Thread: Condensate drain to sewer vent

The heat pump condensate drains into a sewer vent. This is a common configuration in this area (although they usually install a p-trap). Am I correct in calling it out as improper. The p-trap will evaporate during heating use, correct? The manufacture (Ruud) info says not to connect to a closed sewer system. Any feedback is appreciated.

Chris

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From the IRC.

- M1411.3 Condensate disposal.

Condensate from all cooling coils or evaporators shall be conveyed from the drain pan outlet to an approved place of disposal. Condensate shall not discharge into a street, alley or other areas where it would cause a nuisance.

- SECTION P2706 (underlining is mine)
- - WASTE RECEPTORS
- - - P2706.1 General. Every waste receptor shall be of an approved type. Plumbing fixtures or other receptors receiving the discharge of indirect waste pipes shall be shaped and have a capacity to prevent splashing or flooding and shall be readily accessible for inspection and cleaning. Waste receptors and standpipes shall be trapped and vented and shall connect to the building drainage system. Are movable strainer or basket shall cover the waste outlet of waste receptors. Waste receptors shall be installed in ventilated spaces. Waste receptors shall not be installed in bathrooms or in any inaccessible or unventilated space such as a closet. Ready access shall be provided to waste receptors.
- - - - Exception: Open hub waste receptors shall be permitted in the form of a hub or pipe extending not less than 1 inch (25 mm) above a water-impervious floor, and are not required to have a strainer.

The building looks like a good candidate for legion airs disease or something. The condensate line is not even trapped, meaning the negative pressure inside the air handler is pulling in sewer gas to the air handler and distributed to the building. Sewer gas exposure, especially over time, can make you downright sick.

Originally Posted by Matthew Barnicle

...legion airs disease...

One of the great things about the internet is how incredibly easy it is to check the spelling of something. Like Legionnaire's disease.

Wow, were to start
- I agree with the lack of trap and possible siphoning of sewer gas, unlikely but definitely possible. Being on the roof like that there would most likely be enough draft to keep that from being a real problem. Still a terrible installation.
- My guess is that the condensate drain is probably caulked into a drilled hole on the vent (typical crap work). Once the caulk seam fails water will probably enter the roof ... and then ...
- What is that built-up trough thing the drain is layed into? That looks like another roof seal failure point. Water must accumulate in there everytime it rains.
- It looks like a flat roof. Around here the hvac guys either: just let the condensate run onto the roof; or run the drain over to the gutter.