3.9 Condensate
Condensate Guidelines
To prevent condensate damage, follow these guidelines:
•
Do not plumb the condensate drain with the
pressure relief valve; both must be plumbed
independently to drain.
•
All condensate must drain and be disposed of
according to local codes.
•
Use only corrosion resistant materials for the
condensate drain lines such as PVC pipe or plastic
hose.
•
The condensate drain pipe (along its entire length)
must be at least the same diameter as the drain line
(1/2 in. MNPT).
•
Condensation drain lines installed in areas that are
subject to freezing temperatures should be wrapped
with an approved supplemental heat source. Install
per manufacturer's instructions.
•
Slope the condensate drain lines toward the inside
floor drain or condensate pump.
•
The end of the condensate drain pipe should be
open to the atmosphere. The end should not be
under water or other substances.
CORRECT
Pipe open to
atmosphere
Water
Level
Pipe open to
atmosphere
Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Installation and Operation Manual
NOT
CORRECT
Pipe submerged
in water
Water
Level
Neutralizer
Refer to neutralizer
Installation Manual and
local codes for neutralizer
installation guidelines.
•
For external (outdoor) installations, to minimize
freezing of the condensate, run the condensate
drain line through an interior wall or between
insulation and an interior wall.
•
If a floor drain is not available or the drain is above
the level of the condensate drain, a condensate
pump should be installed.
•
A condensate neutralizer kit is available from Rinnai.
The kit allows condensate to flow through
neutralizing media that raises the pH of the
condensate to a level that will help prevent
corrosion of the drain and public sewer system.
Refer to section "2.4 Accessories" for more
information.
•
The condensate drain pipe should be as short as
possible and have a downward pitch.
•
The condensate trap will automatically prime (self-
prime) during operation of the water heater as
condensate forms. Condensate draining from the
water heater indicates that the trap is full and that
there is no blockage in the condensate drain. It is not
necessary to add water to the condensate trap.
•
DO NOT connect the condensate drain line
with an air conditioning evaporator coil drain.
•
Water heaters have an integrated condensate
trap. DO NOT install an external condensate
trap.
Condensate
Pump
DO NOT
EXTERNAL TRAP
NOT REQUIRED
Pipe open to
atmosphere
45