814.3 Condensate Waste Pipe Material and Sizing — 2025 California Plumbing Code
California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-10-19 · California
CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
Cite as: 2025 California Plumbing Code (Title 24, Part 5) § 814.3 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission
Condensate waste pipes from air-cooling coils shall be sized in accordance with the equipment capacity as specified in Table 814.3. The material of the piping shall comply with the pressure and temperature rating of the appliance or equipment and shall be approved for use with the liquid being discharged.
TABLE 814.3
MINIMUM CONDENSATE PIPE SIZE
| EQUIPMENT CAPACITY IN TONS OF REFRIGERATION |
MINIMUM CONDENSATE PIPE DIAMETER (inches) |
|---|---|
| Up to 20 | 3⁄4 |
21 – 40 |
1 |
41 – 90 |
11⁄4 |
91 – 125 |
11⁄2 |
126 – 250 |
2 |
For SI units: 1 ton of refrigerant = 3.52 kW, 1 inch = 25 mm
The size of condensate waste pipes is for one unit or a combination of units, or as recommended by the manufacturer. The capacity of waste pipes assumes a 1/8 inch per foot (10.4 mm/m) or 1 percent slope, with the pipe running threequarters full at the following pipe conditions:
| Outside Air – 20% | Room Air – 80% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
DB |
WB |
DB |
WB |
90°F |
73°F | 75°F |
For SI units: °C = (°F-32)/1.8
Condensate drain sizing for other slopes or other conditions shall be approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Air-conditioning waste pipes, 1¼ of an inch (32 mm) and larger in size, shall be constructed of materials specified in Chapter 7. Condensate waste piping less than 1¼ of an inch (32 mm) in size shall be permitted to be PVC, CPVC, PE, PP, copper, or other rigid materials approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
814.3.1 Cleanouts. Condensate drain lines shall be configured or provided with a cleanout to permit the clearing of blockages and for maintenance without requiring the drain line to be cut.
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