Another condensate question - InspectionNews

mathew stouffer · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 09:46 PM

AC is not that popular around here so I don't know as much as I should. Each one I see seems to be different. This was in an attic and the primary was draining into a vent. However, no secondary and no trap on primary. There was a pan with a safe T switch. Another unit in the basemet only has a primary line. What's up.

Jerry Peck · #2 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 08:34 AM

At least there is a trap there, but there should be an air gap between the condensate and the trap. And that condensate line should be supported.

Man, that flexible duct sure is pulled t-i-g-h-t!

As we've stated in the past - the secondary needs to be trapped and drained, such as to the auxiliary drain pan.

Is that unit setting down in that drain pan? Or is it an optical illusion in the photo?

Jim Luttrall · #3 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 09:59 AM

Wrong primary, wrong secondary.

Is that sewer vent open to the attic?

Both the primary AND the secondary drains should be trapped and vented DOWNSTREAM of the trap. The drain line should terminate through an air gap to an approved place of disposal, (not a vent stack)
Looks like this unit is a prime candidate to let sewer gas into the air stream.
It will also suck or blow air from the un-trapped condensate lines resulting in energy loss.

Jim Luttrall · #4 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

At least there is a trap there

Where is that Jerry?

Jerry Peck · #5 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall

Where is that Jerry?

Jim,

At the vent where the condensate drain connects to the vent.

Jim Luttrall · #6 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 01:55 PM

Ahh, I see now, hidden behind. I guess I need to get one of those big monitors (or maybe a pair, one for each eye)!

wayne soper · #7 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 02:30 PM

Looks like someone, Guess who? stepped on the pan edge. I wonder how much water it will hold now?

Jerry Peck · #8 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayne soper

Looks like someone, Guess who? stepped on the pan edge.

Wayne,

No, that is from the unit being down *IN* the pan, and the pan being too small. The unit is pushing the side of the pan out. You can just see the unit pushing against it in the photo.

Of course, though, that means the pan is too small.

mathew stouffer · #9 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 06:24 PM

Thanks guys. The pan was too small, you can't see what the back looked like.