why would cast-iron boiler need condensate drain?

R. Kalia

Just for some light reading, I was looking through the Burnham Revolution installation manual, downloaded from their web site. (I am considering this boiler for my home.) Well, it needs a condensate drain, which, in my house, means a condensate pump...a pain.

Why would a noncondensing, cast-iron boiler need a condensate drain? Do all cast-iron boilers produce condensate nowadays?

Ken_8

All boilers condense!

Some only during start up. Some by design, most - if not all the time.

Responsible manufacturers who realize the corrosive nature of condensate want you to get it out before it prematurely rots the vent piping or breech pass. Some boilers "squeeze" the condensate out by extremely high velocity passages that are "tight."

Just do what the manufacturer requests and things will be okay. Violate their instructions and you can generally kiss your warranty goodbye and open the door for the owner's attorney.

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DaveGateway

Glen should be confirming this

But I believe the drain is off the base of the flue vent to prevent vent condensate from draining back into the boiler.
The Revolution is not a condensing boiler.

joel_19

yup

The WM gold has one two. they are close enough to condensing that you will have some in the flue under many conditions.

Phil_6

although..

..Ive installed quite a few Revolutions, and I've never seen a darned thing in the little trap-tee thing when I've gone back. Except cobwebs.

Unknown

The drain

is for the venting system. This boiler is operating close to condensing mode but does not condense in the heat exchanger. The venting system (induced draft fan and stainless vent pipe) may condense and we have made provisions for this via drain hoses off the botton of the inducer housing and vent piping. We also provide a PVC trap that these insert into which has a 3/4" branch off that you need to pipe to a drain connection or pump. Hope this helps.

Glenn

Unknown

Phil

If you are not making any condensate in the trap due possible to a warm environment and short vent runs, then we advise in the manual to prime the PVC trap with glycol that is less apt to evaporate. Hope this helps.

Glenn