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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Zeeland Michigan
    Posts
    143

    Default Proper connection

    Good Evening All.

    During an inspection yesterday I found a plastic condensate drain line from an electric pump caulked into a hole drilled into the top a 4" PVC drain pipe.
    Is this considered a proper connection. I wrote it up and am being questioned about the reference by another inspector.

    Does anyone know the reference for or against this.
    No photos.

    Thanks in advance!

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Atlanta, Georgia
    Posts
    1,088

    Default Re: Proper connection

    Caulk is not an approved method to join plumbing anywhere, anytime, for any purpose.

    Push back on the other person and ask them to show you where in the code that caulk is an approved method to join pipes.

    "The Code is not a peak to reach but a foundation to build from."

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
    Posts
    3,154

    Default Re: Proper connection

    Quote Originally Posted by Rick Vernon View Post
    Good Evening All. During an inspection yesterday I found a plastic condensate drain line from an electric pump caulked into a hole drilled into the top a 4" PVC drain pipe. Is this considered a proper connection. I wrote it up and am being questioned about the reference by another inspector. Does anyone know the reference for or against this. No photos. Thanks in advance!
    2003 IRC

    P3003.2 Prohibited Joints. Running threads and bands shall not be used in the drainage system. Drainage and vent piping shall not be drilled, tapped, burned or welded.

    Department of Redundancy Department
    Supreme Emperor of Hyperbole
    http://www.FullCircleInspect.com/

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Proper connection

    Rick,

    That is also an indirect connection and thus requires an air gap ... a 1" minimum air gap and could need to be larger depending on the size of the plastic tube and how far from the wall it is.

    A 1" air gap is the smallest required for about anything, basically remember a minimum of 2 x the diameter of the discharge opening and maybe more if close to a wall.

    A 1/2" or smaller opening requires a 1" air gap.

    A 3/4" or smaller (down to the above 1/2") requires a 1-1/2" air gap.

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

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Zeeland Michigan
    Posts
    143

    Thumbs up Re: Proper connection

    Thank you all for the quick responses and opportunity to learn!




    If a man empties his purse into his head no one can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest
    Benjamin Franklin

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