Thanks. My inspector told me to use a french drain for my condensation line. I said, "ok" wondering what the hell? So I simply dialed in on youtube and there you are. You answered my question right away. Instant information.
Great video Greg, I have seen a lot of installs with drains that has cause homeowners plenty of money, due to water damage. These drains are very critical.
I’ve had problems with mine constantly for years. The main drain line goes under the slab and ties into the sewer drain going directly into sewer. Even after cleaning lines, blowing out pipes, draining is still slow?
Very much appreciate your great explanation. After watching this and see what happened to evaperator leak on the house we bought 2 years ago I found it very helpful to understand why we got problem. Whoever service/install the system was so careless about what he did. It was not up to mechanical standard and common sense logic. My unit problem is inevitable when the humidity high which rarely happen in S.Cal. Equipped with your info I will fix the issue and save the money. Thanks
I'm not in the trade but one thing stood out to me about the use of an existing p trap. If you select a p trap that may not get regular use like a second shower for example the p trap can go empty due to evaporation and send gasses up into the air handler when a p trap is not used at the air handler. Seems easier to just put one in by default.
Steady Stream is the only in-line condensate pump on the market today! When a clog occurs the water level sensor activates the pump and it clears the line. Fully automated with programmable timer.
4 years I've been having humidity problems in my house. The humidity is so much that pulling out the drawer in a dresser is hard cause it's wells. Could you be the condenser ? I have to buy a dehumidifier.
Nice video Greg. My question is how to deal with frost forming at the external exit for homes located where it freezes during winter. I hate the idea of installing a heating element at the end of the condensation line to prevent icing.
Thank you for putting up this video. It was very informative. I am in southern California, so a lot of what you presented will apply (code wise). I am installing a 95% furnace. But I have a few questions. I cannot install my condensate into an existing sanitary drain. It's just too much work. I will terminate it out the side of the house just like at 1:50. My house is pretty much the same as the one in your example, in that it is soil on the side; no slab. However, I read somewhere that if you don't neutralize the acidic condensate that drips into the soil, that it could potentially damage the foundational slab to the house. Is that true, or just overkill? -Do I need to worry about neutralizing the condensate before it drips onto the soil? -And since the side of the house is soil, is there still a need to do a French drain? -My condensate termination will be about 7 to 8 ' (it'll exit from the attic) from the soil. Is this permissible? I
Yes you can drain that furnace right into the soil. No need to neutralize. The drain pipe needs to terminate about 6 to 12" from the ground. So as it comes down the side of the house (in 3/4 inch schedule 40 PVC spray painted for UV protection) put a 45 degree angle on the end of it to make it kick away from the house. You'll be good with that. Email me at greg@foxfamilyhvac.net if you need more help with more of a visual
As a homeowner, I prefer the lettering on the pvc piping to be exposed for easy viewing. That goes for model #/serial # of equipment for future reference/repair. Also, I would thin joining two separate condensate lines to one run is not appropriate because if the final run gets clogged then both systems are clogged. Not a tech here, but common sense.
@@foxfamilyhvac @Fox Family Heating and Air Conditioning Question for you: what are the issues with running the condensate line into a plumbing/sewage stack main line? Since the other configurations are allowed, like emptying upstream of a trap at a bathtub, isn't the plumbing stack equipped to handle the condensate waste (i.e. not a chemistry reason)? I ask because I recently purchased a house from investors and am finding a lot of shoddy workmanship throughout, but wanna use it as a learning opportunity to improve my skills.
The loss of conditioned air is minimal. The amount of issues caused by an unnecessary trap are worse. Add a vent clear by flushing with water while sucking with a vac.
My existing drain line is bowed in the middle, slopes up toward the exit, no P trap, 12' with no support straps, and no clean out except through inside the heater condensation tubing. The drain line is sandwiched between the flexible duct and a stim wall. Day & Night (Carrier) inside drain goes into a black plastic can before attached to line. Couldn't get Carrier to answer questions on this can! This can has allot of brown stuff. Is that normal? A mess! Help!
simple answer with no pics or details. get a rectoseal 83210 and install it per instructions and slope the drain line using the shortest and most direct route to outdoors using as few 90s as possible. and slope the pipe as much as possible. dont get hung up on 1/8 or 1/4 per foot when it comes to condensate lines more slope the better. deburr or chamfer the inside of all pvc pipe ends to avoid any rough spots that will slow down the flow and provide a spot for scum to collect. if for line runs under a slab reroute using above method. My old line was under my garage slab and was a nightmare every month it needed service. Did the above and trouble free for 5 years.
For sure, have the lettering face away from the point of view towards the unit. It looks a lot better/clean. Speaking of the lettering, I was taught when using primer, you know the PVC has been properly cleaned and primed when the lettering has been removed before you glue it... interesting on the 1/8" slope. I've been told always go for 1/4" per 12" slope. I guess if I'm a little off/short on my 1/4" per 12" slope. I'll still meet the 1/8" per 12" slope requirement.
I would not think so. You would not be producing condensate when it’s freezing out (ACi is off) and the little amount of water in the pipes would freeze with out issue since it does not fill the hole pipe correct?
, why would it be a good idea to let the condensate drain right beside the house, and be allowed to drain right into the foundation drain of the house? You see....french drains around your home are only for occasional backup of water. That may be ok in the West. But, in the south east, the humidity levels are so high, that an average a/c unit for homes, can produce 30-40 gal of water per day. You definitely dont want your foundation drain to be used half the year in the summer to catch slow drip from an a/c unit, I just finished a job, where the homeowner thought they had a irrigation leak. Turns out, their small back yard was staying soaked, because the ac condensate was draining into their foundation French drain system. The french drain was dispersing the water across the whole length of the back of the house. Then, the water was spreading out under their patio, and seeping into the dirt from there, underground, until it collected in the lowest part of their back turf, about 25' from the house...making a 10' wide are of nothing but mush and mosquitos. Worst situation of condensate I have ever seen.
By drilling through the sidewalk you actually cause the biodegradation of Earth underneath that concrete wall which will cost the concrete slab to crack
dude your job is making you look old just a couple of years ago you looked so young now you look old i guess this job is very stressful dont worry so much worry is the devils tool dont use it
Thanks. My inspector told me to use a french drain for my condensation line. I said, "ok" wondering what the hell? So I simply dialed in on youtube and there you are. You answered my question right away. Instant information.
Great video Greg, I have seen a lot of installs with drains that has cause homeowners plenty of money, due to water damage. These drains are very critical.
great point Carl. I agree.
I’ve had problems with mine constantly for years. The main drain line goes under the slab and ties into the sewer drain going directly into sewer. Even after cleaning lines, blowing out pipes, draining is still slow?
Very much appreciate your great explanation. After watching this and see what happened to evaperator leak on the house we bought 2 years ago I found it very helpful to understand why we got problem. Whoever service/install the system was so careless about what he did. It was not up to mechanical standard and common sense logic. My unit problem is inevitable when the humidity high which rarely happen in S.Cal. Equipped with your info I will fix the issue and save the money. Thanks
Thanks for taking the time to post this, super informative!
Another great video Greg! You should do a video of comparing some of the more popular flood switches/wet switches, for science of course.
I'm not in the trade but one thing stood out to me about the use of an existing p trap. If you select a p trap that may not get regular use like a second shower for example the p trap can go empty due to evaporation and send gasses up into the air handler when a p trap is not used at the air handler. Seems easier to just put one in by default.
Thanks for this video. I’m 8 months into this industry and I need to know and learn these codes.
Great video
great video!!! greetings from Brazil
Thank you
30 year tech from VA . Great presentation
Great video - I really enjoy watching your content & will recommend your videos to my industry friends
3:01 so you can't connect drain lines to vent stack, thanks for that info
Steady Stream is the only in-line condensate pump on the market today! When a clog occurs the water level sensor activates the pump and it clears the line. Fully automated with programmable timer.
Excellent video sir. Thank you.
Nice video... props from and electrician
My uncle told me three things about plumbing.
1. Water runs downhill
2. Pay day is Friday
3. The boss is an asshole
I was always told the 3 rules of plumbing was 1 chit runs downhill, 2. hot on left cold on right and 3. dont bite your fingernails.
Can multiple condensate lines be hooked together?
Thanks!!
4 years I've been having humidity problems in my house. The humidity is so much that pulling out the drawer in a dresser is hard cause it's wells. Could you be the condenser ? I have to buy a dehumidifier.
Awesome video! Thank you. Where would you point an hvac student to who wants to learn about codes relating to hvac in ca?
can a dehumidifier drain into the city sewer line
Nice video Greg. My question is how to deal with frost forming at the external exit for homes located where it freezes during winter. I hate the idea of installing a heating element at the end of the condensation line to prevent icing.
Terminate the condensate line inside, tie in with a plumbing vent.
5:46 Cracked heat exchanger!
Mine goes down the bathtub drain. I think this condensate pump takes too much humidity out of my apartment.?
Thank you for putting up this video. It was very informative. I am in southern California, so a lot of what you presented will apply (code wise). I am installing a 95% furnace. But I have a few questions.
I cannot install my condensate into an existing sanitary drain. It's just too much work. I will terminate it out the side of the house just like at 1:50. My house is pretty much the same as the one in your example, in that it is soil on the side; no slab. However, I read somewhere that if you don't neutralize the acidic condensate that drips into the soil, that it could potentially damage the foundational slab to the house. Is that true, or just overkill?
-Do I need to worry about neutralizing the condensate before it drips onto the soil?
-And since the side of the house is soil, is there still a need to do a French drain?
-My condensate termination will be about 7 to 8 ' (it'll exit from the attic) from the soil. Is this permissible?
I
Yes you can drain that furnace right into the soil. No need to neutralize. The drain pipe needs to terminate about 6 to 12" from the ground. So as it comes down the side of the house (in 3/4 inch schedule 40 PVC spray painted for UV protection) put a 45 degree angle on the end of it to make it kick away from the house. You'll be good with that. Email me at greg@foxfamilyhvac.net if you need more help with more of a visual
As a homeowner, I prefer the lettering on the pvc piping to be exposed for easy viewing. That goes for model #/serial # of equipment for future reference/repair. Also, I would thin joining two separate condensate lines to one run is not appropriate because if the final run gets clogged then both systems are clogged. Not a tech here, but common sense.
Solid video, great information.
Glad it helped
@@foxfamilyhvac
@Fox Family Heating and Air Conditioning
Question for you: what are the issues with running the condensate line into a plumbing/sewage stack main line? Since the other configurations are allowed, like emptying upstream of a trap at a bathtub, isn't the plumbing stack equipped to handle the condensate waste (i.e. not a chemistry reason)?
I ask because I recently purchased a house from investors and am finding a lot of shoddy workmanship throughout, but wanna use it as a learning opportunity to improve my skills.
Do you need a breather after the trap at the air handler?
Yes. Technically the vent should be after the ptrap to prevent air lock inside the pipe
I have a question. I have a 4 ton positive pressure system with a p trap. Do I need a open vent before and after the p trap?
Vent is always after the P- trap. It is useless before the P-trap. Positive pressure air will escape through the hole.
Our installer use positive drain p traps on a lot of our installs. Bugs me every time I see it.
The loss of conditioned air is minimal. The amount of issues caused by an unnecessary trap are worse. Add a vent clear by flushing with water while sucking with a vac.
My existing drain line is bowed in the middle, slopes up toward the exit, no P trap, 12' with no support straps, and no clean out except through inside the heater condensation tubing. The drain line is sandwiched between the flexible duct and a stim wall. Day & Night (Carrier) inside drain goes into a black plastic can before attached to line. Couldn't get Carrier to answer questions on this can! This can has allot of brown stuff. Is that normal? A mess! Help!
simple answer with no pics or details. get a rectoseal 83210 and install it per instructions and slope the drain line using the shortest and most direct route to outdoors using as few 90s as possible. and slope the pipe as much as possible. dont get hung up on 1/8 or 1/4 per foot when it comes to condensate lines more slope the better. deburr or chamfer the inside of all pvc pipe ends to avoid any rough spots that will slow down the flow and provide a spot for scum to collect. if for line runs under a slab reroute using above method. My old line was under my garage slab and was a nightmare every month it needed service. Did the above and trouble free for 5 years.
For sure, have the lettering face away from the point of view towards the unit. It looks a lot better/clean. Speaking of the lettering, I was taught when using primer, you know the PVC has been properly cleaned and primed when the lettering has been removed before you glue it... interesting on the 1/8" slope. I've been told always go for 1/4" per 12" slope. I guess if I'm a little off/short on my 1/4" per 12" slope. I'll still meet the 1/8" per 12" slope requirement.
Good points guys. Thanks for checking in. Seasoned advice.
I've heard that pov before. good point for sure.
Is it okay to drain onto private sidewalk of my house??any solutions
Yes it is okay to drain onto your own sidewalk. I'd say as long as it's not a walkway that the public can access freely.
@@foxfamilyhvac Thanks very much for the quick response
Is it okay to attach a water hose so that it doesnt drips on the side cement and drip onto dirt?
Sure 😊
What do you know of waterless condensate drain?
Can't say I have heard of it
In extreme cold weather climates do you run the risk of freezing when pluming outside?
I would not think so. You would not be producing condensate when it’s freezing out (ACi is off) and the little amount of water in the pipes would freeze with out issue since it does not fill the hole pipe correct?
Proper drain mini split to septic
The ol' guy didn't want anyone to know, what was what, in the install, so he installed the pipe'' info, looking away from prying eyes......
Found this at TH-cam search Cost guard condensate drain
Wow that's really cool.
, why would it be a good idea to let the condensate drain right beside the house, and be allowed to drain right into the foundation drain of the house? You see....french drains around your home are only for occasional backup of water. That may be ok in the West. But, in the south east, the humidity levels are so high, that an average a/c unit for homes, can produce 30-40 gal of water per day. You definitely dont want your foundation drain to be used half the year in the summer to catch slow drip from an a/c unit, I just finished a job, where the homeowner thought they had a irrigation leak. Turns out, their small back yard was staying soaked, because the ac condensate was draining into their foundation French drain system. The french drain was dispersing the water across the whole length of the back of the house. Then, the water was spreading out under their patio, and seeping into the dirt from there, underground, until it collected in the lowest part of their back turf, about 25' from the house...making a 10' wide are of nothing but mush and mosquitos. Worst situation of condensate I have ever seen.
Costgard condensate drain seal
I’m surprised trane didn’t recommend the blow through costgard condensate drain seal
By drilling through the sidewalk you actually cause the biodegradation of Earth underneath that concrete wall which will cost the concrete slab to crack
You almost lost me at slipperyer.
Not just “slipperyer,” but “MORE slipperyer!”
Bacteria zooglea
Onw pixurew qoehr rhousand worthless words. I am not here becsuse I install units.
dude your job is making you look old just a couple of years ago you looked so young now you look old i guess this job is very stressful dont worry so much worry is the devils tool dont use it
Hahaha!
Holy crap what a troll comment. You must be a really unhappy person. Good luck with that.
What do you look like 🤔