Two HVACR Line Set Cleaning Methods to Reuse Copper Refrigerant Tubing!

In this HVAC Training Video, I Show How to Use the hilmor Lineset Cleaner and Pro Flush Chemical Injection Tool to Clean Empty Existing Refrigerant Tubing. I Also do Some Tests on Kinked Line Set and Non-beburred Tubing as Well. Supervision is needed by a licensed HVACR Tech while performing tasks as Experience and Apprenticeship garners Wisdom and Safety.
The Pro-Flush Kit and hilmor lineset cleaner can be found at the following distributors:
Gemaire, Johnstone, Trutech, RE Michel, Sid Harvey and Carr Supply
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⚠️ Disclaimer:
Information in this video is intended for educational purposes only. Any work related to the topics in this video should be performed by licensed technicians or by apprentices under the supervision of licensed technicians. AC Service Tech LLC is not responsible for any possible damages or injuries caused by the use or misuse of any information provided.
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#hvacr #hvacr #hvactrainingvideos #hvactraining #hvactraining101 #acservice #acservicetech #lineset #hilmor #chemical #injection #refrigerant #tubing #kinked #deburred #deburring #copper #coppertube
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[@tinysand3517]

It's hard to find technicians that take pride in their work today like you did Craig.

[@craigbraswell4269]

We are out here, I take pride in doing the job to the utmost quality standards, though I cannot vouch for my coworkers in that regard. Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw! If you get an honest tech, ALWAYS insist on getting the same person.

[@timothy5977]

I know a lot of techs/installers watch these videos. But i wish the owners of these companies would watch them and understand how much time and work doing this stuff right takes. And the tool cost !!

[@gregmattes8053]

13:38 bubbles in oil doesn’t mean it’s acidic, it simply means it is saturated with refrigerant. Oil needs to be tested with an acid test kit to determine if it is acidic.

[@HVACRTECH-83]

This has been my experience as well. I always do an acid test to determine.

[@pewheretic7967]

Thanks for going through the trouble to cut that short section of lineset open. Good detail. Appreciate your time and attention...

[@melissasmess2773]

Condenser fan came off, damaged coils, stop leak eventually caused compressor motor drive shaft to break and I threw everything away and started over all new parts, lol. Luckily I saved many thousands installing everything myself! I learned a lot and got some more tools and it’s ran maintenance free for 7 years now!

[@revealingfacts4all]

I'm so with you. I lived in many places from Northern states to southern and I never found an honest HVAC company so I finally studied and learned this stuff and now do it all myself. My last project was Mr Cool heat pump with precharged lineset... what a beautiful product IMHO...

[@pablogaviria9265]

@@revealingfacts4all I know. Several HVAC companies have become like " Used Car Salesmen " Trying to make a buck at ANY Cost.

[@christopherhaak9824]

I just used the solvent flush method. Worked great. Not really necessary to get the high buck solvent flush. A mixture of lacquer thinner and methylene chloride works great and readily available solvents. Make sure you blow plenty of N2 or dry air through the line to both flush and dry it out afterwards. If not, you will be vacuuming up a lot of solvent when you go to evacuate.

[@AimGobalWorldBibleSchool]

Thanks man...the more we learn the more we Earn...very timely...Good Job!...Funtastic!.

[@keepthinking2666]

Very happy to see that I went through that kink I retract my previous statement

[@logmeindog]

I like how you tear things open and run through the what if scenarios. It relieves the what-if and I-wonder-why questions that pop naturally into the head but never gets answered because we are lazy creatures.

[@acservicetechchannel]

That is so encouraging to hear, thanks!!!

[@SonicOrbStudios]

Just picked up the Hilmor lineset cleaning gun and am happy to finally have it for system change outs

[@kenzistoen6668]

we use the 'pig' gun in our shop. we love it. so easy to use. saves ALLOT of time. when your done it's unbelievable what it does. turns a thirty year old line set to almost brand new. always had trouble with using the chemical version. And pulling a vacuum down. WOW. Our shop is 100% behind the Hilmor Lineset cleaner. Awesome product!

[@leeshilling83]

What does pulling a vacuum down have to do with anything? You have to pull a vacuum with either method

[@kenzistoen6668]

@@leeshilling83 sorry. I really don't know why I brought up the vacuum. I was listening to something else at the time.

[@acservicetechchannel]

The vacuum makes sense because if you don't clean it, you have the contaminants in the old oil reduce the effectiveness of the vacuum which takes longer to do or the micron level creeps up during the standing vacuum test. If the lineset is clean, the vacuum pulls down fast. In reference to the chemicals, you may have had some chemical left in the lineset that didn't evaporate yet before pulling the vacuum. Thanks Kenzi Stoen and leeshilling83!!!

[@kenzistoen6668]

@@acservicetechchannel Thank you for clarifying that for me. Thats kinda what I was talking about.ive noticed that hugely in the vacuum between not using and using the pigs. I've only been in hvac for 3 years. And from all the jobs I've been on, this tool has made a huge difference.

[@leeshilling83]

I meant pulling a vacuum using the chemical method which I use vs the pigs? I’ve used them both and haven’t noticed a big difference in vacuum time. Maybe I’m missing the point?

[@davidnunez7889]

Thank you for the awesome videos Craig there is a lot of discussion on this topic. I had a lot of questions on the hilmor equipment and with your video I think I made my decision thank you.

[@wilwiljames1]

I watched this video and immediately ordered the Hilmor

[@primusheating1]

Now, you sold me on the demo with the roll-up lineset.

[@acservicetechchannel]

-The Pro-Flush Kit and hilmor lineset cleaner used in this video can be found at the following distributors: Gemaire, Johnstone, Trutech, RE Michel, Sid Harvey and Carr Supply - Get them on TruTechTools.com here: Pro Flush Kit: www.trutechtools.com/Pro-Flush-Kit?=affid43 Lineset Cleaning Kit: www.trutechtools.com/hilmor-hlc007-refrigerant-lineset-cleaning-kit.html?=affid43 -Save 8% at Trutechtools.com with this coupon code: acservicetech -Our Book: www.acservicetech.com/ac-book -Free HVAC Quizzes, Calculators, Articles, Resources at www.acservicetech.com Thank you for your support in making these training videos!!!

[@The1JBanks]

Thank you! These videos are very helpful!

[@NativeBowhunter1965]

As a maintenance man I see a lot of things that shouldn’t be. I’m working on an old system that someone put locktite on the Schrader valve and I can’t remove it to add refrigerant. It actually broke off and I had to leave my Appion core tool on it so it doesn’t leak. I’m going to use a bullet piercing valve so I can charge it. As soon as the tenant moves out in 2 months I’m going to replace the old system with a new heat pump. Thank you very much for creating this channel! Can you make a video on piercing valves on a standard split system condensing unit? It might help some who run into issues like I do. Thank you very much Craig!

[@mikecoleman1927]

Hey Craig, love your stuff! Been following you since I started in the trade 3.5 years ago. Bought your book, love it! Has helped me a ton. Couple of questions: First, you said the oil that was bubbling was acidic. I was under the impression bubbling/frothy oil was a sign of refrigerant trapped in the oil, not necessarily acidity. Could you further elaborate on that? Second, could you do a video on the best line cleaning practices for a burnout on package units, with emphasis on the condensers and evaporators? Is it possible to clean those line sets effectively? Or are these cleaning processes only for line sets on splits/mini splits? Thank you again for all your do! You are a blessing to the trades and customers they service!

[@diputs84]

Same thoughts

[@122195brandon]

Got the Hillmore line set cleaner a few weeks ago it works great

[@wilwiljames1]

I just ordered it and your testament just makes me think I did the right thing, thanks for your post.

[@captainmigs1655]

Does it go through the evap? Or just the straight line set

[@captainmigs1655]

???

[@122195brandon]

@@captainmigs1655 just lineset. Cut out evap and condenser and do suction and liquid line one at a time.

[@captainmigs1655]

@@122195brandon that just defeats the purpose of what I need it for. I wanna make sure I have all the oils out the evap so I can retrofit a condenser sled package

[@rogerf3622]

Very good through demonstration especially answering the question about possible line kinks. Thanks. I love Hilmor tools but wondering if the $400 price here is worth the investment.

[@zipperdingo6385]

Great value videos every time Craig

[@acservicetechchannel]

Thanks so much Zipper Dingo!!!

[@misaelmorenoluna7299]

I just bought the Hilmor pigs, they're good quality, and use the rubber tip with a hose and nitrogen. Works just as good, I dont deal with compressor burnouts much just a normal changeout. I send in three pigs every time, mainly because I just think of "The three little piggies"😁, the whole set up is expensive.

[@waynemiles7027]

You my friend are a master teacher.

[@rdg4295]

I like using a box at the outlet side because the cardboard will actually absorb the oil/residue from the flush. A bucket ya have to clean out later.

[@luiselizalde6757]

Excellent teacher thanks a lot for all you effort to teach,

[@Weztcoastguy]

Great video, I’ve always flushed with chemicals but I think I’ll be switch over now, thanks👍🇨🇦

[@Brandon-mr6gi]

Extremely helpful! 💯

[@acservicetechchannel]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching!!

[@tomvana4270]

Used one yesterday and oil was still present in the line enough to drip and yes it was done properly.

[@Sniper.925]

Just got your book and wow, it's amazing

[@Nab-Asn2803]

Thank you for this great vedio I am using the flush can put using R 11 gas with nitrogen then flush with r 22 gas

[@MrCedmac123]

Great job as always Craig!

[@peterhodgkins6985]

That's an outstanding demo!

[@حسين-ج9ط7ي]

Great job, thank you brother. You are so talented

[@brianmcdermott2430]

Great demestration . Thank you Craig.

[@thefred0215]

Great demonstration!

[@80SWoods]

Do you have to use nitrogen, or can you just used compressed air using an air compressor to blow the pigs and chemicals?

[@scottk0623]

Outstanding demo 💥💥

[@hodesto]

Great content. Love your channel. Is there a certain age of a line set that you would always replace. Or if there are no leaks the line set once cleaned is good to reuse?

[@hamr1]

Sometimes lineset replacement is not an option....ie: condos

[@jmead6121]

Thanks I Love it ....but has he pig never Not Come Out ..If so whats next replace line set ? speaking from 1,000 of installs over 26 yrs exp wiring & firing all kinds Resd & Com equipment & its duct work but we used to flush with pro flush 100 % but now Days we rarely do an chemical flush / unless its a burnout / otherwise we just run almost 1/2 to full B tank nitro thur it & be done when Clear .. but Edit dang i kinda spoke before finishing the last 5 mins so threes is still much hope there should be no problems retrieving the pig .even w/ an sharp kink on even an 3/8 line set .Thanks again for the Great lesson Craig

[@sidikjayaac]

I also have that flushing tool kit, but i convert the rubber insert to 1/4 adaptor and block the safety valve, so i can do 250 psi pressure flush "dont worry, the tube can handle 400 psi" If i runs out nitrogen i just do backwards and put tissue inside the bottle, so the humidity trapped inside the bottles and i can use the pressure from the compressor itself

[@jessec.9295]

Thank man I swear I needed this

[@juanacosta2788]

You the man thanks for youre knowledge

[@marconantel7735]

What do they recommend for cleaning the pig?

[@juanacosta2788]

Great video I never nkew about this last peggs man I need to buy it

[@biglon74]

SO cleaning the lines is good but what about air handler coils. In my case I am installing new compressor, should I clean the air handler coils? Thank you

[@vc151284]

How do you clean the air handler coil ? That only cleans the lines !!

[@abrahanalegria5456]

Thanks. Always very productive video 5*

[@lenorazenall9966]

There so much art in their...make it simple...

[@OnePointLander]

Whats the difference between Rx11 and ProFlush?

[@wilwiljames1]

Is it only necessary to clean linesets or should the a-coil and condenser be run through? PLEASE ANSWER!

[@gurjinderkaurbrar]

mate, just a question when somebody deburs the copper pipe ( pen style deburrer) , why does it scratch inner wall of it, is it normal i have seen in video like when you deburred the pipe , it scratched inner wall, or should i be using other type of deburing tool. thanks

[@TheRedddz]

Can I use this system to clean sediments built up in the water pipes that are copper?

[@ATH24TXEX]

I'm curious if one could use compressed air instead of nitrogen to do this... with the air compressor being equipped with a line filter?

[@JD-hr1ct]

Thank you, I really appreciate your videos. Any recommendations for 1/4 lines for minisplits? I saw that they don't have 1/4" pigs so I got the pro flush kit, but the seal doesn't go down to 1/4" either. I used some electric tape on the end of the pro-flush nozzle to sort of get a seal but it was definitely a hack. How should I clean a 1/4" line?

[@JD-hr1ct]

Typed this and just had an epiphany: Maybe use a 1/4" to 3/8" flare reducing union? I'd still like to hear your recommendation.

[@Gabriel-vz7ml]

Thank you!

[@charleswashington7576]

Awesome video

[@mylesm7947]

Thanks 👍 great vid.

[@michaelmckenna9022]

Is it safe for the evaporator or condenser?

[@dannyl6507]

After using the deburring tool and using your finger to try and clean out the left over flakes and chips you are actually pushing them up line and not cleaning them out. Better to stick a cotton ball up the line first with a string attached to it. Then use the deburring tool then pull the cotton ball out with the string.

[@captainmigs1655]

Does it go through the evap and condenser coils?

[@captainmigs1655]

Does it go through the txv or would I have to cut it before ?

[@Crifstar]

So amateur me asking, you don't want to push this stuff through the evaporator?

[@davidb2438]

Do you reuse pigs from job to job? If so, how many uses do you get?

[@russm1757]

Craig can either of these be used to clean a line set when changing from r-22 to r410 ? Russ

[@wilwiljames1]

yes to both products

[@jlg8689]

Definitely needs the oils flushed out, I will be doing the same and need to guarantee it clean as possible so i will need to use both

[@lancelawrence3259]

Nice work

[@formekinetics691]

Off topic... System 5 years old, compressor and EVAP have been changed under warranty. Still have problems. Realized this time that EVAP changed with a piston instead of txv system came with. Tech charged system to subcool method. Four weeks later compressor out again. Besides losing efficiency going to piston metering...what can happen by charging by wrong method?

[@mauroaparicio1855]

nice cleaning kit

[@boongoon92]

Can we use that to clean out manifolds?

[@education9135]

Can u use R22 instead of nitrogen gas

[@vampirel1983]

I dont have nitrogen or nitrogen tank, can i blow it with my air compressor instead?

[@Alex-jo2oi]

What about just blasting nitrogen through both lines? Is it not enough?

[@wilwiljames1]

nope!

[@billmiller5075]

Great info

[@keepthinking2666]

The only bad thing is you can't use the Hill Mall plug set because most of the time you'll come across jobs where people that don't really know what they're doing we'll use multiple different sizes of pipe so that means that plugs going to get stuck somewhere in there so only use it if you can follow the actual line outside

[@carlosportillo8863]

How about when just changing outdoor condenser in a R-22 to R-407 conversion? Just the pro flush correct?

[@jlg8689]

Unless you have a compressor burnout

[@justinbelleville1392]

Can you really take out all traces of R22 or would it be best for a new line set?

[@cardsfan-ym1bj]

Should always change line set if feasible

[@picklerix6162]

R-22 is not the problem. It is the acidic oil and any particulate matter that you want to remove. A lot of old linesets have scale inside from brazing without nitrogen. I suspect that there are a lot of people in the field who don’t use nitrogen when brazing.

[@i.r.mrefrigeracion9985]

Tenga su like 👍 buen hombre

[@raiders4lifejustwinbaby856]

Where would i get the nitrogen tank to blow out the flush?? Im a diy'er or can i flush without nitrogen?

[@paulr2765]

Grainger Item 23YL99Mfr. Model 34LS-114

[@patbrock7460]

In days gone by before chemicals like these were available if there were no 90s we would run a fish tape through the suction line and tie a small rag with a bit of oil on it pulled it back a few times. Worked fine as for the liquid line (hold on to your hat) we just blow liquid R12 through the line as it was cheaper than R22 . Life got harder after 1992 EPA 608

[@johnnynguyen3838]

Help please... Split TXV AC system. Severely undercharged. High superheat and low subcool. Charging in subcool method. Superheat is continuously decreasing, when it should be regulated by the TXV but isn't and subcool does not change. ???

[@halledwardb]

Nice video. With the way Brandon is running things we will need to reuse and re-service everything we can soon. I thinks it's going to suck. Prepare now.

[@Jeff9202]

Who's brandon? And what should we be preparing for?

[@halledwardb]

@@Jeff9202 For you it won't matter anyway.

[@Jeff9202]

@@halledwardb how so?

[@Jeff9202]

@@halledwardb c'mon lil Eddie it's been 5 days, don't leave me hangin on what I need to prepare for, bro!!???

[@smacleod69]

or just use a full blast of nitrogen for 10 seconds thru each tube. Don't need no other chemicals.

[@wilwiljames1]

bullshit

[@Silky_boi]

I’ll be honest I’ve always just blasted nitrogen through the bottle with the flush @ 300PSI and have a massive blow out on the other side in a garbage bad😅 at least it got all the oils and gunk out

[@JesseWylee]

Dito

[@davidbriz7066]

Wouldn't purging nitrogen through the line set and into a pan work as well?

[@wilwiljames1]

Nope! The nitrogen alone wouldn't build enough pressure

[@jakegriffin9776]

What kind of gloves are those?

[@yohanessasabone2931]

How to order Those tools kit line set cleaning

[@acservicetechchannel]

www.trutechtools.com and use code acservicetech to get 8% off an order, thanks!

[@dankariparker]

Is it possible to clean an evaporator coil with the Hilmor tool?

[@wilwiljames1]

I'm crying to hear that answer.

[@pizzle1011]

Another great video. 👌🏾👌🏾👏🏾👏🏾 question though... if you're going switch from r22 to 410a system and reuse the evaporator because it rated for r22/410a do you suggest cleaning it with Chem or would the oil amount be insignificant to cause an issue?

[@grigorshukerski4689]

Get a new line set for $400

[@wilwiljames1]

@@grigorshukerski4689Your answer is trash, what would a new lineset have to do with cleaning out the evaporator coil?

[@grigorshukerski4689]

@@wilwiljames1 Your question is trash

[@vilhelmstein2091]

Is this stuff bad to breath?

[@olurotimiadepitan5087]

Where can I get that knee mat you have? Thanks.

[@acservicetechchannel]

I got that on amazon a while back!

[@heres1-two-cents]

Should explain reasons why you use one over the other both are not for the same use flush is for ? pigs for ?

[@marconantel7735]

More and more manufacturers are getting away from the chemical method

[@jfelshaw]

Would and air pancake are compressor work fine, or is the nitrogen tank to avoid bringing another thing to the job site

[@gsmacka96]

Never use compressed air. Nitro only

[@leonardswanson7673]

If it was your house what would you use? Maybe both?

[@apizalfoshizal]

How are you supposed to dispose of the chemical

[@stephwaylonwells3218]

👍

[@YoMateo.]

Whoever's reading this, i pray that whatever you're going through gets better and whatever you're struggling with or worrying about is going to be fine and that everyone has a fantastic day! Amen

[@ryanmalin]

toxic

[@l.crossjr]

Can Nitrogen alone do the trick?

[@acomman77]

Honestly yes nitrogen alone can do the trick long as you blow it to where it falls out the tube. If the compressor is higher than the evaporator, blow it from outside in. If the evaporator is higher than the compressor, blow it from inside out.

[@ozziewelcome5612]

Kool

[@ar420420]

I was told it clogs the txv?

[@acservicetechchannel]

You cannot put it through a txv, only the tubing, thanks!

[@jackvolta575]

Like

[@brokensmile8487]

Great idea with the plugs and gun. However, for $450 bucks I can buy the plugs and use my air gun.

[@revealingfacts4all]

Why risk not knowing you got 100% clean vs just pull a new lineset? Use old lineset to pull new one.

[@joshuataylor283]

The last company I worked for could care less.. if they change a compressor under warranty they still make labor charge

[@timothy5977]

Yeah, all these companies don't give you the time to do things right. They make their money by volume, not quality.