Sweet! Thanks. I have a small 1.5 Ton in florida and it molds regularly. It also has a float shutoff which is required, but when it plugs, requires a service call to Nitrogen blow it out (no couplings). These small air handlers have the same problem. I also like the demo of pulling gas into the furnace. That was interesting. We had a unit above us so restricted on intake it was gurgling in my unit, pulling air thru the condensation line and from my washer p trap. Amazing. Thanks
SUMMARY OF TRAP RELATED CODES (Prohibit Condensate Traps) International Mechanical and Plumbing Codes Mechanical Code Section 307.2.4 Traps. Condensate drains shall be trapped as required by the equipment or appliance manufacturer. Plumbing Code Section 314.2.4 Traps. Condensate drains shall be trapped as required by the equipment or appliance manufacturer. Other sections of the International Plumbing Code actually prohibit traps on air conditioning drain systems: Section 1002.4 Trap Seals. . . . Where a trap seal is subject to loss by evaporation [an HVAC trap is], a trap seal primer valve shall be installed. Section 1002.3 Prohibited Traps. The following types of traps are prohibited: 1. Traps that depend on moving parts to maintain the seal. A primer valve has a moving part; thus, prohibiting traps on HVAC drain systems. Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Codes These codes offer no technical guidance and make no specific reference to trapped HVAC condensate drain systems, only to trapped plumbing fixtures. Instead, the Uniform Plumbing Code encourages consideration of improved alternative methods (such as the CostGard™ Condensate Drain Seal). What each section states is summarized below: Mechanical Code Section 101.2 Purpose. . . . The purpose of this code is not to create or otherwise establish or designate a particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by terms of this code. Plumbing Code Section 301.2 Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction Equivalency. Nothing in this code is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this code. Section 1003.1 General Requirements. Each trap, except for traps within an interceptor or similar device shall be self-cleaning. Condensate traps are not self-cleaning, instead they are prone to frequent flow blockage and fail to meet that section of the code. In fact, Sections 301.2 & 1003.1 can be interpreted as requiring the CostGard™ Condensate Drain Seal.
We tried that and it took 9 store bought 90's to do what we do with 3. The "T" is where the air seal is balanced. Piping in all our kits has been engineered to provide a seal during all operating conditions.
Perhaps someday we will do what you suggest. Installation of our product is critical. We have two new products for residential split system heat pumps up to 5 tons, and split light commercial up to 15 tons, warehouses have purchased for resale.
As a commercial HVAC tech I find it a total crime that no company I have ever worked for has ever put even the slightest thought into the condensate system of units they install, because the common wisdom is "meh use a P trap." Years later I will work on these same units and see the blower compartment contaminated with mildew and mold growth as a consequence of condensate failing to drain properly, whether or not that trap was primed with water. So many easily preventable issues caused by the lack of care or concern for the longevity of the equipment installed. This product, for the low cost of losing an insignificant amount of air flow off the blower, provides mildew and mold protection for the blower that should be industry standard among all commercial grade units, yet isn't for pure and simple greed. People in this industry are smart enough to know about the water-source P trap failures described in this video, yet they allow these conditions to continue because it makes them more money through unnecessary service, early unit replacements, and being able to offer a lower priced bid so as to more easily secure the job.
Our kits are simple to install, and come with examples and directions. If you cannot install it, then your local contractor would be able to help. We do not provide the installation service of our product, but are available for any and all technical support you or your contractor might need. Call us to place your order 903-509-4843
Yes, we have CostGard kits designed for various air-handlers (fan coil) units - follow this link to see which one fits your needs. www.trenttech.com/products/
This video was so informative I forgot that it was an advertisement
Sweet! Thanks. I have a small 1.5 Ton in florida and it molds regularly. It also has a float shutoff which is required, but when it plugs, requires a service call to Nitrogen blow it out (no couplings). These small air handlers have the same problem. I also like the demo of pulling gas into the furnace. That was interesting. We had a unit above us so restricted on intake it was gurgling in my unit, pulling air thru the condensation line and from my washer p trap.
Amazing.
Thanks
This is very true that you are breathing dangerous condensate vapors which cause immense amount of health problems
SUMMARY OF TRAP RELATED CODES
(Prohibit Condensate Traps)
International Mechanical and Plumbing Codes
Mechanical Code
Section 307.2.4 Traps. Condensate drains shall be trapped as required by the equipment or appliance manufacturer.
Plumbing Code
Section 314.2.4 Traps. Condensate drains shall be trapped as required by the equipment or appliance manufacturer.
Other sections of the International Plumbing Code actually prohibit traps on air conditioning drain systems:
Section 1002.4 Trap Seals. . . . Where a trap seal is subject to loss by evaporation [an HVAC trap is], a trap seal primer valve shall be installed.
Section 1002.3 Prohibited Traps. The following types of traps are prohibited:
1. Traps that depend on moving parts to maintain the seal.
A primer valve has a moving part; thus, prohibiting traps on HVAC drain systems.
Uniform Mechanical and Plumbing Codes
These codes offer no technical guidance and make no specific reference to trapped HVAC condensate drain systems, only to trapped plumbing fixtures. Instead, the Uniform Plumbing Code encourages consideration of improved alternative methods (such as the CostGard™ Condensate Drain Seal). What each section states is summarized below:
Mechanical Code
Section 101.2 Purpose. . . . The purpose of this code is not to create or otherwise establish or designate a particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by terms of this code.
Plumbing Code
Section 301.2 Alternate Materials and Methods of Construction Equivalency. Nothing in this code is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this code.
Section 1003.1 General Requirements. Each trap, except for traps within an interceptor or similar device shall be self-cleaning.
Condensate traps are not self-cleaning, instead they are prone to frequent flow blockage and fail to meet that section of the code.
In fact, Sections 301.2 & 1003.1 can be interpreted as requiring the CostGard™ Condensate Drain Seal.
Most excellent information
PVC, 90'S, T's and you got it
We tried that and it took 9 store bought 90's to do what we do with 3. The "T" is where the air seal is balanced. Piping in all our kits has been engineered to provide a seal during all operating conditions.
Perhaps someday we will do what you suggest. Installation of our product is critical. We have two new products for residential split system heat pumps up to 5 tons, and split light commercial up to 15 tons, warehouses have purchased for resale.
As a commercial HVAC tech I find it a total crime that no company I have ever worked for has ever put even the slightest thought into the condensate system of units they install, because the common wisdom is "meh use a P trap." Years later I will work on these same units and see the blower compartment contaminated with mildew and mold growth as a consequence of condensate failing to drain properly, whether or not that trap was primed with water. So many easily preventable issues caused by the lack of care or concern for the longevity of the equipment installed.
This product, for the low cost of losing an insignificant amount of air flow off the blower, provides mildew and mold protection for the blower that should be industry standard among all commercial grade units, yet isn't for pure and simple greed. People in this industry are smart enough to know about the water-source P trap failures described in this video, yet they allow these conditions to continue because it makes them more money through unnecessary service, early unit replacements, and being able to offer a lower priced bid so as to more easily secure the job.
Does it meet code for installations on residential units?
metatech
Nay, it shant.
Absolutely it meets code, no moving parts, and all the above. www.trenttech.com
@@walshplumbing336 the CostGard Condensate Drain Seal does meet code - www.trenttech.com
Interesting product. Do you have residential installers in the Dallas area? I just realized there is not a P trap on my system in my home.
Our kits are simple to install, and come with examples and directions. If you cannot install it, then your local contractor would be able to help. We do not provide the installation service of our product, but are available for any and all technical support you or your contractor might need. Call us to place your order 903-509-4843
CostGardTM thanks for the response! I’ll strongly consider it!
Is this system also valid in fan coil drainage installation?
Yes, we have CostGard kits designed for various air-handlers (fan coil) units - follow this link to see which one fits your needs. www.trenttech.com/products/
you didn't show how to connect it.Please tell me how?
Khan, here is a link to draw-through installations: www.trenttech.com/products/draw-through/installation/
@@TrentTech This link doesn’t work anymore