the washer out of the spigot so it couldn’t be shut off and back the water up into the house.)
dustygirl
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321 posts in 5254 days
posted 09-16-2010 07:01 PM
What a great idea.
-- Dustygirl Hastings,Ont. Life is too short to sit around doing nothing
arun
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2 posts in 3387 days
posted 01-04-2014 10:37 AM
While we go for Ac maintenance, it is a important thing to be noticed about ac drain pipe. Air conditioners are not dangerous until the gas pipe get damaged. Get advice and call immediately for “AC Repair”: services when it needed
Dusty56
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27 posts in 4812 days
posted 01-10-2014 02:00 AM
That’s a great idea. Presently the lawn (and weeds) closest to my drain grow the best. Never thought of planting anything else in that area until reading this post.
Thank you, and happy new year : )
-- "I've got an hour glass figure , but , it's later than you think"! _Minnie Pearl