ok so long story, we're doing a furnace and coil swap in a split-level in clifton and the basement is getting finished. right now the condensate pump just dumps into the laundry sink with the tube clipped on the edge. homeowner wants it "hidden," so the contractor finishing the basement asked if we can run it into the washer standpipe or tie it into the sump pit. my lead said "depends" (of course) and that it's the inspector's call. what are the normal options and which ones get people in trouble? also does the pump need anything wired to it besides the plug
HVAC contractor, owner · 25 years · Middlesex County, NJ
Mentor✓ Accepted answer
Field version, around here:
- Laundry tub, or a standpipe with an air gap, is the common option and usually accepted. Check locally
- The sump pit gets used a lot and some towns don't allow it. Ask before you do it
- Never glue it straight into a drain or a vent with no trap and no air gap
- Wire the pump's safety switch so the AC shuts off if the pump fails. Most pumps have the switch; plenty of installers never connect it
- Leave access. Finished basements bury pumps behind drywall and then it's a callback
The safety switch is the one that saves the new floor.
Vo-tech instructor, plumbing & HVAC · 28 years · Passaic County, NJ
Mentor
First thing my students forget: condensate is waste, and where it goes is a plumbing code question in your town, so the inspector really is the answer. Second: whatever it drains into, don't make a direct connection to a drain without an air gap or air break. You don't want sewer gas coming back up the tube, or a backup pushing into the pump.
update: inspector was fine with the standpipe with an air gap. we wired the safety switch into the furnace control so the ac stops if the pump dies. contractor is building a little access door. thanks everyone