no idea, but I have read that some folks use regular potable water joint compound instead of PVC cement for that reason.
In the area within 2 feet of the AHU primary drain connection, do most residential applications mandate cementing the joints? The code mandates materials, slope, alignment, where to or not to dispose of the condensate, the use of traps, but no mention of cementing the joints.
I have many mechanics/technicians note that the zone between the AHU and the 1st 24" is not cemented to facilitate access and repair work to the AHU or drain that will not end up with multiple joints in a section.
Since these are gravity lines with no head pressure, it makes sense but could be a risk also.
Thanks.
no idea, but I have read that some folks use regular potable water joint compound instead of PVC cement for that reason.
simple...pvc union
silicone?
The Food Stamp Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is proud to be distributing the greatest amount of free meals and stamps EVER.
Meanwhile, the National Park Service, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, asks us to "Please Do Not Feed the Animals". Their stated reason for this policy "... the animals become dependent on handouts and will not learn to take care of themselves."
from an excerpt by Paul Jacob in Sun City, AZ
Agreed. They make it a breeze to clean or unclog the pipes and no fittings are required after!
Not securing the joints is just asking for trouble IMHO. Sooner or later the non sealed joint will leak if it doesn't get kicked off first. A few jobs back I found where the pipe was just stuck into the male adapter. Water was leaking at that joint and running down the pipe filling the insulation with water and then dripping out 6' away onto the owners ceiling. I would want some angry HO calling me about repairing his ceiling because I didn't have sealed connections or they or the cable guy accidentally knocks the pipe out and doesn't see it..
"I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it."
Benjamin Franklin, 1766
didnt even know there were PVC unions.
Never saw one in a pic or discussed in all of the install threads I've read on this board. Seems like it should be the first thing installed at the unit if possible.
They sell them all day long at Lowes. Can't say I have seen them at the AC SH though.
"I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it."
Benjamin Franklin, 1766
I dont like to use a pvc union. Because it has only a hole about 1/2 in through it. So its a restriction and gives a place to stop up.
I use a rubber hose with a hose clamp at each end as a union. A supply house around here always has plenty on hand.
"Better tell the sandman to stay away, because we're gonna be workin on this one all night."
"Dude, you need more than 2 wires to a condenser to run a 2 stage heatpump."
"Just get it done son."
Dad adjusted
i always install a pvc cross at the drain site , then you can clean both ways , into the coil and downstream....now , instead of loose pvc caps , glue on 2 male adapters on the cleanout stubs and screw on handtight , 2 threaded pvc caps & no leaks and have total access for drain maintenance.....Jack
Last edited by rojacman; 08-31-2011 at 01:35 AM. Reason: word correction
B[COLOR=a friend is one who knows us , but loves us anyway
i just disconnect the union and hold my hand over that end and use nitrogen at the clean out to push blockages through, no snaking for the common soft blockages that way I know the debris is forced all the way out not just dislodged and sitting further down the pipe. For the drain pan in the Ah I will pour water into the pan and use a wet vac at the outlet to suck up all the crap there.
"I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it."
Benjamin Franklin, 1766
I've got mechanical rooms with floor drains that are glued everywhere except one joint. We get clogged drains in elevator room ac units a lot with all the dust thrown off by the equipment. If I push it together and put a couple of wraps of 33+ on it, it won't leak and when we go back in a couple of months its easier to take apart and clean everything out.
In residential or rooms with no floor drains we either glue it all or use hose/clamps.
Originally Posted by ladyfire3374:
"I used to wake up excited about the challenges of the day. Now the anticipation level is somewhere between a root canal and a colonoscopy."
I'm a fan of the clear EZ traps...real easy to clean, but a little pricey. Don't like their float switch that goes into the top of the trap, they seem to get stuck a lot.
-Mike