HawthorneVillager.com

Hi Everyone

I was looking at the white exhaust pipe from our hot water tank last night and noticed that it has a widened section of pipe with a drain line coming out of the bottom. The drain line is looped over itself and tied up that way, almost as though it was meant to be a makeshift P-trap; however, the water does not seem to be draining effectively and the nut at the bottom of the pipe where the hose attaches is leaking. I straightened the hose for a minute and a ton of water rushed out and drained into the floor drain.

Is there any particular reason these hoses are looped over themselves or can I straighten this out to allow better drainage?

Thanks

Chris

Hi Chris
That loop in the tubing is called a loop-seal. It's purpose is to stop any exhaust fumes from passing down the tube and into your house, so yes it is necessary. Make sure it is not kinked anywhere. You may have to take it off and clear the opening in the white PVC tubing.
Drains from exhaust piping as well as drains from your furnace and A/C do get plugged up occasionally and you have to clear them. It's a pain in the ass but that's life.
Whenever you see water on the floor where it shouldn't be in the furnace area, check for plugged tubing befrore you make that call to the HVAC tech.

John Allingham, Professional Engineer
Owner & Certified Home Inspector
Halton-Peel Home Inspection
(416) 254-5869
www.peelhomeinspection.com