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  1. #1
    King Lewis's Avatar
    King Lewis Guest

    Default Condenser trap why?

    What is the purpose of a trap on a condensate line from an AC unit?

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  2. #2
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    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: Condenser trap why?

    To keep the unit from sucking in/blowing out air through the condensate lines.

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

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Chicago, IL
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    Default Re: Condenser trap why?

    A few reasons:

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    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  4. #4
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    Charlotte NC Licensed in NC and SC
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    Default Re: Condenser trap why?

    Note the comment they included to describe that document:

    "Our discussion will center on negative pressure systems, since trap failure in a positive pressure environment simply results in air being exhausted through the drain line."


    Most all systems used around here are the positive pressure type.

    I had a Trane gas pack on a previous house that had the negative pressure setup. I primed the trap at the start of the cooling season but most people do not.


  5. #5
    Bryan Frazer's Avatar
    Bryan Frazer Guest

    Default Re: Condenser trap why?

    I just finished an inspection of a crawl space and found: a Little Giant VCMA -15ult condensate pump attached to a high efficiency furnace. All good but, the poly pipe from the pump was inserted and glued into the side of an ABS drain pipe from the laundry room. The issue I have is that the poly pipe runs uphill without any way to prevent laundry water from running into the crawl space if the pump's back flow valve fails. The pipe was full of water so a pig tail or trap would not be useful. I could not get any info on the manufacturer's website on how they want their pump installed. Any thoughts from trap (or trapped) gurus?


  6. #6
    Matt Vozzella's Avatar
    Matt Vozzella Guest

    Default Re: Condenser trap why?

    The condensate tubing should run to a trapped location. Given the description you gave, I would run to the laundry as done but terminate with a washing machine box that has a receptor for condensate, i.e. Oatey Eliminator.

    The homeowner isn't providing the required indirect connection and your concern is valid.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Fuquay Varina, NC
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    Default Re: Condenser trap why?

    Even when the traps are installed I find many (as in today New Const.) that the cleanout/stand pipe is installed before the trap and not capped. Open stand pipes before the trap defeats the purpose of the trap.

    Mike Schulz License 393
    Affordable Home Inspections
    www.houseinspections.com

  8. #8
    brianmiller's Avatar
    brianmiller Guest

    Default Re: Condenser trap why?

    Is there a code section that requires the condensate drain line, either primary or secondary to be p-trapped? If so, what is the code section?

    thanks,

    bm


  9. #9
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    Mar 2008
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    Charlotte NC
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    Default Re: Condenser trap why?

    Quote Originally Posted by brianmiller View Post
    Is there a code section that requires the condensate drain line, either primary or secondary to be p-trapped? If so, what is the code section?

    thanks,

    bm
    Hanging out at the pool (jury), so don't have the code no. but plumbing code requires each drain be trapped. And it is a drain line


  10. #10
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    Chicago, IL
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    Default Re: Condenser trap why?

    Check for a recommendation/requirement in the manufacture's installation instructions (which code requiers be followed) - I have a collection of these to include in reports as required, and I keep adding to it from instructions left with un/mis-tapped lines. Sometimes it's a recommendation, sometimes it's a requirement, but it's almost always mentioned.

    ---------------

    As for "why", when I fnd un-trapped positively pressurized condensate drain line(s) I explain to clients that they are paying to air-condition the attic / sewer system / great outdoors / etc.... and if AC is running and the end of the line is accessible, I suggest they hold their hand in front of it.

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    Last edited by Michael Thomas; 04-19-2010 at 02:23 PM.
    Michael Thomas
    Paragon Property Services Inc., Chicago IL
    http://paragoninspects.com

  11. #11
    brianmiller's Avatar
    brianmiller Guest

    Default Re: Condenser trap why?

    I've search high-and-low but I can't find a code section (mechanical or in plumbing) that states a drain line or a condensate drain line,must be trapped; however, I may be needing new glasses and just can't find it....

    I interpret the code to say basically, if you install a trap, do it in x-y-z way but I don't see where it says you must install a trap; but again, maybe I'm not finding the right section.


  12. #12
    Join Date
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    Default Re: Condenser trap why?

    Quote Originally Posted by brianmiller View Post
    I've search high-and-low but I can't find a code section (mechanical or in plumbing) that states a drain line or a condensate drain line,must be trapped; however, I may be needing new glasses and just can't find it....

    Need to clean those old glasses ...

    (bold and underlining are mine)
    - M1401.1 Installation. Heating and cooling equipment and appliances shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions and the requirements of this code.

    ... and all the manufacturer's installation instructions I've read require traps - in both the primary and the secondary - condensate lines.

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

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