Please help with water softener drain line

[Az_newbie]

Hello! New here, I hope to get some guidance.

So, we moved to a townhouse, in Phoenix metro area, AZ, that is built in 2016. In the garage, there was a 1” CPVC water loop with a 1/2” drain line right below the loop. The drain line goes through the wall and upstairs and ends right above the laundry drain box. After installing the softener, I discovered that the drain line is ‘clogged’. I checked that the laundry drain box but it was not capped. I used a small compressor to blow some air but the pressure gauge went up pretty quickly so I stopped the compressor. I went up to the attic to see if there’s some sort of shut off valve or any clues, no go.

I hired a plumber to come out, and he refused to do anything with the existing line and he suggested to run a new drain line from the garage all the way up to the attic and down to the laundry box.

I wanted to see if there’s anything I’m missing or I should try before deciding on adding that new drain line. Could it be an old and accumulated cpvc glue that’s blocking this pipe? Additionally, several neighbors have the same setup and their softener drains properly, so I’m really stuck and running out of ideas. I do trust the plumber but again, I’m trying to avoid adding a new line and hoping to find a way to unblock it.

Thanks!

TL;DR: installed a water softener on a 2016-built home, but discovered that the drain line doesn’t work and is blocked somewhere.

 

[Geofd]

What size is the drain line 3/4-1"??? Have you tried a small hand snake , or put a vacuum or maybe vinegar, if the drain is too small a snake could get stuck

 

[sawsaw]

Hello! New here, I hope to get some guidance.

So, we moved to a townhouse, in Phoenix metro area, AZ, that is built in 2016. In the garage, there was a 1” CPVC water loop with a 1/2” drain line right below the loop. The drain line goes through the wall and upstairs and ends right above the laundry drain box. After installing the softener, I discovered that the drain line is ‘clogged’. I checked that the laundry drain box but it was not capped. I used a small compressor to blow some air but the pressure gauge went up pretty quickly so I stopped the compressor. I went up to the attic to see if there’s some sort of shut off valve or any clues, no go.

I hired a plumber to come out, and he refused to do anything with the existing line and he suggested to run a new drain line from the garage all the way up to the attic and down to the laundry box.

I wanted to see if there’s anything I’m missing or I should try before deciding on adding that new drain line. Could it be an old and accumulated cpvc glue that’s blocking this pipe? Additionally, several neighbors have the same setup and their softener drains properly, so I’m really stuck and running out of ideas. I do trust the plumber but again, I’m trying to avoid adding a new line and hoping to find a way to unblock it.

Thanks!

TL;DR: installed a water softener on a 2016-built home, but discovered that the drain line doesn’t work and is blocked somewhere.

How long do you estimate the present drain line to be?

 

[heynowjerry]

I have a similar issue. Pex drain pipe in new construction coming out of wall, and new softener blows water back after a gallon or so. Line goes up 21 feet and across 20 feet to laundry drain. I could swear there is something clogged in pex.
Any thoughts on how to confirm line is clear or not?

 

[Geofd]

When you say new construction you should probably be contacting the GC, how far doesn't pump before gravity takes over, is there a check valve stop keep part of the line from draining back

 

[heynowjerry]

When you say new construction you should probably be contacting the GC, how far doesn't pump before gravity takes over, is there a check valve stop keep part of the line from draining back

Thanks Geofd.
Yes, I did as you said prior to posting. They 'checked it' and stated the other units in the same new construction dont have this issue. They didn't troubleshoot as i'd expect, but i'll sort that.
I contacted manufacter Aquasure, and they stated the pump should only push ~7 feet. I'm a bit stuck.
Next step: Using a fishing line 30 feet to run up the drain to confirm no blockage, But my primary question is should the unit be able to pump up 2 floors? Do other units pump harder than the Aquasure 48k gallon unit?

Thanks in advance.