HVAC Trap Maintenance

Excerpt: Condensate Control. Rosaler, Rosaler, R.(2004). HVAC Handbook, 18.201-18.251

REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT    18.241 

Table 18.8.2    Routine and Preventive Maintenance Program for Conventional Condensate Trap

Trap located indoors or outdoors, with outdoor temperatures above freezing

1.  Frequency and time of inspection and service;

(a)  For systems that provide summer cooling and winter heating during cooling operation:

- Annually - at initial system start-up for cooling

- Semiannually - at initial system start-up and at second system start-up if facility is shut down annually for a week or more, e.g., schools

During Heating operation:

- Biweekly, between cooling system and shutdown and the beginning of winter heating

(b)  For systems that provide summer cooling and winter cooling

- Semiannually - at 6-mo: intervals (one inspection must be made at system start-up, following an annual shutdown of facility for a week or more, e.g., schools

2.  Maintenance effort required:

(a)  At each annual inspection (and semiannually if need is indicated)

- Physically remove flow-blocking algae and/or debris, or replace trap

- Flush with water

- Treat with EPA approved biocide and

- Fill trap with water and add biocide tablets

(b) At each biweekly inspection

- Fill with water and add biocide tablets if need is indicated.

3.  Equipment and material needed:

(a) Internal pipe scraper

(b) New trap

(c) Water hose

(d) Biocide

4.  Estimated time required:

(a) Annually and semiannually:

- 5 min per inspection + (25 min travel time to and from maintenance shop and system site)

- 30 to 60 min per time serviced + (25 min travel time to and from maintenance shop and system site)

(b) Biweekly:

- 5 min, per time serviced + (25 min travel time to and from maintenance shop and system site)

Trap located outdoors, with outdoor temperatures below freezing

1.  Frequency and time of inspection and service:

(a) For systems that provide summer and winter cooling and winter heating during cooling operation:

- Not possible to maintain drain seal with a trap during winter cooling under these conditions—flowing condensate will freeze in trap, block flow, and damage trap

(b) During heating operation:

- Not possible to maintain drain seal with a trap during winter heating under these conditions—unless the trap is filled with water, it will not hold a seal and when filled, water will freeze and block condensate flow.

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View Condensate Control. Rosaler, Rosaler, R.(2004). HVAC Handbook, 18.201-18.251