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Condensate Piping
Chapter 4. – Installation
4-5. Condensate Piping
• This water heater is a high efficiency, fully condensing appliance which produces acidic condensate during operation.
The water
heater incorporates a collection and removal system which must be properly drained in order to ensure proper operation of this appliance.
• The pH level of the condensate is approximately 2-3. An external neutralizer must be installed on the drain piping prior to disposal
when required by local code or when the condensate could cause damage.
• If an external neutralizer is installed, periodic replacement of the neutralizing agent will be required. Refer to the instructions supplied
with the neutralizer for suggested replacement intervals.
• In order to drain the condensate, a 1/2" threaded fitting is provided at the base of the water heater. Do not reduce the size of this fitting
or the drain piping to less than 1/2". In cold climates, do not drain the condensate to the outdoors. If the drain pipe freezes during cold
weather, the pipe will not drain condensate and the unit will stop operating.
• Use plastic pipe, such as PVC, for the drain line. Do not use steel, black iron, or any other material which can corrode when placed
into contact with acidic condensate.
• Keep the length of the drain pipe as short as possible. Long runs or applications where the nearest drain is above the water heater will
require the use of a condensate pump. Size the pump to allow for a maximum condensate discharge of 2 GPH from the water heater.
• Horizontal runs must be sloped 1/4" per foot towards the drain or condensate pump. The condensate will be discharged by gravity
force only. Make the drain pipe run as short as possible.
• The end of the drain pipe must not be submerged in water or blocked in any way. To ensure proper drainage, leave the end of the
drain pipe open to the atmosphere. Do not have a trap. Also, make sure that there are no obstructions blocking the drain line from
discharging condensate.
• Be sure to check that condensate is freely flowing from the drain piping after the system has been installed. Condensate will begin
flowing out of the water heater within 15 minutes after operation has started.
• Take measures to prevent the condensate drain lines from freezing (insulation, heat tape, electric heaters, etc.).
• The bottom of the water heater must be higher than the top of the laundry tub to use this option. The condensate drain pipe must
have a negative slope to drain properly.
Due to the acidic nature of the condensate, be sure to properly drain and if necessary, treat the condensate
prior to disposal. Damage caused by improperly handled condensate is not covered by the warranty.
CAUTION
Note:
If the drain line becomes clogged or frozen, condensate will back-up into the water heater and a "29" error code will flash on the
display window, ceasing operation. If this occurs, clear the clog or freeze so that condensate can freely flow. Be sure to slope the
drain pipe, use the appropriate size pipe, allow the proper clearances, and apply freeze prevention measures (when necessary) to
prevent the drain line from clogging or freezing.
Condensate piping to floor drain
Condensate piping with pump
