Goodman · Furnace troubleshooting

Condensate drain system general rules

34.5 in Chassis ACVC96/AMVC96/GCVC96/GMVC96

What is going on

Rules for the condensate drain trap and field drain line.

Check in this order

  1. Use the drain trap supplied with the furnace.
  2. Prime the drain trap before the first start. Both sides of the trap must be primed.
  3. Route the drain line to meet local and national codes.
  4. Slope the drain line 1/4 in per foot downward toward the drain.
  5. Do not trap the drain line anywhere except at the furnace drain trap.
  6. Protect the drain line from freezing where it runs through cold areas.
  7. With an AC coil on a common drain, install an open tee near the coil to relieve positive pressure.
  8. Vent a common drain with an open tee no higher than the bottom of the collector box.
  9. Vertical installs AC coil condensate may drain into the furnace trap only if a trap sits between the coil and furnace trap and the drain does not end below the furnace trap water level.

Applies to: All furnace drain configurations

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Source: Goodman GMVC96 service manual, p. 19-20. Written in our own words; check the manual for your exact model.

For licensed technicians. Gas, electrical and refrigerant work must be done by a qualified, licensed person. Shut off power and gas before servicing, never bypass a safety control, and follow the manufacturer’s manual for the exact model; it and local codes always take priority. HVACopedia is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand and model names only identify the equipment.