Should an AC condensation line run directly into a sewer line?
My wife and I are under contract to buy a house. We just had the house inspected, and there is a smell of sewage in the basement. The condensate line is running directly into the sewer pipe, with no trap or pump system. The connection between the condesate line and the sewer line is leaking, and there is some sewage on the basement floor. The inspector mentioned a lot of things but I forgot to take notes on that. What is a proper system for discharging the condesate line? With a trap to the sewer line, or a pump system that discharges outside the house? We're drafting an addendum to the contract, inspection contingency and I want to get the wording right. A description of the current set-up is written up in the inspection report as a Major Defect, but recommendations for remediation methods are not specified.
Public Comments
- No. Should have a trap - even a simple p-trap
- That's all wrong. If you don't remember what the inspector said, and if it isn't mentioned in his written report, call him and ask him. If necessary get him out there again. This is something the seller simply must fix, and fix the right way!
- If ur condensation line is drain thru ur sewer line...The code required to have a p-trap set up. The reason is lethal gas is produced in ur sewer line (Methane gas) and it go where ever ur line is til it's escape thru the toilet vent on top of the roof. The funny smell could be just mildew smell from ur basement. This correction must done by a qualify plumber because it's a liability issue. Lawsuit is scary and we as techncians must follow all city codes to even giving advices as to the closes form.
- Since nobody mentioned it I wanted to add that there is nothing wrong with draining the condensate in to the sewer. But as you realize there is a big problem with bad or open sewer line plumbing, or worse; leaking plumbing. It wouldn't matter that the connection is for an a/c. The water and the connection needed could be coming from a sink, a condensing furnance, washer, or whatever. I just wanted to draw the distinction that it is a plumbing problem not an A/C problem. And yes the water can be pumped outside with the addition of a condensate pump but why add another device that can wear out when you have a drain available? You need to make sure they fix the plumbing. Good Luck.
- Some municipalities prohibit condensate lines going into the sewer line with the simple reason being that if they didn't sell you the water, they shouldn't have to pay the cost of processing it at the plant. Municipalities that do allow a condensate line to go into a sewer line require a sealed connection up to the point of a trap, and then an air gap before the line gets to the trap so that sewage doesn't backfeed into your AC condensate pan. Here's a good writeup from New York about improperly terminated condensate lines. for more information, you will need to contact your local water authority as some laws vary depending on where you live.
- USA Condensate can drain directly to the exterior OR to the sanitary sewer system. If it is piped to the sanitary sewer, it must have a trap and must be connected with the proper fittings ( not just a hole cut in the main line ), so that no sewer gas can escape. Your inspector should have provided a written report. If not, call him/her back and get it.
