What can I do about an A/C drain pipe that runs onto sidewalk?

Question

My A/C pan drains onto the sidewalk from the PVC pipe in the photo. During Southern summers it becomes very slippery. The issue is that my entire house is surrounded by the same type of sidewalk, as shown in the photo. Unfortunately, this limits my options for redirecting the drainage. I’m looking for practical suggestions to handle this specific situation.

Answer 1

• The pipe on the wall begins high enough that you could run it at a gentle slope to the far end of the wall, or the other way behind the camera, to that end of the wall ... and eventually to a drain or a flower bed or lawn where it won't land on the walk. You could learn to do this yourself, the cost will be low.

• You could carve a small channel into the concrete for the water to flow through to the other side. Very small, so it's not a trip hazard. The flow from that pipe is small. You would need hire someone to do this. Cost will be more. You could do it with a rented tool but with no experience it's not a good idea.

Note: The trap - that curvy thing at the end - is important to the functioning of the air conditioner. If you move the end of the pipe, put the trap back on it. If you don't, turn it so it's not a trip hazard and likely to get broken off.

Edit: you added a photo showing the unit is in the attic. High enough you can definitely run the pipe anywhere. Run it inside to nearer a better location, then outside as needed to a drain or flower bed anywhere around the house. Worse case you could even run it over the path suspended by something stronger then down the fence.

Answer 2

Route the pipe in the opposite direction to a grassy area. Depending on where the airhandler is inside, run a new drain line from it to an existing drain from a washer or sink. You could also cut a hole in the sidewalk and let a water go into the ground, not really good for your foundation though and the water still might overflow on to the sidewalk. Keep in mind, you'll probably need a trap if one doesn't already exist.

Answer 3

I'd install a small round drain grate to allow the water through the sidewalk. There isn't enough flow volume to cause a foundation problem or sidewalk issues.

1. Rent a core drill. It should come with multiple sizes.

2. Pick up a simple round drain grate.

3. Cut a hole for the grate just deep enough for the grate to rest at or below flush with the concrete.

4. Cut a smaller hole for drainage through the slab.

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