The difference between a drip leg and a sediment trap explained.

Drip legs and sediment traps are not the same things. A sediment trap may function as a drip leg, but a drip leg cannot function as a sediment trap.Drip legs can be located anywhere in the gas line typically closer to the beginning whereas a sediment trap should be located as close to the appliance as possible. Each appliance should have a sediment trap.

[@melvinmcgregor2673]

Good info. I’ve always heard them referred interchangeably. Now I know the difference - Thank you!

[@joshlindsay2639]

Very clear explanation, sir. Thank you.

[@LovepreetSingh-qz4vf]

Clear and to the point. Really appreciate you sir!

[@cliff.frankenberger]

Great Video! Should sediment traps ever be cleaned out? If its catching sediment, I assume every so often they should be inspected for debris but never heard anyone mention doing this as part of routine maintenance. Thanks!

[@careyhomeinspection]

These are rarely cleaned but it is a good practice to do so when changing the appliance or if the gas is known to have issues in a region, cleaned when the appliance is serviced.

[@pointmass]

Thank you very much!

[@gotchaplumber]

Thank you!

[@allegory7638]

Can a sediment trap have the gas flow the opposite way from what's shown in that water heater example? In other words, will it do its job if the gas flows horizontally to the T and then up to an appliance with the trap being downward? Hope I make sense!

[@anthonyalegria4695]

According to the IFGC, yes. The appliance can be on the vertical and the supply can be on the horizontal

[@alkadeshmukh2404]

Why drip legs are required sometime?

[@careyhomeinspection]

@@alkadeshmukh2404 drip legs are only required in locations where the gas supply has a high moisture content. Sediment traps are always required.

[@anthonyalegria4695]

Sorry but this video is not correct. Whoever installed what you call a drip leg was trying to install a sediment trap (which is generally required for each appliance) and failed to do so. It’s not a drip leg because they are only required where condensate could collect (low points) and at the outlet of the meter. Not at each appliance. Also the configuration is not specified. Check 408.2, 408.3 and 408.4 IFGC. Start reading or at least using chat gpt. It’s only $20 haha

[@careyhomeinspection]

That's what is said in the video. It would appear you did not watch it.

[@anthonyalegria4695]

@@careyhomeinspection the example you showed is not an actual drip leg as it is not at the low point in the system nor at the meter; it was installed before the appliance meaning it was a poor attempt at a sediment trap install. A true drip leg only serves its purpose at the meter and at low points

[@careyhomeinspection]

@@anthonyalegria4695 you are correct, which is why I said it's wrong. They can be found anywhere (not because they can be placed anywhere) and typically at or near the meter. Yes, at the lowest point. The video is not to show proper drip legs but why this is wrong and what a proper sediment trap is. You are 100% right, which is what is said in the video. It is a drip legs, and it is wrong. If me calling it a drip legs is you issue, get over it. A wheel is still a wheel even if it's installed in the back seat. Won't make it work, I agree with you.

[@careyhomeinspection]

@@anthonyalegria4695 It's a poor attempt at a sediment trap, BINGO that's the entire point of the video.

[@anthonyalegria4695]

@@careyhomeinspection alright you got me haha good stuff