Condensate Control -  Primary Condensate Control Uniform Mechanical Code 2003 edition Condensate from air cooling coils shall be collected and discharged to an approved plumbing fixture or disposal area. If the condensate is to discharge into the drainage system it must be by means of an indirect waste pipe The waste pipe must have a slope of not less than 1/8" per foot or 1% slope Must be of approved corrosion-resistant materials Pipe must not be smaller than the outlet opening of the cooling coil Condensate MUST NOT drain over a public way The UMC requires drain sizing as follows; Up to 20 tons - 3/4" 21 - 40 tons - 1" 41 - 90 tons - 1 1/4" 91 - 125 tons - 1 1/2" 126 - 250 ton - 2" International Mechanical / Residential / Plumbing Codes  2003 Edition Shall be conveyed from the cooling coil to an approved place of disposal May not discharge into a street, alley or any other place that would cause a nuisance Materials used shall be cast iron, galvanized steel, copper, cross linked polyethylene, polyethylene, ABS, CPVC or PVC pipe or tubing Materials chosen must be selected for the correct pressure and temperature rating Size may not be less than 3/4" id and must not decrease in size from the drain pan outlet If condensate lines are manifolded together the drain line must be sized in accordance with an approved method All horizontal sections of drain lines must have uniform alignment and slope Condensate drains MUST BE TRAPPED in accordance with manufacturers installation instructions. (Note; All manufacturers installation instructions that I have personally seen state that the drain line MUST be trapped. Understand that manufacturers installation instructions ARE CONSIDERED A PART OF THE CODE) International Building Code 2003 Edition States that condensate from mechanical equipment SHALL NOT flow over a public walking surface Condensate Control - Secondary Condensate Control Uniform Mechanical Code 2003 Edition If damage can result as a result of condensate overflow in attics or furred spaces two options are available

1. An additional water-tight pan (corrosion-resistant) installed beneath the cooling coil

2. A pan with a standing overflow and a separate secondary pan/line discharging to a point that can be readily observed

Each month this page will be devoted to a particular section of code as discussed in the various code books that are used throughout the State of Texas.