Should my ground-level package unit have a condensate drain trap?

Question

I recently got a new package unit installed to replace the 30-year-old one that came with the house. It works MUCH better than the old one, which had a slow leak and iced up regularly.
I noticed that the condensate drain drips straight out onto the pad. Should there be a trap here? 
The round hole on the left has a standard pipe fitting inside, and currently it is just dripping straight down.
How bad is it to leave it like this? This Bryant system has the coils positioned before the blower, so presumably the drain is under suction when the unit is running. Fortunately, it doesn't run all the time.

Ed Beal · Accepted Answer

The drainage is normal and you want it to drain. Some units are quite sensitive to blockage and a trap will prevent the condensate from getting out. This drainage is quite normal.
I would not worry as just about every unit has a drain of some type - most just like yours.

Jasen · Answer

You only need a trap if you're connecting directly to a different drain pipe
With no drain pipe no trap is needed.
with an air gap no trap is needed.

Should my ground-level package unit have a condensate drain trap?

2 Answers

Add your own answers!

Ask a Question