HVAC Condensate

Thoughts on this condensate drain. This is the second one ive seen like this. Is there an installation where this is correct?
Screenshot (2)

Are you talking about this?

condensate

That air conditioning condenser is way out of level. I called that out before the condensate drain. I haven’t seen them ran like that but I have seen P traps on the exterior for the condensate drains.

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Yes. My assumption is that it was supposed to be turned upside down.

It is very common for them to enter the ground, and then come back up, especially when the home is on slab. Not sure why they did it in this situation, since it is over a crawlspace.

However, that one does appear to be a little extreme on the height. It needs to be tall enough to avoid the vegetation, but that may lead to frequent clogs. Not sure if there is a code for the max height, but I would at least mention it as an fyi in case it backs up

As long as the inlet is higher than the outlet it should drain. It discharges too close to the foundation and the water will likely run under the house (due to the negative grade of the soil). Also, the condenser is out of level and the electrical conduit is not properly secured.

Yes, it will drain, but the excess height will cause more build-up of sludge that will then have to blown or vacuumed out.

Just how must condensate do you think will discharge before soaking into the soil, causing a run-off to the structure? Non-issue, IMO.

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Up to 20 gallons per day is word in the street. But IMO, this will only compound a problem with poorly waterproofed foundation.

Here is an example. TPRV failed (not a condensate drain) on a vacant home which was not attended to for only God knows how long. Much more than the 20 gallons a day!

I always recommend they extend the condensate drain several feet away from the home, just like downspouts as needed.

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5 to 20 gallons per day depending on humidity level. Over the course of several weeks could substantially impact the foundation or structural supports.