Results 1 to 10 of 10
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    122

    Default Upside down condensate trap?

    Came across this today. Condensate pump at furnace is connected to piping and looks to be upside down at the joist, then continues horizontal outside. This does not look like it would work to me. Any thoughts.......

    Similar Threads:
    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    Inspection Referral

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Upside down condensate trap?

    If we presume that the condensate pump is connected to the left riser of the pipe going vertical (under pressure when the pump is on), then across the top, then turns down and from there on it is gravity draining, then that configuration makes sense.

    Of course, though, the condensate pump would need to be rated for that many feet of head, and the condensate pump will fill that rather large pipe, shut off, and the water in that pipe would then flow back down into the condensate pump reservoir (unless there was a backflow check-valve in that vertical pipe, and then these tend to go back and allow the water to leak back down).

    Anyway, I believe that was the intent of the plan, just the execution and material selection to carry the plan out was lacking a bit.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Montreal, Quebec
    Posts
    40

    Wink Re: Upside down condensate trap?

    My take is they simply brought the pipe up to the beam to put that nice bracket on it for support.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Vancouver
    Posts
    202

    Default Re: Upside down condensate trap?

    the best way to proof it is to test it by putting water in the line which goes to the pump or in the tray that collects the condensate. that way you will see it go on and what happens. but as a trap yes it would work but with a lot more water backing up into the pump. if the pump ever leaks you will have a lot more water to deal with. but the good news it is limited to what is in the trap. not like it is connected to the water supply side.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    Rolla, MO
    Posts
    136

    Default Re: Upside down condensate trap?

    Sidney

    This inverted trap is recommended by the condensation pump manufactures. This configuration creates a siphon that assists the pump in discharging the water. Provided you have sufficient drop and length of tubing or pipe after the inverted trap the system will be self draining. When installed correctly all the condensate pump has to do is get the water up and over the trap and gravity takes over and assists the pump until the reservoir is emptied.

    Randy Mayo, P.E.
    Residential Engineering & Inspection Services
    http://www.rlmengineers.com

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    2,797

    Default Re: Upside down condensate trap?

    See attached.

    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Nazareth, Pa 18064
    Posts
    45

    Default Re: Upside down condensate trap?

    I never saw one of these inverted traps (only hoses around here).
    But it;s good to know that they are recommended by the manufacturer.... I would have not thought it was correct.


  8. #8
    Binford Tools's Avatar
    Binford Tools Guest

    Default Re: Upside down condensate trap?

    It does not look correct, but can't see everything. Test it, as mentioned.

    The issue with that setup and using a 3/4 PVC line is air would enter and break any suction effect. That's why Michael posted the inverted line info on here, which uses 3/8 flex tubing.

    The county here created a nice PDF covering HVAC traps. They require a capped clean out access and air vent after the trap. Plus no 90's in the trap. Need to use 45's or the pre bent traps that most system have. picture below




  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Upside down condensate trap?

    Quote Originally Posted by Binford Tools View Post
    the pre bent traps that most system have. picture below

    Your photo shows: at the top- a running trap and running traps are not allowed; center and to the left - a shallow trap which does not meet the minimum 2" trap seal required by most manufacturers - some require 3" trap, and I've even seen a couple which required a 5" trap; at bottom right - put a left facing 90 on the left side and then extend the top up a bit higher and that might just about work for most manufacturers which require at least a 2" trap seal and then at 2" above the trap weir.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  10. #10
    Binford Tools's Avatar
    Binford Tools Guest

    Default Re: Upside down condensate trap?

    Thanks for the tip on the running trap not being legal. That was a pic I found, as it showed the normal condensate P traps that are manufactured. i.e pre bent pipe.

    I dug through a couple documents, most show the 2" minimum which you mentioned, and did locate one that shows a 3"

    Attached is one from Trane and one from a Carrier.

    Locally here, the county requires a clean out access. The trane pic shows a clean out access.

    Good review on this topic.

    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •