Condensing heater condensate

[Jeff Zehnder]

Was on a new home inspection and this is the first time I have seen the AC and condensing heater condensate pipe plumbed into the house drain system. Does any have any thought as well as code references on this issue.

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[Trent Tarter]

Was on a new home inspection and this is the first time I have seen the AC and condensing heater condensate pipe plumbed into the house drain system. Does any have any thought as well as code references on this issue.

It's commonly done in new construction, however it should be an indirect drain receptor. Typically the condensate lines and/or water heater TPR drain are routed to an indirect drain receptor which is usually a 2" drain riser with trap. Pretty common to find them in the garage near HVAC and water heater.

[Jeff Zehnder]

Thanks,as i said this was the first time i had seen this option, previous all condensate has drained to daylight in NC.
I did some further checking and found that the state passed some sort of rule to allow the locals to make the determination if freezing condensate would be an issue and make adjustments.

[Patrick Hartshorn]

It is mandatory here, all condensate drains from heating and HRV units typically go up to the washing machine drain. Some times if the location is too far or not accessible they will plumb them into the drain under a sink using the same system as a dishwasher. Either way, it has to be above the first living floor, typically our heaters and HRV's are in the crawl space and no drain connections are allowed in the crawl.

[Donald Kane]

The condensate may require neutralization before discharge into sanitary line or outside discharge.

[Patrick Hartshorn]

The condensate may require neutralization before discharge into sanitary line or outside discharge.

That sounds like a community or public sewage system requirement, I could see why with the condition of condensate water being acidic and such. Our systems are all private septic's so they don't seem to care about that around here? If one was to dump condensate out onto the yard or something I would think it should be conditioned first, wouldn't want some kid thinking its a drinking fountain!! .

[Joseph Peake]

The "indirect waste" or "safe waste" as Trent posted is what I always recommend if it is connected to the home's waste lines. The reason is to avoid contamination of the HVAC system (pooh and air don't mix well).

[ROBERT YOUNG]

The reason is to avoid contamination of the HVAC system (pooh and air don't mix well).

Dung beetles and flies may disagree.

Uniform Mechanical Code Section 310.0, 310.1 Condensate Disposal
ICC IMC 307.2.5 & IRC M1411.3.3 Drain Line Maintenance code for 2015 - See more at: http://inspectapedia.com/aircond


Condensate drains shall be configured to permit the clearing of blockages and performance of maintenance without having to cut the line. - ICC IMC 307.2.5 & IRC M1411.3.3 Drain Line Maintenance code for 2015, original source: http://www.iccsafe.org/