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  1. #1
    mathew stouffer's Avatar
    mathew stouffer Guest

    Default Condensate drainage system

    Just returned from and inspection and came accross a strange condensate drainage system. The owner insists the HVAC contractor installed the system, however it appears to be an idea born over a few beers. Have you ever seen something like this, and is it acceptable. Wrote it up as unconventional.

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  2. #2
    Michael Larson's Avatar
    Michael Larson Guest

    Default Re: Condensate drainage system

    Quote Originally Posted by mathew stouffer View Post
    Just returned from and inspection and came accross a strange condensate drainage system. The owner insists the HVAC contractor installed the system, however it appears to be an idea born over a few beers. Have you ever seen something like this, and is it acceptable. Wrote it up as unconventional.
    Unconventional indeed. good call.

    I also notice a mixture of black and galvanized fittings on the gas line.
    No drip/dirt leg observed.
    And what appears to be an appliance connector to the furnace. This may be fine if there is protection as it passes through the furnace side cabinet.

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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,042

    Default Re: Condensate drainage system

    Looks like some one is too cheap to buy a condensate pump, and they could charge more to 'make their own' (hourly rates, of course).

    Also, that is one big arse PVC pipe for that condensate use ... where does the 'up' part go?

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

  4. #4
    mathew stouffer's Avatar
    mathew stouffer Guest

    Default Re: Condensate drainage system

    Jerry,
    The up part connects to the exhaust vent.


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Chicago IL
    Posts
    2,048

    Default Re: Condensate drainage system

    That looks like 3" pvc going up, which means it's probably 120k btu unit putting out a lot of condensate. The pipe on the bottom looks like 2" to 1.5", way to big. The fitting looks like a pvc drumtrap. On a normal installation, it would be a special tee that only has a tubing connection end on the bottom side. With that large pipe at the bottom they could be getting exhaust spillage, especially if there's a problem with the bucket.
    They can usually eliminate the drain if the exhaust pipe is pitched outward.
    Definitely looks like handyman work.

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    South-West Michigan
    Posts
    469

    Post Re: Condensate drainage system

    Any evidence that a permit was issued and an inspection by the municipal inspector? That one always makes it easy - appears to have been installed unprofessionally. Though one local judge would have us to believe that building and mechanical work can - and should - be done without permits. She has apparently had issues with the law in the past. Now that she is a judge, she feels she can make the law. Sorry - rabbit trail.

    Randall Aldering GHI BAOM MSM
    Housesmithe Inspection
    www.housesmithe.com

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