The Evolution of Condensate Traps

Since the early 1900s, managing condensation in HVAC/R systems has been essential to prevent water damage comparable to a leaking roof or burst pipe. Yet, condensate drainage remains one of the most overlooked aspects of an HVAC system. While many people forget to change air filters, drainage issues are even easier to ignore, often going unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred. Because these problems develop gradually, they frequently cause hidden damage long before they become apparent.

A couple of pipes that are attached to the side of a building.

The Problem with Traditional Condensate Traps

An essential component of the condensate drainage system is the trap. However, traditional field-made traps are prone to various issues:

● Improper Construction: Many field-made traps are incorrectly sized or installed (e.g., drainage vents placed on the wrong side or missing on long piping runs).

● Sludge & Blockages: Traps often collect more than just water, allowing slime and debris to build up, leading to clogs.

● Low Water Velocity: Water moves slowly through traps, creating conditions conducive to blockage formation.

● Extended Water Retention: When water sits in the trap for too long, it fosters sludge growth and leads to drainage failure.

Outdated Trap Designs

Despite advancements in HVAC technology, the industry continues to rely on outdated condensate trap designs, essentially unchanged since the early 1900s. While filtration systems have evolved significantly, condensate drainage remains neglected—even though it has the potential to cause the most damage.

How We Solve the Problem

Unlike traditional field-made traps, the C-Trap is engineered for efficiency, ease of maintenance, and versatility:

● Built-in Drainage Vent: Eliminates the need for extra time, materials, and space.

● Compact Design: Takes up less space than standard traps, making installation simpler and more efficient.

● Versatile Installation: Unlike other manufactured traps, C-Trap can be installed in any orientation without requiring additional fittings.

● Enhanced Serviceability: Unlike other manufactured traps that lack accessible clean-outs, C-Trap is designed for easy maintenance.

The Issue with Industry-Standard Traps

Current industry-standard traps, including P-traps and SmartTraps, present several challenges:

● Obtrusive & Cumbersome Design: Many traditional traps look unprofessional and take up excessive space.

● Prone to Damage: P-traps, in particular, are frequently broken due to their placement and design.

● Limited Application: Some manufactured traps only work with horizontal outlets and require additional fittings for vertical installations.

● Lack of Clean-Outs: While one alternative trap offers a cleaning brush, it is easily lost or damaged, rendering the trap no more serviceable than a standard design.

Size & Pressure Comparisons

The C-Trap’s compact design allows for easier installation and greater efficiency. Below are comparisons of C-Trap versus traditional traps:

The pictures below display actual dimensions of C-trap compared to some of the other most common condensate traps. Also listed, is the current results of pressure resistance tests we've performed. The ratings noted next to each corresponding trap are both positive and negative static pressures (InWC) at the precise moment when blow-by occurred.

The physical size of C-trap is actually a little smaller than the amount of space generally required to accommodate any other standard traps (particularly the traditional field made series of 90's). In fact, one of the primary motives behind C-trap's design is compact-ability.
+ 3.00" w.c.
- 9.25" w.c.

In most applications it's the width dimensions that become the most critical. The minimum space required for the field made trap is 4 1/2" in width at the very least.
+ 2.90" w.c.
- 7.50" w.c.

While the "P" trap design is even longer then that, at, at least 8" or more.
+ 1.15" w.c.
- 5.00" w.c.

As for the "SmartTrap", they offer two different sizes and additional pieces to use with their trap (which extends the width even further). However, the larger one being at 9 5/8" height). To use the additional piece for a vertical outlet, extends the width by another 3" at the very minimum (making it 9 1/4" in overall width).

Pressure resistance tests have not been performed on this trap...
Yet!

The other factor in the dimensions to consider is a drainage vent after the trap (which is often overlooked during a field installation), in the C-trap it's built-in, where as all other standard traps (including "SmartTrap") it is additional time, material and space to install.

Field comparisons:

Below are a couple of actual jobs with side by side comparisons and a breakdown of time and material costs (based on local rates) for each:

Job #1:

On this job the existing condensate drain was made with CPVC material. So the material cost (on the left) is based on using the same material to re-construct an exact replacement.

Contractor’s Material Cost:	4.95	16.86
Contractor’s Time:	12.5 min.	8.5 min.
Customer’s Material Charge:	8.25	25.10
Customer’s Labor Charge: (1 hour min.)	99.00	99.00
Total Customer Charge:	107.25	124.10

Job #2:

Contractor’s Material Cost:	5.50	19.28
Contractor’s Time:	20.0 min.	15.0 min.
Customer’s Material Charge:	9.17	32.14
Customer’s Labor Charge: (1 hour min.)	99.00	99.00
Total Customer Charge:	108.17	131.14

C-Trap Dimensions

● Width: Smaller than traditional traps, ensuring easy installation.

● Pressure Resistance: +3.00" w.c. / -9.25" w.c.

90-Degree Field-Made Trap Dimensions

● Minimum Width: 4.5"

● Pressure Resistance: +2.90" w.c. / -7.50" w.c.

P-Trap Dimensions

● Minimum Width: 8" or more

● Pressure Resistance: +1.15" w.c. / -5.00" w.c.

SmartTrap Dimensions

● Height: 9 5/8"

● Additional Fittings for Vertical Outlet: Extends width by 3" (minimum total width: 9 1/4")

● Pressure Resistance: Not yet tested

A picture of the inside of an air handler.

Built-in Drainage Vent: A Game Changer

Unlike other traps that require additional time, materials, and space for a drainage vent, the C-Trap includes a built-in vent, streamlining installation and improving efficiency. It isn’t just another condensate trap, it’s a game-changing innovation. With its superior design, ease of maintenance, and compact versatility, C-Trap outperforms traditional traps in every category.

Switch to C-Trap Today