Use And Care Manual
whl-590 Rev. 003 Rel. 003 Date 3.22.18
38
Part 6 - Installing the Condensate Drain
This condensing high eciency water heater has a condensate
removal system. Condensate is water vapor derived from
combustion products, similar to that produced by an automobile
when it is initially started. It is very important that the condensate
line is sloped down away from the heater and to a suitable drain.
The condensate line must remain unobstructed. If allowed to
freeze in the line or obstructed in any other manner, condensate
can exit from the water heater tee, resulting in potential water
damage to property.
When installing a condensate pump, select one approved for use
with condensing heaters and furnaces. The condensate pump
should have an overow switch to prevent property damage from
spillage.
Condensate from the heater will be slightly acidic (pH from
3.2 to 4.5). Check with your local gas company to determine if
combustion condensate disposal is permitted in your area. Install
a neutralizing lter if required by local codes.
NOTES:
1. Due to its ecient design, the water heater produces condensate
(water) as a normal by-product. This condensate is acidic, with a
pH level between 3 and 4. This condensate must be drained away
from the water heater and disposed in accordance with all local
regulations.
2. Condensate line must be pitched at least ¼” per foot to properly
drain. If this cannot be done, or a very long length of condensate
hose is used, increase the condensate line to a minimum of 1” ID and
place a tee in the line after the condensate neutralizer to properly
reduce vacuum lock in the drain line.
3. Use corrosion-resistant materials to drain condensate. Use
the included exible plastic hose or ½” PVC and CPVC drain pipe
complying with ASTM D1785, F441, or D2665 may be used. Cement
must comply with ASTM D2564 for PVC pipe or F493 for CPVC pipe.
For Canadian applications, use CSA or ULC certied PVC or CPVC
pipe, ttings, and cement.
4. A frozen condensate line could result in a blocked vent condition.
It is very important to protect the condensate line from freezing
temperatures or any type of blockage. In installations that may
Figure 32 - Internal Condensate
Trap
encounter sustained freezing
conditions, the use of heat tape is
recommended to avoid freezing
of the condensate line. It is also
recommended to bush up the
condensate line size to 1” and
terminate condensate discharge
as close to the unit as possible.
Longer condensate runs are more
prone to freezing. Damages due
to frozen or blocked condensate
lines ARE NOT covered by
Figure 33 - Internal Condensate Trap
warranty.
5. Support of the condensate
line may be necessary to avoid
blockage of the condensate ow.
6. Local building codes may
require an in-line neutralizer (1)
to be installed (not included) to
treat the condensate. If required
by local authorities, a condensate
lter of lime crystals, marble, or phosphate chips will neutralize slightly
acidic condensate (p/n 7450P-212 available from Westinghouse).
Follow all the installation instructions included with the neutralizer.
If a neutralizer is installed, periodic replacement of the limestone
(or neutralizing agent) will be required. The rate of depletion of the
limestone varies with usage of the water heater. During the rst year
of water heater operation, check the neutralizer every few months for
depletion.
7. Route the drain line to a nearby oor drain (2), laundry tub (3), or
condensate pump (4). If the heater condensate outlet is lower than
the drain, you must use a condensate removal pump (kit p/n 554200
available from Westinghouse).
NOTE: If a nearby laundry tub is used as a disposal for waste water
from the washing machine, draining the condensate into this tub
allows the soapy water discharge to neutralize the acidic condensate.
8. An error will appear on the water heater display if condensate line is
blocked. The water heater will not operate with a blocked condensate
line. It is extremely important to have this condition repaired by a
qualied service technician.