Avoid running outside but when you have to
Heat Tape and insulation
Wondering what installers are doing with the line when it has to be run outside, to prevent freezing of course. Heard talk about going into a larger PVC pipe like 2 inch when it goes throug the exterior wall. Due to the bigger size I was told that it won't freeze any thoughts
Avoid running outside but when you have to
Heat Tape and insulation
R I P Icemeister
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You are in a tough spot. Heat tape doesn't work very well on PVC pipe, but you can't use copper pipe with the acidic condensate. If that's your only choice, I would use lots of heat cable and tightly spiral it around the pipe and then cover it with 1/2" or 3/4" thick armaflex. Be aware that where ever it drips to, a huge stalagmite will form underneath it during below-freezing weather. Also, plan on it killing any vegetation that is near by. Is there any possible way to use a condensate pump to get the condensate to a drain somewhere inside the envelope?
By the way, I don't see how increasing the pipe size would accomplish anything.
I have run multiple condensate lines outside in -40 conditions with 3/4" pvc and never a freeze up.
Just before you go out the wall put in a vent tee and run self regulating, imersable heat tape into the tee. Heat shrink the termination on the end outside 4-6" longer than your pipe and put that back in the pipe so that the end few inches is double protected. Works great.
I've gone into bigger pipe and haven't froze.
why can't you go inside?
have not come across one that can't be run inside in my area.
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Condencing boilers/furnaces in the garage.
I think code does not allow us to run it out side. why do you need to anyway? is it in an attic?
I have seen them ran underground to gravel, but that would be a feat in a garage with a cement floor. I think a larger pipe would more than compensate for freezing in your location. Is the line on the suction side? I know that with a pee trap it shouldn't matter, but positive or negative air pressure will affect the condensate temperature. Is the garage conditioned?
why not drill a hole in the floor or pump it to a drain?