Moved into my newly-built home a little over one year ago. On Saturday night, we began smelling sewage and could not locate the source after much exploration, thinking maybe a vent pipe was cracked or lose. On Sunday, I called my plumber and he quickly solved the mystery: whoever plumbed the drainage for the central Air conditioner in the attic was an idiot. Wanted some other professional opinions before I call the building contractor and raise heck.
Both the regular condensate drain and the overflow drain empty into the stack for the bathrooms. The drain has a p-trap, followed by a ball valve. So, the p-trap kept the gasses out, until it dried out!!! I guess the ball valve it to block the trap from evaporating during winter, but wasn't told this. Also, where I live in Texas, the temparateres fluctuate 50 degrees F in one day often.... making crawling into the attic to flip a valve really stupid.
Also, since the overflow goes into the sewage system rather than outside the house how would you ever know the main drain was clogged? My wonderful plumber came out of the attic just pissed and I am also.
Tried searching plumbing codes and found nothing. Is this an acceptable way to plumb the drain pan?
Many thank,
Karen
Both the regular condensate drain and the overflow drain empty into the stack for the bathrooms. The drain has a p-trap, followed by a ball valve. So, the p-trap kept the gasses out, until it dried out!!! I guess the ball valve it to block the trap from evaporating during winter, but wasn't told this. Also, where I live in Texas, the temparateres fluctuate 50 degrees F in one day often.... making crawling into the attic to flip a valve really stupid.
Also, since the overflow goes into the sewage system rather than outside the house how would you ever know the main drain was clogged? My wonderful plumber came out of the attic just pissed and I am also.
Tried searching plumbing codes and found nothing. Is this an acceptable way to plumb the drain pan?
Many thank,
Karen
