mechanical code condensate drain mechanical code condensate drain

Learn how your comment data is processed. by InspectApedia-911 (mod). General Electric Zoneline instructions [8][9], Watch out: see the warnings and advice about health hazards in HVAC systems and condensate handling systems, This topic has moved to CONDENSATE DISPOSAL, IMPROPER. Chapter 7 of the International Plumbing Code relative to the material type. Working on a school and they love high ceilings. Remove roof-drain plugs when no work is taking place or when rain is forecast. I inspected a home earlier today and they had the AC condensate drainage into the (previous) laundry drainage. AC condensate discharge pipe must be at least " in diameter and the minimum required slope towards the drain should be 1/8". @Amy, [6] Simpson Strong-Tie, "Code Compliant Repair and Protection Guide for the Installation of Utilities in Wood Frame Construction", web search 5/21/12, original source strongtie.com/ftp/fliers/F-REPRPROTECT09.pdf, [copy on file as /Structures/Framing/Simpson_Framing_Protectors.pdf ]. [BS]301.16 Flood hazard. 9.1.10 Air Conditioning Equipment. No. Don't dump condensate around foundations, basements, or other areas that could cause ponding, erosion, or leakage. Many will point to where the ICC energy efficiency code states: N1103.3 Mechanical system piping insulation. Theres no floor drain, but the washer standpipe is not far away. Does anyone have any information about this topic? Air Conditioning Condensate Handling defects lead to condensate spillage, leaks, mold. But I hope this answers some questions you have about the building code, HVAC installations, and condensate drain lines. Seattle has adopted the 2018 International Mechanical Code, with amendments specific to our jurisdiction. This Q&A were posted originally at CONDENSATE DRAINS, CODES. An effective communicator with excellent relationship building & interpersonal skills. And I see far too many systems without a cleanout on them. From what I can tell, both local code (IPC 2018) and the water heater install guide only say that the condensate line needs an air gap. Your condensate line, also known as a "condensate drain line" or "condensate drain" does several jobs, but none are more critical to the functionality of your appliance than draining excess moisture outside of your home. An example that you will see in some installation instructions used for equipment that is draining through an appropriately sloped drain line with no trap whatsoever down into a condensate pump that in turn pumps condensate to the disposal point. Is insulation required on the condensate drain pipe? GerardThe manufacturer of your air handler is the final authority on this installation detail but in my OPINION while it's common to see an air handler set into a drain pan on wood and sometimes other materials, a rubber anti-vibration pad would be a better practice for two reasons: Some building design features also exacerbate problems presented by oversized HVAC systems. Little touches like this can make the difference between a clean install and an average install. We make a three-inch hole in the sidewalk and bore all the way through the 4 to 6 inches of concrete and fill it with pea gravel. This gives your drain pipe a uniform look and makes it easy for the inspector to pass your job. My opinion also is that the cost of tubing or plastic drain lines for a condensate pipe is trivial, just a few dollars, and perhaps not worth your time arguing with your warranty company. Above: Table 503.2.8 Minimum Pipe Insulation Thickness, adapted from the 2010 New York State Energy Conservation Code. Code (IPC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2006 Uniform CONDENSING BOILER/FURNACE CONDENSATE DRAIN, ARTICLE INDEX to AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMPS, HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION COURSES (Canada), HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES, See ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2010 & 2012 IECC, "Insulation Requirements in Commercial Buildings for Mechanical and Service Hot-Water Piping". On 2022-06-21 Metabo 6 In. The IMC states that condensate drains should be trapped according to manufacturers' specs. The traps like those shown in Figure 3 are available at many HVAC supply houses. Code requires that the condensate be connected to the building drain though an air gap connection and NOT physical to the drain. They will eventually rust out and create a new problem. Examples of Model Building Codes Condensate Disposal Regulations & Recommendations. I recently had a condensing tankless water heater installed Im trying to determine the proper way to deal with condensate. If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcastHERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribeHERE. Thank you! The following are significant changes to the IMC and its proposed amendments. 2. There's a p-trap. We like to create a French Drain thereby using a roto-hammer. Are these considered the same item or are the pump and lines two different items? stock code: afs-le85-2. overflow of the primary drain pan or blockage of the condensate drain piping. 310.3.1 basically says its not reasonable to ask a future technician who has to come out to clear a blockage, to cut the PVC lines in order to do so. The code as it relates to condensate disposal in the IMC is pretty vague. Just curious. Energy code: Section 503.2.8 Piping insulation. In this case, that means read the instructions on the label of the glue being used and on the primer being used. When we are mounting to the deck, I use cut-off PVC piping to create stanchions, and reinforce the downward grade, off the service platform. MECHANICAL CODE COMMITTEE Edmund Velaski, Sr., CBOChair Chief Mechanical Inspector City of Mobile Mobile, AL Billy G. Hinton, Jr.Vice Chair . Piping shall be at least 3/4" in diameter and shall not decrease in size [throughout its run from the condensate drain pan to its final disposal destination - no constructions by diameter]" Coil shall be tested at 500 psi (35 kg/sq.) What is the inside diameter minimum of condensate drains. On 2022-06-02 What are the air conditioner condensate drain code? The IMC code doesn't directly state that the drain line must be insulated. Is placing an air handler on top of mason bricks sitting inside the drip tray proper installation procedure? Or see CONDENSATE DRAIN CLEAN & DE-CLOG FAQs questions & answers about how to handle HVAC condensate drainage, posted originally on this page. It also prevents siphoning. The language of the Uniform. Pumps 10. Im not sure if this is relevant to the answer, but the water heater has a neutralizer built in so that shouldnt be an issue either way. Quoting, Also see: specific condensate drain installations for your specific air conditioner, heat pump, or condensing gas furnace. P.S. You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. We cannot have condensate runoff drain to public walkways and driveways. If you are making use of a water heater - to produce domestic hot water used for washing and bathing - water flowing through the heater is pushed by building water pressure, from a municipal supply or from a well water pump or a pressure booster pump. In the photo the white flexible condensate drain tubing is being routed down from above where a split system A/C unit is to be hung on the wall. Depending on the actual RH and temperatures involved (and some other factors), that combination may result in sufficient water condensing on the outside of the condensate drain line in that space to cause dripping, wetting, inside the return ducts. The backfill under and beside the pipe shall be compacted for pipe support. When doing load calculations (Manual J), we need to know how much of the heat load, especially the latent heat load, comes from leakage in the building envelope and the ducts. On 2020-09-09 by (mod) - primary condensate drain had been capped off with no outlet. A water supply shall be provided for cleaning, flushing and resealing the condensate trap, and the trap shall discharge through an air gap in accordance with Section 608. steveray Sawhorse Joined Nov 25, 2009 Messages 10,006 Location West of the river CT May 1, 2017 #7 802.1.5 Nonpotable clear-water waste. A short length of clear vinyl tubing will complete the connection to the P-trap. The only code I have found (Oregon) regarding condensate removal is in the mechanical code (which usually applies to HVAC) and this line is making me question whether the pump's output can in fact be less than 3/4": A transitioning civil engineer and quality inspector with oil and gas, civil construction experience, capable of working independently with minimum supervision, and committed to providing high quality service to every project, with focus on health, safety and environmental issues. The method of drainage shall comply with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations relating to pollution control or the protection of the environment. Thank you. Or should the air handler be seated on rubber be seated on rubber bushings? The idea here is to maintain straight alignment, a uniform slope, and strap or support the drain lines at proper intervals as guided by the installation manual and code books. How far away from a florida heat pump can I install the condensate p-trap. I have found and will cite the sources of installation instructions prescribing locating the effect condensate drain trap quite distant from the appliance itself. Typically a condensing tankless water heater doesnt require a condensate trap (American cited below) Notice that one of the most common condensate disposal locations, connection to a plumbing stack vent pipe, is not recommended and is prohibited by building code in some jurisdictions. Residential HVAC installers have to understand so many facets of the construction industry. eCodes@iccsafe.org. Thank u. 5) Electrical Disconnect-- (Life/Safety). But a trap at the heater is probably required. Were required to get a strap on it every four feet. 1. vibration transmission to the building framing (if the unit is installed on a wood frame floor or ceiling) will make the unit noisier than necessary2. For the primary condensate drain the installer piped 3/4" pvc into a condensate pump, which will discharge into a nearby vanity sink prior to the trap via 3/8" vinyl plastic tubing. Bob,In new HVAC condensate drain installation when the drain is run through framed walls, use of a flexible plastic drain line is common - as shown in the photo I'll attach below and as is described further at inspectapedia.com/aircond/Condensate_Drain_Problems.phpHowever in my OPINION a better installation uses rigid PVC pipe, properly sloped 1/8" to 1/4" per foot. Downsizing the tonnage in retrofits or replacements usually has advantages, but it must be done right, and customers may not always want to do that. Be sure to take note of the EXCEPTIONS in the code citation below. Condensate from air cooling coils and the overflow from evaporative coolers and similar water supplied equipment shall be collected and discharged to an approved plumbing fixture or approved disposal area. Is this an acceptable form of condensate drainage? @jacinto raquel, The IMC dictates a 1% minimum pitch of the drain, equal to 1/8 fall for every 12 (foot) of horizontal run. Proficient in handling the entire gamut of Plant Layout Design, Isometrics, Support Engineering and Stress Analysis.<br>2.