Significant changes to condensate discharge in the 2021 International Mechanical Code

A modification to Section 307.2.1.1 (Condensate Discharge) states that significant coverage is added to the code regarding the point of disposal of condensate. Such coverage addresses what has been common practice (acceptable and unacceptable) in most jurisdictions.

This new section states prohibitions on what are bad practices and also states allowances for what are considered to be acceptable practices for condensate discharge. The code was silent on these practices until now. This text expressly prohibits the connection of condensate drains directly to DWV piping and prohibits condensate from discharging into plumbing fixtures other than those listed. The intent is to prevent insanitary conditions and potential health hazards.

Health hazards are created by drilling holes in plumbing vent piping in attics to connect a condensate drain from HVAC appliances installed in the attic. This is but one example of the hazards this new text intends to prevent. This text also clarifies that connections to lavatory tailpieces and bathtub overflow pipes are acceptable, as this has been a common practice in some localities.

Read the full significant change.

The 2021 Significant Changes guides are available for the International Building, Fire, Residential, Energy Conservation, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes. This valuable series can help any code user save time by zeroing in on the most critical changes in the 2021 International Codes. The Code Council’s technical experts provide summaries, analysis and graphics for these changes making them clear and easy to understand. Each edition provides a comprehensive analysis of significant changes since the 2018 edition, offering key insights into its contents and implications. Each change analysis features the affected code sections and identifies the change with strikethroughs and underlines to show modifications to the existing language. Each change is accompanied by a quick summary, detailed illustrations, and a discussion of its significance, which brings the technical jargon of the code to life in a real-world setting.

Significant Changes to the IPC, IMC, and IFGC, 2021 Edition is available in the ICC Store or through Digital Codes Premium for the International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code.