Condensate neutralizers

Yikes! This is what happens to a cast iron drain when the condensate from your high efficiency heating system isn't neutralized.

If you have a 95% efficiency boiler or furnace the Municipality requires the waste product called condensate to be neutralized before it enters the sewer system. The condensate is acidic due to the by-products of combustion and you can see what happens when that acidic condensate is not neutralized before it enters your copper or cast iron sewer lines. Thankfully, this does not happen to ABS or plastic lines, but it's a one-size-fits-all code and every 95% efficient heating system must have a neutralizer installed (as of 2011).

If your system does not have one, even if it's installed before 2011 and especially if you have metal sewer lines, it's imperative you have a neutralizer installed.

These are typically $300 installed by any HVAC company but are easy enough to install by a homeowner as well. The medium which neutralizes the condensate is called calcium carbonate and will typically last one year from installation. This becomes a maintenance issue for homeowners but is easy to refill each year.

Contact Discovery Inspection Services for all your residential questions!