A roof condensate drain should not drain into a French drain.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. It depends on system

Answer: (A)

A roof condensate drain should be directed to an approved discharge path, not into a French drain. French drains are intended to collect groundwater and surface water to prevent soil saturation, not to carry condensate from HVAC equipment. Condensate can contain minerals and trace oils from the system, and discharging it into a French drain can overload and clog the drainage field and create code or backflow concerns. The proper practice is to route condensate to a sanitary sewer or to an outdoor discharge point that's permitted by code, often with the appropriate trap or air gap. Therefore this statement is correct.