Bottom line: The model building codes require a P-Trap on all plumbing waste lines that is connected to a sewer. Excerpt: The condensate drain does not require a trap. For structures located in flood hazard areas, mechanical systems, equipment and appliances shall be located at or above the elevation required by Section 1612 of the International Building Code for utilities and attendant equipment. We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. These. However a read of manufacturer's installation instructions can provide further advice. So "loud" perhaps you are talking about a condensate pump that collects condensate from a heat pump or high efficiency heating appliance and pumps it up to a drain. Some home inspectors and HVACR technicians want the drain to be insulated either to cure an actual observed wetting problem OR because they're making their own, probably unnecessary, interpretation of one of the model energy codes. Coil shall be tested at 500 psi (35 kg/sq.) The vent opening should always rise above the trip level of the condensate overflow switch when it is in the primary drain line or pan or above the secondary/aux overflow port on the primary drain pan. My company recently changed out all the hvac equipment at an apartment complex. @Tom P., Watch out: in our OPINION and as we discuss in these articles, while a trap on a condensate drain line, usually provided quite close to the condensate collection pan itself, can reduce the chances of sewer gases backing up from a condensate drain that has been connected to the building DWV vent piping (not a procedure we recommend), Free shipping for many products! When a drain line is PVC, the IMC dictates that it should be supported every 4 when horizontal (while maintaining proper pitch) and every 10 vertically. drain heaters; evaporation pan heaters; paragon defrost timers; self regulating heat cables; skope. by InspectApedia (mod) - condensation has been leaking from the drip pan. This vent is AFTER the trap and must remain open to be effective. Don't dump condensate around foundations, basements, or other areas that could cause ponding, erosion, or leakage. Sharing a condensate drain downstream from the AC unit MIGHT be OK provided its capacity is not exceeded and of course that the condensate drain is installed to drain to an acceptable location (such as outdoors, not onto a sidewalk etc) and terminates where it won't be blocked by snow, shrubbery, etc. 2021/06/03 Amy - any information on condensate drain insulation requirements? Condensate drain lines shall be configured to permit the clearing of blockages and performance of maintenance without requiring the drain line to be cut. 609.7 Condensate drain trap seal. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. The model building codes do not explicitly require insulation on HVACR condensate drain piping, but in some circumstances that insulation might still be recommended or even required by a local code official. Both require an air gap - which you have, and neither should be overwhelming a properly-sized, un-blocked drain. The material around the condensate drain and the probability that that material could, if wet, become any of the problems I've cited. @John W., while submerged in water. According to the IMC, 3/4 is sufficient for up to 20 tons unless the drain outlet size is larger than 3/4. Dont forget to check out our YouTube page. And the typical application in the install guide only shows this line running to a floor drain, and of course includes an air gap. My company recently changed out all the hvac equipment at an apartment complex. Air conditioning condensate drain clogging - how to de-clog the A/C condensate line or drain pump. Is there an error in this article or am I misunderstanding something? AND DRAIN TRAP INSTRUCTIONS, Intertek CVC96 7 MVC96 TWO STAGE GAS FURNACE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, RECTORSEAL EZ TRAP CONDENSATE DRAIN LINE INSTRUCTIONS, RHEEM NON-CONDENSING TANKLESS WATER HEATER INSTALLATION MANUAL, AMERICAN COMMERCIAL CONDENSING TANKLESS WATER HEATER INSTALLATION MANUAL, ARTICLE INDEX to AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMPS, HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION COURSES (Canada), HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES, 307.2: " Condensate shall not Please take a look. nuisance." Ive got 20 units tied into a 2 inch pipe and recently it started getting backed up.. Let's not mix apples and oranges here. it is a good practice to insulate them to eliminate any chances of condensation. Scott04 Member Posts: 69 October 2006 Question Is placing an air handler on top of mason bricks sitting inside the drip tray proper installation procedure? Remove roof-drain plugs when no work is taking place or when rain is forecast. When it comes to the mechanical code, there is no "nationally adopted code," but most states and localities adopt the International Mechanical Code (IMC). The picture in the article for a 5 ton system would NOTt be nearly enough to overcome the negative air pressure caused by draw-through air pressure and thus result in coil pan pan spillage. Please find your question repeated along with a detailed reply now at In Florida, we always insulate horizontal portions of the drain because we would have consistent growth and water damage issues due to the high dew points if we didn't. Condensate shall not. IT couldn't handle the volume, nor the flow rate, nor the duty cycle. I live and work in Florida, where most of our fuel-burning appliances are 80% efficient with open combustion. Working on a school and they love high ceilings. A transitioning civil engineer and quality inspector with oil and gas, civil construction experience, capable of working independently with minimum supervision, and committed to providing high quality service to every project, with focus on health, safety and environmental issues. I have a question regarding the use of a Condensate Removal Pump for a hybrid water heater. I looked earlier today for an authoritative answer and my research is incomplete. I think the builder cramped as much into that small space to save money. This is in a ground level garage. We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. A condensing gas-fueled tankless water heater recaptures much of the heat that would have gone up the flue, uses it to help heat the domestic hot water, and produces a much-cooler exhaust and condensate that is typically vented through PVC piping to the exterior. Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Many will point to where the ICC energy efficiency code states: N1103.3 Mechanical system piping insulation. @jacinto raquel, The inspectors say we if we discharge the condensate into the houses actual drainage system, it must be by means of an indirect waste pipe. Ask the new owner to be more-specific about any damage or problem conditions she's seeing - maybe send along a photo. Naturally this type of installation precludes running the condensate drain up with the line-set. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. Downsizing the tonnage in retrofits or replacements usually has advantages, but it must be done right, and customers may not always want to do that. Piping that conveys fluids that have not been heated or cooled through the use of fossil fuels or electric power. [i.e. I would explore the route of re-install, but there just isn't enough space in my closet ceiling. On 2020-09-09 by (mod) - primary condensate drain had been capped off with no outlet. It should be stated and restated that codes and code enforcement vary from location to location within the US. The means by which the condensate waste is delivered to the termination point is as important as where we discharge it. Steam trap c.Steam Loop d. Steam tap. A neutralizer is easy to make with a length of 1 1/4 pvc pipe and some marble or lime chips. Complies with Southern Building Code. Before we worry too much let's find out if there is a concern, that is, is there actually a problem of condensate forming on the outside of the condensate drain line and in sufficient quantity to wet the interior of the return ducts (which isn't a great place to rout pipes of any sort). @Jack Mc., This gives your drain pipe a uniform look and makes it easy for the inspector to pass your job. The tables of pipe insulation shown here are interesting in that each gives insulation thickness required in inches without specifying the insulation material though Table 503.2.8 does give an assumed R-value per inch of insulation. vibration combined with condensation (and perhaps actual condensate) between the brick surface and the metal housing of the air handler invites corrosion and over a longer term, damage to the unitA vibration isolating pad such as the Wagner MP-6E EVA Anti-Vibration Pad 6x6 Inch Square by 7/8 Inch Thick pad shown below is a better practice. We dont know what to do but there was no washer and dryer when we moved in to the house. Are there currently any plumbing codes that prevent A/C condensate from being used for toilet flushing? I worry about relying on the condensate pump and flexible tubing as the primary drain source vs. a hard piped system into the homes plumbing. Phoenix Mechanical Code; Sections 510(a) (Condensate Disposal) and 1701(c) (Cooling Towers; Wastewater Disposal): Sec. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Diversitech A/C Secondary Condensate Drain Pan 30" x 30" at the best online prices at eBay! Kelli I need to understand more details of the situation - but in general the answer is sure - properly-connected. * Tools to help navigate through the 2014 NYC Construction Codes 2014 Construction Codes Amendment Index About the Business. A water supply shall be provided for cleaning, flushing and resealing the condensate trap, and the trap shall discharge through an air gap in accordance with Section 608. steveray Sawhorse Joined Nov 25, 2009 Messages 10,006 Location West of the river CT May 1, 2017 #7 802.1.5 Nonpotable clear-water waste. If the manufacturer requires a trap, then a trap is required. Loose earth free from rocks, broken concrete and frozen chunks shall be placed in the trench in 6-inch (152 mm) layers and tamped in place until the crown of the pipe is covered by 12 inches (305 mm) of tamped earth. The Seattle Mechanical Code regulates design and installation of mechanical systems, appliances, appliance venting, duct and ventilation systems, combustion air provisions, hydronic systems, and solar systems. Piping and Piping Supports 12. I'm still searching for a check valve that only allows the water to run down and put but stops potential gases from migrating up as a backup but so far no luck. Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the. State Licensed Mechanical Contractor. We live in Texas and I can't find a clear answer on if that is required or not. They simply state that drain systems must be trapped, leaving design to others. Continue reading at CONDENSATE DRAINS, CODES or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. Untreated condensate will perforate copper pipe in 5 months if untreated. cooling coil or fuel-fired appliance that produces condensate: 1. Smoke pencils and other similar tools can give you an idea of the pressure in a home and how it could change when doors open or close. One thing you should prove to yourself if youre the one installing or modifying the current drain line, is to make sure you get a level on it. In SC, does the condensation line of an attic HVAC unit need to be insulated? Diane, If your condensate line is not leaking but you are seeing condensation on its exterior such that the exterior moisture is enough to cause damage, then as good condensate drain installation practice that means you would insulate the line. So the home builder decided to install a condensation pump, but over time the pump would malfunction due to the corrosive water. Chapter 307.2.2 Drain pipe materials and sizes ( 2012 Mechanical Code) states: Where the drain pipes from more than one unit are manifolded together for condensate drainage, the pipe or tubing shall be sized in accordance with Table 307.2.2. No. On 2022-06-21 Mechanical Specification Condensate Trap 2 Nikki Lane Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579 Phone: 540.228.1967 . Apologies for the delay. That would include the main plumbing vent stack. Can be found at http://www.deschampstechnologies.com. [10] "Whirlpool WGPH45 Packaged Heat Pump, Product Specifications", Whirlpool Corporation, [copy on file]. 307.2.3 recommends any of the following methods for handling a backup condensate overflow protection system: Section 307.2.3.1 requires use of a water-level monitoring device to provide condensate overflow protection on equipment where there is no secondary condensate drain and no ability to install an auxiliary condensate drain pan. Thin aluminum rain gutters were not designed to carry this type of corrosive waste to the ground. Steam Loop. The code as it relates to condensate disposal in the IMC is pretty vague. 1. Valves 18. --- For example: "In some installations, dirt or other debris may be My OPINION is that the pump itself - the container and motor, sold as a unit - is separable from the drain piping or tubing. 307.2.1.1 - Condensate drainage N1103.3 Mechanical system piping insulation. These will allow me to attach clear vinyl tubing that will tie in to the air handler at the top and exit the wall at bottom just below the sink. Condensate leak Condensate waste and drain line size shall be not less than 3/4-inch (nominal) diameter from the drain pan connection to the place of condensate disposal. Is insulation required on the condensate drain pipe? OPINION: your local building code compliance inspector/officer is the final legal authority on HVAC condensate drain trap requirements. Make sure that there are no reductions in pipe diameter along the entire run. If you are making use of a water heater - to produce domestic hot water used for washing and bathing - water flowing through the heater is pushed by building water pressure, from a municipal supply or from a well water pump or a pressure booster pump. Understand code requirements for condensate disposal per International Mechanical Code. This would allow me to run from the hall where the unit and 11' ceiling is to areas where the ceiling is 10' and continue to where drain terminates. Piping that conveys fluids that have a design operating temperature range between 55F (13C) and 105F (41C). Thank you for a helpful question. Your condensate line, also known as a "condensate drain line" or "condensate drain" does several jobs, but none are more critical to the functionality of your appliance than draining excess moisture outside of your home. Proficient in handling the entire gamut of Plant Layout Design, Isometrics, Support Engineering and Stress Analysis.<br>2. International: (202) 370-1800, Website: http://www.iccsafe.org/, Electronic / Digital products including copies of the ICC codes: 888-ICC-SAFE (888-422-7233), ext. Factory-installed piping within room fan-coils and unit ventilators tested and rated according to AHRI 440 (except that the sampling and variation provisions of Section 6.5 shall not apply) and 840, respectively. Seattle has adopted the 2018 International Mechanical Code, with amendments specific to our jurisdiction. Free shipping for many products! Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Evaporator Coil Condensate Drain Trap EZT-113B - BUY MORE & SAVE!!! . This code is widely used to properly dispose of air conditioner drain. This allows the water to drain to the side of the house, down through the gravel and into the earth down below it and keep the sidewalk dry. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. m), and allow primer to dry. Sharing a drain downstream MIGHT work depending on condensate drain material, size, capacity, routing, etc. Steam line b. 801.3.2 Walk-In Coolers. On 2021-04-29 by (mod) - Condensate Removal Pump for a hybrid water heater. Alternatively, should this line have a vent just after it exits the water heater and possibly a small trap before it joins the main line out to keep insects out? To get the data we need to design systems that mitigate those issues, we need to do a blower door test. For those pump purposes, no condensate removal pump would be suitable. An example is this VENT-EXHAUST EXTERNAL TRAP INSTRUCTIONS [PDF] posted by Questar Gas. General Electric Zoneline instructions [8][9], Watch out: see the warnings and advice about health hazards in HVAC systems and condensate handling systems, This topic has moved to CONDENSATE DISPOSAL, IMPROPER. AC condensate discharge pipe must be at least " in diameter and the minimum required slope towards the drain should be 1/8". appliance, device or apparatus, may discharge into, the drainage system" 3. The IMC code doesn't directly state that the drain line must be insulated. conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved place of disposal. what is connection from the evaporator condensate pan to the pvc drain line and what is the material required? 5.2A Roof Drainage Terminology as used in the COP. This article will dive deeper into the density of standard air [], This article was submitted by Genry Garcia of Comfort Dynamics, Inc. thanks, In order for a system that has 20 drain lines draining into a single 2-inch pvc pipe you must have all 20 traps designed properly and all must contain a water seal. Mechanical equipment, appliances and supports that are exposed to wind shall be designed and installed to resist the wind pressures determined in accordance with the International Building Code. Why would we be worried about draining our condensate liquid into the rain gutter? Only the discharge of the condensate is regulated by the plumbing code, not the connection of the piping to the mechanical equipment. The unit hung as high as possible, 11'-4" at bottom of unit and finished ceiling height is at 11'-0". Mr. Kahn is a licensed home inspector in New York and New Jersey, and can be reached at Website: ICC, International Code Council, 500 New Jersey Avenue, NW Wow, this blog got a little long! You'd fix that by either having your plumber install an appliance wye in the standpipe (I show a typical one - the Canplas 212321W Appliance Wye - as widely sold including at Amazon - below) or by pumping your condensate to another drain destination. Mechanical Engineering. For the secondary drain system he installed a wet switch within the pan below the unit which will turn the unit off upon water detection. - ICC IMC 307.2.5 & IRC M1411.3.3 Drain Line Maintenance code for 2015, original source: http://www.iccsafe.org/ Acme Tools offers fast order processing and great shipping options Make sure to check the installation manual if you have two systems. Remember that the enforcement of the various regulations of the code varies with jurisdictions. And to clarify that, an indirect waste pipe is something upstream of a trap rather than downstream, and this includes the main venting stack as well. For walk-in coolers, floor drains shall be permitted to be connected to a separate drainage line discharging into an outside receptor. What to do When Your Heater Stops Working After a Storm, 14 HVAC Clichs to Avoid: Salespeople and Their Unoriginal Myths. Or see CONDENSATE DRAIN CLEAN & DE-CLOG FAQs questions & answers about how to handle HVAC condensate drainage, posted originally on this page. Is this an acceptable form of condensate drainage? Vertical terminations must incorporate a condensate drain and trap as close as possible to the appliance. ABS materials will not put out toxic smoke. [], Here is part 2 from Michael Housh from Housh Home Energy in Ohio. Also, about that shared drain idea, The widely used reference is the IMC, which stands for International Mechanical Code. It coats the pan, p-trap and drain piping with a lubricative film to improve flow . 9.1.10 Air Conditioning Equipment. Air Around the Clock's only business is providing the residents and businesses of Broward County, West Palm Beach, North Miami-Dade, and Jupiter with professional, cost-effective air conditioning, cooling and HVAC repair, air conditioner service and maintenance programs.