New Condensate drain line cleanout requirements.

Submitted by DonHester on Sun, 03/19/2017 - 07:40.

New Condensate drain line cleanout requirements.

Wenatchee Home Inspector

One of the new requirements for HVAC systems is a condensate drain cleanout. This requirements was to provide an easy access to cleaning and maintaining the drain line without having to cut the line to do so.

A clogged condensate line can lead to damage of surrounding materials. I know of one person who had to replace much of their brand new floor due to a condensate line clog and back up.

There are several new products that ware out there now that will help address this requirement.

This is the “All-Access” This a pretty fancy devices that has blow out ports and built in baffles that can be moved to blow out in both directions.
Video link- https://youtu.be/dbYScpYD5R8

This is a clean out that I have been seeing on newer installations which has a nice clear trap so you can monitor it.

Here is another called “Easy Klear”

Here is another version that comes with a nozzle that can inserted in both directions to clear the line.

From the 2015 codes that address this requirement-

2015 IMC
307.2.5 Drain line maintenance.

Condensate drain lines shall be configured to permit the clearing of blockages and performance of maintenance without requiring the drain line to be cut.

2015 IRC

M1411.3.3 Drain line maintenance.

Condensate drain lines shall be configured to permit the clearing of blockages and performance of maintenance without requiring the drain line to be cut.

So if you are evaluating newer HVAC systems and you are under the 2015 code cycle you should now be looking for the installation of one of these cleanouts.

“There is no greater education than one that is self-driven.”

Neil deGrasse Tyson

If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacturer requirements please let me know.

NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…

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New Condensate drain line cleanout requirements.

New Condensate drain line cleanout requirements.

Wenatchee Home Inspector