Any gas-fired condensing appliance requires a condensate neutralizer. This is because gas-powered appliances produce low-pH wastewater. If you allow this water to drain into your pipes or local wastewater system, you run the risk of serious damage to your equipment as well as wastewater violations.

How often should a condensate neutralizer be replaced?

We recommend you refill your condensate neutralizers at least once each year. If your facility produces a large amount of condensate, however, more frequent refills may be necessary.

How long do condensate neutralizers last?

How Long Do Neutralizers Last? Condensate neutralizers can last many years without needing to be serviced apart from replacing the media. We are so confident in our Fireside condensate neutralizers that we offer a 10-year warranty on our units, which is the best in the industry.

Can you drink furnace water?

Can You Drink Condensation Water from a Furnace? You might be thinking that if this water forms during condensation, then it can be considered distilled and, therefore, is relatively safe to drink. But even though, technically, condensate is distilled water, it is not safe to drink.

What is condensate neutralizer made of?

The most common material used is limestone or a limestone product. There are two important factors when considering condensate neutralizers – the percentage of calcium carbonate and the amount of surface area of the media. Look for products containing: A minimum of 90% calcium carbonate.

How corrosive is furnace condensate?

Condensate formed from combustion gas is extremely acidic and therefore very corrosive. It can eat through copper piping in a matter of months and through cast iron drains in just a year or so.

Is AC water acidic?

After this time period it is safe to use. During the heating months if your home is equipped with a high efficiency furnace it will produce levels of condensate out of this same drain in the heating months. This water, while it may look the same, is highly acidic and is not safe to use for watering.

Is condensate water acidic?

Condensate water from boilers is often acidic and can have a pH that is close to three. It is hot and when it comes into contact with steel pipes etc. it starts to cool. When the water cools, carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves within it.

How do you test a condensate neutralizer?

A service technician can test the pH of condensate via two different methods: paper testing strips or a digital pH meter. If the condensate has a pH of less than 5.0, the neutralizer media should be immediately replaced.

How acidic is tankless water heater condensate?

“Water-heater condensate usually has a pH of two or three,” says Oshiro. “This acid can corrode drain pipe walls over time, leading to permanent damage.” He says one solution is installing neutralizer agent that essentially removes the liquid’s acidity, protecting the pipes from damage.

What does the neutralizer do in a tankless water heater?

The 9007607005 Neutralizer assembly neutralizes the condensate (acidic water) that forms in the secondary heat exchanger of the water heater. It connects to the condensate drain port of the water heater by using connectors included with the neutralizer kit.

What is a condensate neutralization capsule?

A condensate neutralizer is a tank or a vessel, which is installed in line with a condensate drain from a condensing boiler, water heater or furnace (before it enters the sewer). It’s filled with media which raises the pH level of the condensate, making it safe to discharge into the sewage or septic system.

Why is condensate acidic?

Acidity levels

Condensate contains different types of acids that are corrosive to many materials and contain concentrations of nitric, nitrous, sulfuric, and sulfurous and hydrochloric acids. These acids can become more concentrated by repeated condensing and evaporation on heat exchangers and flues.

How long does a water neutralizer last?

Acid Neutralizers are the most efficient and most economical way to eliminate acid water. They’re easy to size based on the water’s pH and the number of people in your home. And, they’re simple to install, plus only require minimal maintenance every 6 to 18 months.

Do high efficiency furnaces produce condensate?

A 90% or higher efficiency furnace produces around 0.8 gallons of condensate per hour of running. This equates to about five or six gallons per day of acidic water from condensation each day. Most of the time, the drain and drain line runs to outside the home and the condensate just seeps into the ground, harmlessly.

How acidic is high efficiency furnace condensate?

Condensate from a high-efficiency furnace typically has a pH of about 5.0, but can range from 3.5 to 6.5. It’s important to note that pH is a logarithmic scale, so pH 5 water is 10 times more acidic than pH6. If the water sits in a trap and evaporates, the acidity and corrosive effect will increase.

Can you drink condensation water from furnace?

Water collected from an air conditioner is condensation pulled from the air inside your home. It should never be ingested, and is not safe to drink, as it contains traces of impurities found in the air in your home, including chemicals and heavy metals.