Dec 26, 2017
VIDEO: How to Clean an EZ Trap
Do you have a heat pump and furnace cooling system in your home? If so, it’s good to know how to clean out the EZ Trap. It’s fast, easy and may save you from calling out an HVAC technician when all you needed to do was a little quick maintenance on your own.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before beginning, turn off the power to your system. For a heat pump system, pull the disconnect to remove power from the system. For a furnace, turn off the light switch mounted on or near the furnace.
Is the power off? Good. Are you sure? OK, let’s clean the EZ Trap.
- Step 1: Remove the float switch from the EZ Trap.
- Step 2: Have a cup or bowl ready when removing the cap.
- Step 3: Remove the brush from the holder and insert all the way in until it stops.
- Step 4: Push the brush through the EZ Trap.
- Step 5: Return the brush to the holder; Replace the cap.
- Step 6: Reinsert the float switch. Lightly press on the center to make sure the float is down.
- Step 7: Reapply power
That’s all you needed to do! Clean your EZ Trap at least once a year, generally towards the end of the cooling season.
What is an EZ Trap?
An EZ Trap is a device that provides overflow protection for your heat pump and furnace cooling system. As the system runs, condensate — a fancy word for water — is created. This condensate typically runs through the EZ trap and is then drained. Simple enough! In the image below, you can see what the EZ Trap looks like. Notice the clear, U-shaped trap that collects the condensate:
Sometimes, however, your system gets clogged. Water begins to back up in the EZ Trap. This can lead to overflow, cause water damage in your basement and generally create a bunch of problems you don’t want or need.
The good news: the most popular EZ Traps include what is called a low-voltage float. When water backs up high enough in the trap, the float will rise and, if wired properly, will cut the power to the system. You’ll notice that your heating and cooling aren’t working, but at least you don’t have to deal with spilling water. When you check out the system, if the EZ Trap is indeed backing up, you’ll be able to see the condensate in the clear plastic trap.
The bad news: if the cooling system is not wired properly, you may have a mess on your hands. Make sure your HVAC professional gets the wiring right, and make sure to clean out the EZ Trap annually to be safe.
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CroppMetcalfe has served Northern Virginia for nearly 30 years and has built a reputation as one of the area’s leaders in home heating and cooling. If you’re having HVAC issues, our five-star technicians can help. Simply us a call at 1-877-740-6657 or
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Originally published on Oct. 21, 2015. Updated on Dec. 26, 2017.