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  1. #1
    Jon mackay's Avatar
    Jon mackay Guest

    Default Condensate trap too big?

    This condensate trap for an A/C connection seemed a bit too large but I wasn't sure if it was actually wrong.

    Is there a limit to the size?

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Jon,

    Ever try and push water uphill?

    Yes, its wrong.

    rick


  3. #3
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jon mackay View Post
    .
    actually wrong.
    .

    .
    On So Many Levels.

    .

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  4. #4
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    Talking Re: Condensate trap too big?

    And leaking, it appears...

    We know why you fly: because the bus is too expensive and the railroad has a dress code...
    www.atozinspector.com

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    See attached:

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

  6. #6
    David Bell's Avatar
    David Bell Guest

    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Very wrong, but probably works as the coil is probably about 4.5' off the ground.


  7. #7
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Quote Originally Posted by Rick Hurst View Post
    Ever try and push water uphill?
    The Romans did it centuries ago. But unless that's intended to be an aqueduct yes, it's wrong.


  8. #8
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Ummm, size would appear to be the least of the problems. That's really a beautiful set-up. So do those pipes go down into a crawl? Looks like a great rodent highway.

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  9. #9
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    It's all wrong, what it needs is a condensation pump with a drain line that is routed overhead and into the PVC drain pipe.


  10. #10
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Quote Originally Posted by Trent Tarter View Post
    It's all wrong, what it needs is a condensation pump with a drain line that is routed overhead and into the PVC drain pipe.

    I tend to disagree with this "quick Fix". My experience with condensation pumps is that it's another point of failure. They tend to quit a lot, and its usually an item that may be looked at one a year if you are lucky. This should be a last resort if a good condensation gravity system can't be installed.


  11. #11
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Besides the length of the drain 'trap"; Isn't a condensate trap supposed to have an air gap(?) and not be directly connected to the sanitary sewer?


  12. #12
    jason schatz's Avatar
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jane Slaughter View Post
    Besides the length of the drain 'trap"; Isn't a condensate trap supposed to have an air gap(?) and not be directly connected to the sanitary sewer?
    was thinking the same thing --- until I saw what looks like a cleanout is actually an AAV...


  13. #13
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Quote Originally Posted by jason schatz View Post
    was thinking the same thing --- until I saw what looks like a cleanout is actually an AAV...
    an AAV is not an air gap, it does nothing for backflow prevention


  14. #14
    jason schatz's Avatar
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    you're right, my fault...


  15. #15
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jane Slaughter View Post
    Besides the length of the drain 'trap"; Isn't a condensate trap supposed to have an air gap(?) and not be directly connected to the sanitary sewer?
    Does condensate water qualify as cross connection to portable water?

    The beatings will continue until morale has improved. mgt.

  16. #16
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Quote Originally Posted by Vern Heiler View Post
    Does condensate water qualify as cross connection to portable water?
    Potable water contamination is one but not the only reason to have a backflow/backpressure preventer.


  17. #17
    jason schatz's Avatar
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    seeing as there is no potable water connection at the heater, I'd say that'd be a no....

    But sewage backflow...even if it were just gases...wouldn't be a nice scene in the air flow of the unit.


  18. #18
    David Bell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    The requirement for condensate is much the same as effluent, trapped at the closest place and subject to venting requirements.


  19. #19
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Where is the specification that the horizontal piece of a trap cannot be 6"...12" or even 96" on a condensate line.

    I looked at the links provided and all that was specified was height requirements. Nothing about from one vertical to the other.

    Please educate me.


  20. #20
    David Bell's Avatar
    David Bell Guest

    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    The condensate piping by itself is only subject to condensate guidlines. But once you connect that to a homes DWV system, it must adhere to all codes and regulations that all piping in that system conforms to.


  21. #21
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Okay....so you are saying what?


  22. #22
    David Bell's Avatar
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    Quote Originally Posted by Wayne Carlisle View Post
    Okay....so you are saying what?
    The trap lengths and heights are subject to plumbing codes


  23. #23
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    Default Re: Condensate trap too big?

    WRT the necessity of traps on the suction side of air handlers, this may be of interest:

    Condensation in ceiling - Contractor Talk HVAC forum

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

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