Condensate Draining Into Waste Line

flashheatingand

Recently, I had a job in which I needed to run the condensate line (furnace install) outside through a foundation vent. To make a long story short, I lacked the necessary "slope?" and determined that it would be best to install a condensate pump and run tubing through the floor to the washer box.

One party wanted to tap into the waste line above the trap so that is the way we went. The condensate line was trapped as well, and we used a san tee to tie into the system.

I know there is a potential odor issue as there is the possibility that the washer backs up. That makes me nervous.

Having said all that, if you were to run the condensate to drain through the waste line, what is the code procedure? I would be more than happy to read the code book, so if someone can give me the referance number, that would be great also.

Bill

mmm, even as a plumber I have never run into this. I would think you can, but lets see what some others say. I do know you can not run chemicals nor extremely hot water into the wast, but never heard of an HVAC condensate line. As far as I can recall they all had been run out doors.

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rbsremodeling

We run them to laundry boxes all the time. We use to try and run them outside until one froze on us and cause a major leak in a new addition. Now I prefer them to drain inside the house.

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KillerToiletSpider

You should never tie condensate into a drain line without providing an air gap, be it pumped or gravity, you are creating the possibility of the furnace siphoning sewage into the unit. I realize the possibility of it actually happening are very small, but that small possibility could also kill someone.

Plumbers are supposed to protect the health of the nation, not endanger it.

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Bill

Should had known that. We do install air gaps in any soft drink or ice machine drain. I know we are supposed to allow the air gap for any line which may come into contact with anything that humans would consume. But a furnace/ I guess if the bacteria draws back through the condensate line, then get into the furnace the fan could blow potentially hazardous germs into the air.

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Virginia Plumbing Codes

neolitic

Legionella?

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(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

Bill

I do not know, but does she have a friend

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Is it beer thirty yet
Virginia Department of Licensing
Virginia Plumbing Codes

flashheatingand

Thanks for the info. I knew there was something to be worried about, and the air gap is the key to going to the waste line.

In the future, if I lack the necessary grade, I will simply install a condensate pump in the crawl and discharge out the side like most scenarios. I do worry about freeze ups , but if plumbed right, and insulated, this should be avoidable.