Thread: Condensate trap too big?

This condensate trap for an A/C connection seemed a bit too large but I wasn't sure if it was actually wrong.

Is there a limit to the size?

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Jon,

Ever try and push water uphill?

Yes, its wrong.

rick

Originally Posted by Jon mackay

.
actually wrong.
.

.
On So Many Levels.
.

And leaking, it appears...

See attached:

Very wrong, but probably works as the coil is probably about 4.5' off the ground.

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

Ever try and push water uphill?

The Romans did it centuries ago. But unless that's intended to be an aqueduct yes, it's wrong.

Ummm, size would appear to be the least of the problems. That's really a beautiful set-up. So do those pipes go down into a crawl? Looks like a great rodent highway.

It's all wrong, what it needs is a condensation pump with a drain line that is routed overhead and into the PVC drain pipe.

Originally Posted by Trent Tarter

It's all wrong, what it needs is a condensation pump with a drain line that is routed overhead and into the PVC drain pipe.

I tend to disagree with this "quick Fix". My experience with condensation pumps is that it's another point of failure. They tend to quit a lot, and its usually an item that may be looked at one a year if you are lucky. This should be a last resort if a good condensation gravity system can't be installed.

Besides the length of the drain 'trap"; Isn't a condensate trap supposed to have an air gap(?) and not be directly connected to the sanitary sewer?

Originally Posted by Jane Slaughter

Besides the length of the drain 'trap"; Isn't a condensate trap supposed to have an air gap(?) and not be directly connected to the sanitary sewer?

was thinking the same thing --- until I saw what looks like a cleanout is actually an AAV...

Originally Posted by jason schatz

was thinking the same thing --- until I saw what looks like a cleanout is actually an AAV...

an AAV is not an air gap, it does nothing for backflow prevention

you're right, my fault...

Originally Posted by Jane Slaughter

Besides the length of the drain 'trap"; Isn't a condensate trap supposed to have an air gap(?) and not be directly connected to the sanitary sewer?

Does condensate water qualify as cross connection to portable water?

Originally Posted by Vern Heiler

Does condensate water qualify as cross connection to portable water?

Potable water contamination is one but not the only reason to have a backflow/backpressure preventer.

seeing as there is no potable water connection at the heater, I'd say that'd be a no....

But sewage backflow...even if it were just gases...wouldn't be a nice scene in the air flow of the unit.

The requirement for condensate is much the same as effluent, trapped at the closest place and subject to venting requirements.

Where is the specification that the horizontal piece of a trap cannot be 6"...12" or even 96" on a condensate line.

I looked at the links provided and all that was specified was height requirements. Nothing about from one vertical to the other.

Please educate me.

The condensate piping by itself is only subject to condensate guidlines. But once you connect that to a homes DWV system, it must adhere to all codes and regulations that all piping in that system conforms to.

Okay....so you are saying what?

Originally Posted by Wayne Carlisle

Okay....so you are saying what?

The trap lengths and heights are subject to plumbing codes

WRT the necessity of traps on the suction side of air handlers, this may be of interest:

Condensation in ceiling - Contractor Talk HVAC forum