Couple questions

[acobra289]

1. Would it hurt anything to have the condensate drain line empty into the washing machine drain that empties into the septic system? I didn’t know if the acidic nature of the condensation would have any negative effect on the septic system? The condensate drain currently exits through the basement wall, but come winter I am concerned about it possibly freezing up. (92+ furnace)

2. The line set and condensate drain line exit the basement through a PVC pipe in the cinderblock wall. They used plenty of silicone between the PVC and cinderblock, but where the line set goes through the PVC it is not sealed. Is this left unsealed for a reason? Would it hurt anything if I put a little spray foam insulation in there? Should I just leave it as is?

Thanks for the help.

[Airmechanical]

1. Would it hurt anything to have the condensate drain line empty into the washing machine drain that empties into the septic system?

its not a good idea to connect any part of your HVAC system to any part of a sewage system!



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[beenthere]

You would need a PH neutralizer added to your condensate system.

[Airmechanical]

double post

[Airmechanical]

You would need a PH neutralizer added to your condensate system.

the (CL) bleach from the washing machine should neutralize the (PH) acid



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[acobra289]

I'll be safe and leave it as is. I don't want to screw up my septic system. They are even more expensive than HVAC equipment.

[beenthere]

So what prevents the drain from freezing in the winter?

[Airmechanical]

So what prevents the drain from freezing in the winter?

make sure to run it totally downhill once its outside

or use pipe heat tape



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[sskzekeman]

Why don't you leave it alone and don't worry about freezing a condensate line you describe. So what if some residual water freezes in the winter; it shouldn't cause any problem unless you have some nasty turns and the line is copper.
When you need A/C in the summer I guarantee it will be defrosted.

[beenthere]

Its also for his Condensing Furnace.

[ampulman]

You would need a PH neutralizer added to your condensate system.

The condensate from my (new) system (heat and cool) is pumped from the basement, to a washtub in my first floor laundry room.

It is permitted by code since (1) there is an air break, and (2) the waste system is all PVC.

I plan to make a cannister, to be filled with marble chips (close to 100% Calcium Carbonate) through which the furnace condensate will drain (out of the bottom) and neutralize the acid.

AM

[sskzekeman]

Oh, I didn't notice.
But with flow of condensate in winter no way could it freeze up anyway since it takes a lot of time to lose enough heat for freezing.

[sskzekeman]

The condensate from my (new) system (heat and cool) is pumped from the basement, to a washtub in my first floor laundry room.

It is permitted by code since (1) there is an air break, and (2) the waste system is all PVC.

I plan to make a cannister, to be filled with marble chips (close to 100% Calcium Carbonate) through which the furnace condensate will drain (out of the bottom) and neutralize the acid.

AM

Wow, What overkill for a simple problem unless you cant dump it outside.