Tankless Water Heater Condensate

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Junto

Junto

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I am considering replacing an existing 50gal 4500W conventional electric HWH with a Navien (propane) 199,900 BTU/hr condensing-type tankless water heater. I weighted several factors and decided to opt for the condensing unit over the non-condensing type due to the lower exhaust temperature and cheaper cost of the exhaust-line materials. My concern is how to handle the condensate line. The unit will be mounted on an external wall, inside an existing garage which will be converted to a multiuse room. How is the condensate line typically managed? Any issues with respect to length of line, or how it should be routed? Should it be routed to a French drain?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Rick
 
Isn't it just emitted out the PVC exhaust pipe as water vapor?

Condensing Propane Facts

5. With a condensing tankless water heater, you don’t need metal venting. Non-condensing tankless water heaters typically transfer to the water only about 80 percent of the heat they generate. The remaining heat creates a hot exhaust gas that requires metal venting, typically stainless steel or thick aluminum. Condensing units, on the other hand, are typically about 95 percent efficient, so the temperature of the exhaust gas is lower — around 110 to 120 degrees. That means they can be vented with a less expensive plastic, generally PVC or polypropylene. The price difference in the venting can even offset the cost of the higher-efficiency unit, Olsen says. “The overall installed cost of a high-efficiency unit is typically equal to or lower than that of a mid-efficiency product, so it’s an easy up-sell at that point.”
 
I think you are making my point, which is why I am electing to go with a condensing-type instead of a non-condensing type tankless water heater. I want the condensing-type to get the lower temperature exhaust and the higher efficiency, but with this type of unit, there is a condensate line to contend with. See the attached; there is a condensate line. The moisture goes out the exhaust with a non-condensing unit.
 

Attachments

  • Navien NPE-A2 - Drawing.pdf
    87.2 KB · Views: 0
It should go to a French drain or out to daylight, and not into your sewer or septic. Same as a central air condensate line. Would it make a huge difference on how much water you're sending to the sewers? Probably not. If you're on septic you don't need the extra relatively clean water going into the tank and drain field. It doesn't need treatment.

My condensing gas furnace puts out condensate during the winter heating season. It goes into a small self contained condensate pump and pumped outdoors. It definitely puts out more water in the summer when the AC is dehumidifying my hot and humid NC air.
 
We have the same air, about 45min away in Lillington. I directed my heatpump condensate to a small French drain and it seems to be working fine. Thanks for the input.
 
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