AC shall not have any drainpipe directly connected to the DWV. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Only with permit

Answer: (A)

AC condensate drainage should not be tied directly into the DWV system. The reason is to prevent sewer gases or contaminated wastewater from backflowing into the air conditioning system and to avoid any direct path for backpressure from the sewer to reach the AC unit. Instead, condensate from an air conditioner must discharge indirectly, typically through an air gap or into a properly arranged receptor (such as a floor drain or dedicated condensate line that connects in an indirect waste manner and is vented as required). This setup isolates the AC drainage from the sanitary DWV so it can’t siphon or backflow into the building. So, the statement is true. Direct connections to the DWV are not permitted because they compromise backflow protection and sewer gas control.