condensate drainage

Layth

Having finalized my new Weil-McLain aqua balance boiler install( with the help of a plumber ) I am curious as to why the plumber insisted on a condensate pump. I didn't question it at the time but now because of the plumbers use of corrugated plastic pipe and the use of some kind of mastic goop on the connection to the condensate filter, I have a continual drip from that joint. He has ghosted me so far. My question is why do I even need a pump? Couldn't you just use gravity to move the condensate to a nearby floor drain? It seems to be working that way now as I empty bucket after bucket from the continual drip.

unclejohn

Yes you could since theres a filter. 

Mad Dog_2

Yes..sometimes guys just copy 🐈 Cat what they have seen and duplicate it -i rrespective of common sense.  All u need is a pass via gravity thru an acid neutralizer and down the floor drain to goes.  I knew a plumber once who put back EXACTLY what was existing...if it had oversized fitti go and Bushes down...that what u got.  If it was bavkpitchrd.. thats what u got.  If the backwater valve was installed upside down...it was going back in that way, Dammit!   Mad Dog 

hot_rod

As long as it is a floor drain connected to a sewer. Not just a soak away type drain under the concrete?

Layth

Thanks for the responses! Still haven't heard back from plumber, so I think I'll just by pass the pump and go straight to the drain after the filter and yes this drain goes directly the sewer.

Lyle {pheloa} Carter

You didn't state where the plumber was piping the condensate drain to. If he piped it somewhere other than the floor drain, he may have been trying to avoid the liability of a tripping hazard. 

Layth

He plumbed it to the laundry utility sink where the washing machine goes for it's drain cycle. I am in the middle of a complete basement remodel where I will be raising ( about an inch ) and insulating the floor. That's when I will be able to plumb directly to the drain. I am thinking of putting in a removable flooring panel in that area for access.

hot_rod

If you cover a floor drain, you might add a trap primer to prevent it from drying out in the summer. Or one of the traps with a ball check valve.

If you have a washer stand pipe, pump into that, or the laundry sink trap with a dishwasher tail piece.

Do you need a floor drain down there?