I made sure in the last blog post, Top 5 Condensate Pumps , to go cover some of the best pumps on the market for getting condensate that is not able to drain through gravity to an existing drain line to a drain that is nearby. Making sure that condensate gets to a drain is only half the battle, treating the condensate is just as important. The acidity of the condensate is caused by the combustion process, which produces water vapor and carbon dioxide. When these two gases combine, they form carbonic acid. Condensate can cause several problems, corrosion of drainpipes, plumbing fixtures, and structural damage to your home if not treated or disposed of properly. As well as damage to septic systems, pollution of waterways, and health problems for anyone who comes in contact with it. Let's look at some of the best product on the market to treat condensate and prevent these problems.
Saniflo 044 Sanicondens Flat Condensate Pump
The Saniflo 044 Sanicondens Best Flat Condensate Pump is not only our pick for the best way to pump condensate to a drain, but our pick for being able to neutralize condensate. This pump tackles the acidity in condensate by incorporating a built-in neutralizing granule tray. The 044 can also pump condensate up to 15 feet vertically and or 150 feet horizontally with its 1/30 HP oil-filled, thermally protected motor. In addition to its condensate neutralization and great pumping power, the Saniflo 044 Sanicondens Best offers other features. Its compact design allows for easy installation in tight spaces, making it a solid solution for both new construction and retrofit installation. Making this our number one choice!
Noritz NC-1S Condensate Neutralizer Kit for Residential Tankless Water Heaters
The Noritz NC-1S was made with simplicity and effectiveness in mind. It counteracts the acidity of condensate, preventing corrosion and damage to your plumbing pipes. Installation of the NC-1S is quick and straightforward. The compact design allows for easy mounting near the tankless water heater. The kit includes a wall-mounted neutralizer unit, a special anti-contaminant screen, and all the necessary fittings and connections. The neutralizer unit uses a chemical process to raise the pH of the condensate to a neutral level, making it safe to discharge into the sewer system or a septic tank and a flow rate of 1.6 GPH (400,000 BTU/hr at 93% efficiency). The granules, just like in the NC-1W, will need to be checked periodically as well. Changing the granules on a regular basis guarantees the best result, keeping our communities safe.
Saniflo 043 SANINEUTRAL Condensate Neutralization Kit
The Sanineutral will neutralize the condensate from a boiler, tankless water heater, or any HVAC component. It can be installed by itself when the application has the gravity fall required for the condensate to travel into the discharge line. It can also work along with a pump system when the condensate needs to be pumped into a drain. It has a max BTU capacity up to 240,000 BTUs and with 1/2" or 3/4" PVC Slip or Barbed connection it is a breeze to install. The granules for this are visible and easily accessible for maintenance.
Noritz NC-1W Wall Hanging Condensate Neutralizer Kit for Residential Tankless Water Heaters
A simple and effective way to neutralize the acidic condensate produced by your residential tankless water heater, Noritz NC-1W Wall Hanging Condensate Neutralizer Kit is a great option. Noritz specifically engineered the NC-1w to effectively counteract the acidic nature of condensate before it is discharged into the drain or septic system. The Noritz NC-1W prioritizes functionality, but it also boasts durable construction, and easy maintenance with its 1-liter (0.26 U.S. gallon) capsule w/ integral by-pass overflow baffle wall made from corrosion resistant materials. The granules in the Noritz NC-1W Wall Hanging Condensate Neutralizer Kit should be inspected every 3 to 6 months, depending on the usage of your water heater usage you may only need to change the granules annually.
There are a number of different products available that can be used to treat condensate and prevent it from causing damage to your home or the environment. The best product for you will depend on the size of your water heater or boiler, the amount of condensate it produces, and your budget. I will link to the available replacement granules and replacement media for all the kits above. Please let us know if you have any other questions, we will be happy to help, just contact us.
