I would really appreciate it if someone can give me detailed information on "How to install gravity drain for a residential ice machine?". The information I have is:

1) Standpipe should be 1 1/2" in diameter and rise about 2" above floor line.
2) There must be a 1" air gap between the drain hose and the stand pipe.
3) Drain lines must have a 1/4" drop per foot and no low points where water can
Settle.


How do I keep the drain hose and the standpipe in-line so that the drain hose is always above the standpipe when there is a 1" gap between the two? In other words, the ice machine could be pushed just slightly and then the two are not in line anymore. Is there some kind of attachment I am missing that will allow the air gap but at the same time keep them aligned?

How do I get pvc standpipe to drop 1/4" per foot when it must go down and then through a side wall? I don't see a way to not have a 90 degree turn going out the wall.

Thanks in advance for anyone taking the time to answer this question.

Hi Nhbeachlover

First, how is this drain being vented? Also, you are planning on installing a PTRAP to keep the sewer gasses from escaping into the house, right? Confirm this for me, OK?

Now, the pipe that comes out of the floor needs to have a pipe INCREASER COUPLING... creates a large funnel for the indirect piping from the ice maker. In this manner, when the machine gets bumped you can still be sure the pipe will be over the drain. I'd use an 1.5" x 4" coupling here.

Next, you will keep the pipe from the ice maker 1" above the coupling by piping all this SOLID pipe from the ice maker...hang real well at the machine and right above the increasing coupling, maintaining the 1" gap. Pipe this in 3/4" copper pipe type L. Install the pipe so it tees out of the ice maker, stubbing the upper part of the tee fitting 12" up (uncapped to act as a vent fpor the indirect drain) and the lower part of the tee fitting to 1 to 1.5" above the drain (see image below).

In terms of the 90, use a long sweep 90 degree fitting and no issue with the turn...just need to maintain the 1/4" slope and make sure there are no backpitch, etc.

More questions, let me know, OK?

Mark