Thread: Condensing type heater drain under slab.

This is a new home. Both the dehumidifier and the condensate from gas water heater drain into a hole in the floor below slab. (goes nowhere except to soil under slab.

This certainly is not good practice, but does anyone know if this a code issue?

Similar Threads:

• I've never seen this type of water heater before
• Tankless water heater condensing and freezing
• Moving Washer/Utility Drain in New Slab
• I have never seen this type of water heater
• Water heater drain pan

not code but from memory.
Must drain to an approved place of discharge, and under the slab ain't it.

I see these from time to time, but the pipe goes to exterior. Did you look down the pipe and see earth?

Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell

not code but from memory.
Must drain to an approved place of discharge, and under the slab ain't it.

Interesting Rick.
Do you happen to know where in the code it says this & what does "approved place mean?"

Originally Posted by Jack Feldmann

I see these from time to time, but the pipe goes to exterior. Did you look down the pipe and see earth?

No outlet. Just drains to a hole under the slab. We just have sand here so the discharge under the slab results in wash-out caverns, retains moisture, attracts insects and allows radon gas to enter.

I always write this up, but builders tell me "This is how we do it, it's not illegal and it's better than relying on an electrical pump". I'm trying to determine if it is a code violation.

Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell

Must drain to an approved place of discharge ...

"Approved" means (in the building codes) "approved by the building official".

Originally Posted by Ken Amelin

Interesting Rick.
Do you happen to know where in the code it says this & what does "approved place mean?"

As I said, not code but from memory.
But for your convenience:
(bold added)

2006 IRCCHAPTER 28
WATER HEATERS
P2801.5.1 Pan size and drain. The pan shall be not less
than 11/2 inches (38 mm) deep and shall be of sufficient size
and shape to receive all dripping or condensate from the
tank or water heater. The pan shall be drained by an indirect
waste pipe having a minimum diameter of 3/4 inch (19 mm).
Piping for safety pan drains shall be of those materials listed
in Table P2904.5.
P2801.5.2 Pan drain termination. The pan drain shall
extend full-size and terminate over a suitably located indirect
waste receptor or shall extend to the exterior of the
building and terminate not less than 6 inches (152 mm) and
not more than 24 inches (610 mm) above the adjacent
ground surface.


SECTION P2706
WASTE RECEPTORS
P2706.1 General. Every waste receptor shall be of an approved
type. Plumbing fixtures or other receptors receiving the discharge
of indirectwaste 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.


SECTION R202
DEFINITIONS
APPROVED. Acceptable to the building official.

I would never approve that.

Originally Posted by Rick Cantrell

As I said, not code but from memory.
But for your convenience:
(bold added)

2006 IRCCHAPTER 28
WATER HEATERS
P2801.5.1 Pan size and drain. The pan shall be not less
than 11/2 inches (38 mm) deep and shall be of sufficient size
and shape to receive all dripping or condensate from the
tank or water heater. The pan shall be drained by an indirect
waste pipe having a minimum diameter of 3/4 inch (19 mm).
Piping for safety pan drains shall be of those materials listed
in Table P2904.5.
P2801.5.2 Pan drain termination. The pan drain shall
extend full-size and terminate over a suitably located indirect
waste receptor or shall extend to the exterior of the
building and terminate not less than 6 inches (152 mm) and
not more than 24 inches (610 mm) above the adjacent
ground surface.


SECTION P2706
WASTE RECEPTORS
P2706.1 General. Every waste receptor shall be of an approved
type. Plumbing fixtures or other receptors receiving the discharge
of indirectwaste 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.


SECTION R202
DEFINITIONS
APPROVED. Acceptable to the building official.