Condensate trap.
#1
07-22-14, 06:05 PM
Condensate trap.
What is the condensate trap for? I think mine is clogged because I have spillage into my overflow pan and out of that drain. I would like to replace the trap with straight pipe so I don't have to worry about clogs again. My condensate line drains into a sump pit, so no worries of sewer gas.
#2
07-22-14, 07:41 PM
Forum Topic Moderator
If the evaporator coil is located before the blower, as commonly found in air handlers, return air can be pulled in through the drain line preventing proper drainage.
The unit would only drain when the fan cycles off and would leak if it took too long for the fan to cycle off.
The unit would only drain when the fan cycles off and would leak if it took too long for the fan to cycle off.
#3
07-27-14, 05:29 AM
Ok. The air handler is in the attic above the 2nd floor. The condensate drain runs all the way to the basement into a sump pit. I replaced the trap and that didn't solve the problem. I went into the basement where there was another horizontal piece of pipe thinking that could be clogged as well. When I pulled the end of the pipe out of the water in the sump, the water in the line drained out. It seems the pipe was air locked. I trimmed the end of the pipe to remain above the water and added clean outs and replaced the horizontal pipe to make sure that wasn't a problem. Now the condensate doesn't come out of the pipe until the air handler turns off. The new trap is not as deep as the old one. Could that be the problem? Should the drain be vented since it has such a long run to the basement?
#4
07-27-14, 06:01 AM
I sometimes put in a tee after the trap w/a piece of pipe in the open end extending above the primary pan for that same reason.Not very common situation though.We call it a snorkel.
#5
07-27-14, 08:51 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
I also add a vent to long drainlines. A cleanout and a ballvalve would also help service the drain in the future.
