A/C Condensate Drain Connected To Waste Piping

**Bruce Breedlove** · 10-14-2009, 06:04 PM

Anything wrong with connecting the A/C condensate drain directly to the waste piping as seen in the attached photos?

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**Bruce Breedlove** · 10-14-2009, 06:08 PM

delete

**Jim Luttrall** · 10-14-2009, 06:17 PM

Yep, it must be an indirect connection. You don't want the nasties from the sewer from the sewer to migrate to the air stream.

**Bruce Breedlove** · 10-14-2009, 06:20 PM

Jim,

Wouldn't the trap stop the sewer gasses from flowing up the pipe?

**Jim Luttrall** · 10-14-2009, 06:28 PM

It's not just gases, think bacteria and legionnaire's disease.
Plus that trap is not vented, is a running trap, and will likely dry out during the off season.

**Bruce Breedlove** · 10-14-2009, 06:59 PM

OK, thanks. Time to send out a revised report.

**Jerry Peck** · 10-14-2009, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by Bruce Breedlove

Wouldn't the trap stop the sewer gasses from flowing up the pipe?

Bruce,

That trap is not stopping anything.

That is a site built "running trap" and running traps are prohibited. Also looks like it might be longer than 4 feet and PVC is required to be supported every 4 feet. Plus, you would want a support at that 90 change from vertical to horizontal to 90 degreed horizontal, otherwise the fittings could break.

Brad Deal · 10-14-2009, 10:10 PM

Bruce,

This is called a "cross connection." If the sewer line backs up, sewer water will be forced into the condensate drain and into the condensate pan. Black water is now in direct contact with the air we breath, vented throughout the living space. This is akin to an overflowed toilet inside the HVAC system.

This is a health safety hazard.

Brad Deal