Not Enduring Some Things
- garysjordan
- May 30
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
2026-05-30
One of my grandkinder (Justice) asked if there was any way to earn $20.00 doing chores for me. Since I'm 75 year old, there was. The dotter insisted I share the chores with another of her kinder (Liam) so I put them to work.
Task One - My gardens include 17 AeroGarden Aerovoir reservoirs. I had my minions fully fill all 17. By way of rating/review [the reservoirs, not the grandkinder], when they work, they work great, keeping the water level in the gardening unit constant at the level established. 3.8 stars out of 5. Filled by Minions, 5 stars out of 5.
Key Features
SET IT AND FORGET IT: This automatic watering system keeps your AeroGarden perfectly hydrated for up to 2 additional weeks, so you can enjoy your plants while watering less [Key words here are "up to." One week is more likely. It depends entirely on growth rates and water requirements. Peppers and tomatoes are thirsty buggers.]
YOUR GARDEN'S PERSONAL HYDRATION STATION: The AeroVoir ensures your plants always have the water they need to thrive, preventing dry spells and promoting bigger harvests [Sometimes they lose syphon and stop supplying the unit. You need to check water levels frequently, if not as frequently as units without reservoirs.]
SIMPLE TO SET UP, EVEN SIMPLER TO USE: Just fill the one-gallon tank and place the valve in your garden—the AeroVoir takes care of the rest, no tech skills required [Mostly correct. you have to set up the levels correctly.]
Minions filled tanks. I'll need to check levels for several days. The instruction manual says to pump five times. I find a ten-count works better.
Task Two - I've described the plastic totes I use to collect condensate from the dehydrator in the Owner's Suite and/or water pumped from the co-located sump. I had two totes nearly full. Minions dragged the totes to the deep sink that has my other submersible pump, the one I use to empty the collections from the other dehydrator. Twenty-eight gallons each. I demonstrated moving the pump from sink to tote and emptying them.
One might think that water condensed from air would be "distilled" and "demineralized," that is, "pure." It isn't - it's downright slimy.
The slimy substance you see in a dehydrator’s condensate line is usually bacterial biofilm — a protective coating formed by colonies of bacteria that thrive in warm, moist environments acs-advancedcooling.com+1.
How it forms
Warm, damp conditions: Dehydrators create condensation, which keeps the condensate line and pan wet.
Food source: Dust, fibers, or organic particles from the dehydrator’s environment (or from the food being dehydrated) feed the bacteria acs-advancedcooling.com.
Moisture flow: Water moving through the drain line constantly pushes bacteria along, allowing them to cling to the pipe walls and grow into slimy tendrils acs-advancedcooling.com.
Aluminum components: If your dehydrator has aluminum parts (like coils or pans), certain cleaning chemicals can react with them, so chlorine-based cleaners should be avoided Reddit.
Why it’s problematic
Clogs: The slime can block the drain line, causing water backup, overflow, or system shutdown Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI).
Mold risk: Stagnant water from overflow can lead to mold growth, which may affect air quality Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI).
Reduced efficiency: Clogs and leaks can make the dehydrator less effective and more prone to maintenance issues.
Prevention and cleaning tips
Keep filters clean: Change or clean the dehydrator’s air filter regularly to reduce dust and organic material entering the system Reddit+1.
Flush the drain line: Periodically flush the condensate line with a safe cleaning solution (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or a non-chlorine drain cleaner) to remove biofilm Reddit+1.
Install a copper piece or brazing rod: Some users report success by leaving a copper or brazing rod in the pan to help break up slime Reddit.
Use UV-C light: If available, UV light near the condenser/coil can kill bacteria before they form slime northbeachhvac.com.
Maintain airflow: Ensure vents and ducts are unobstructed to reduce moisture buildup northbeachhvac.com.
In short, the slimy condensate is a sign of bacterial growth in your dehydrator’s moisture path. Regular cleaning, good airflow, and avoiding harsh chemicals on aluminum parts will help keep it from returning.
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