Condensate Drain Slope and Trap
Condensate drains must slope and have a trap to prevent air loss and contamination.
What You Might Be Looking At
PVC or copper pipe draining from cooling coil or unit, with or without trap
Apprentice words: drain pipe, drip line, condensate line, AC drain
Trade terms: condensate drain, condensate line, drain trap, P-trap
Check First
What Not To Do
Don't run condensate flat or uphill. Don't skip trap. Don't drain to locations that could backflow or contaminate.
What can go wrong: Water backup and flooding, air loss from unit, mold growth, unit damage, ceiling stains
Better Foreman Question
For this condensate drain, what's required slope and trap detail? Where should it terminate per plumbing code?
Verify With
Reference type: IMC, manufacturer install instructions
Source to verify: IMC Section 307, equipment manufacturer installation guide
Safe wording: Condensate work may be plumber/pipefitter scope. Verify trade scope, equipment manual, trap detail, and local code.