Ac Condensate Pump Troubleshooting & Repair
Before replacing the condensate pump, you may need to troubleshoot the old pump first. Sometimes, it only takes a simple fix to get the pump to work again. A temporary fix for the broken condensate pump wouldnt sweat you all night.
Perform a quick diagnostic check on the air handler. If the thermostat relay is making an audible click when the temperature is lowered, the electronic display says the system was ON. This is good.
If the main circuit breakers for the inside air handler and outside compressor were not tripped, the power wasnt the problem.
Take a look at the condensate removal pump next to the air handler on the basement floor. If it was full of water, the safety cutoff float switch had tripped due to the high water level to turn off the A/C system to prevent flooding.
How to repair a broken AC Condensate Pump:
The float switch reset itself now that the pump reservoir was empty, allowing the A/C system to operate. The air conditioner will run for several hours until the reservoir is full again. With the cooler outside temperature that night, the A/C reservoir was only 1/2 full the next morning.
The Parts In A Condensate Pump And How To Take One Apart
If you have previous HVAC experience or are feeling adventurous, you can take the condensate pump apart to clean it. The condensate pump has a top, where all the parts are, and a bottom where the water collects.
The top has a few things running into it and out of it. Things like the discharge valve and hose, the wiring, the intel port, and the casing for the motor. There is an additional port where you can see the reservoir in the bottom.
To take it apart:
What Is A Condensate Pump
A condensate pump is a device that collects and pumps out condensate water from heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems that gravity cannot achieve. The condensate water usually goes through a pipe to an outside drain.
The condensate pump has three major parts: the water tank or reservoir, the float, and the pump. The condensate level in the reservoir rises, forcing the float to rise. This sends a signal to the pump to start and move the water through the drain pipe.
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What Happens If Condensate Pump Gets Faulty
It is possible for float and float components to build up debris over time. This debris can dirty the system and prevent it from triggering the float switch and draining the water.
Float and float components can also wear and tear over time, which might result in a malfunctioning condensate pump. If the condensate pump motor fails due to excessive use of the air conditioner, water may begin to seep from the pump.
The fact that water overflows when a condensate pump fails, does not necessarily mean that the pump is faulty. The problem could be an accumulation of algae in the pump’s check valve.
Choosing A Condensate Pump
Take note of the following before buying the pump for replacement.
- Look for UL and CSA marking on the pump. These certification is important to ensure that the pump is designed and produced for safety according to the industry standards.
- A Thermal Overload protection is an added feature that shuts down the pump motor in the event of overheating, thus protecting the pump from damage or fire hazard.
- If a tank is required, look for one with high impact ABS tank material as well as leak-proof and rustproof design.
- Stainless Steel Shaft helps to prolong the life of the pump.
- A removable Check Valve option to prevent the water from flowing back into the tank in the event that the outlet line is at a higher level than the tank.
- Power cord and plug that are long enough for your application.
- A safety switch will be good as an output that can be connected to trigger an alarm when overflows happen. This output can also be used to shut down the air conditioning system to prevent further damage to the system.
In temperate countries, it is critical that the condensate water that goes out through the piping is totally drain out especially during winter. This is important because the water that is not drained out will freeze and may crack the piping or cause improper functioning of the system.
See Also
See the many applications of this type of pump in HVAC.
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Cleaning The Condensate Pump
Keep in mind that if there is noticeable damage to the pump, it will need to be replaced. Otherwise, it will simply keep leaking and you will be back at square one. If it is simply a matter of the pump being dirty, you can easily clean the unit.
Make The Electrical Connections
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Important Care And Maintenance For Your Condensate Pump
A condensate pump is an important part of your HVAC system. During the cooling process, an HVAC system produces condensation. Most systems depend on both gravity and a 3/4-inch drain line to direct the water to the homes exterior. However, some installations require pumping the fluid through the attic or over other obstacles using a condensate pump.
Clean The Condensate Pump
Sometimes only the condensate pump valve needs to be cleaned. Other times, its best to clean the entire condensate pump. Because the condensate pump is continuously pumping water, it can be a breeding ground for algae and other debris. This can clog components of the condensate pump, which can make the device malfunction.
If its been a while since youve cleaned the condensate pump, we recommend doing it now. To clean the condensate pump, simply turn off the power to both the device and your air conditioning system.
Once the power is off, clean the condensate pump using warm water and dish soap. Remove the outer housing of the condensate pump and remove the water from both the pump and the reservoir.
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Why Is My Condensate Pump Not Pumping Water
First things first what exactly is a condensate pump?
In the simplest terms, a condensate pump is a small sump pump designed to pump water from a central collection point to a remote location like a floor drain or utility sink.
When it comes to your air conditioning system, the condensate pump works to collect the water that builds up within your system. As the water level rises within the reservoir of the condensate pump, a float rises as well. Eventually, the float rises until it reaches a specific point. The float then hits the float switch. The float switch triggers the condensate pump to turn on and remove the water to the outside of your home.
While this is what happens when your condensate pump is working as it should, there are a few factors that can affect its performance.
Over time, the float and float components can accumulate debris, which will gunk up the system and possibly prevent it from triggering the float switch and draining the water. The float and float components are also susceptible to wear and tear over the years, which can contribute to a condensate pump malfunction. Also within the condensate pump is a motor, which can wear with normal use.
How Long Should Condensate Pump Last
A condensate pump should last between three to five years. If you want to make it last longer, you should clean the small plastic impeller often because it can get clogged with debris from the shaft. Also, clean all openings that lead to the drain lines using a bottlebrush.
Frequent cycling of the pump is a good indication that the check valve is leaking and draining the discharge tube back into the condensate pump sump, which is not good. While it is easy to repair a condensate pump, you should consider getting another unit and a technical to install it if your pump gets too bad.
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What Does A Condensate Pump Do
Maintaining a comfortable indoor climate all-year-round is dependent on the smooth running of your natural ventilation, air conditioning, and furnace systems. The condensate pump is one of the components supporting these systems. So, what does a condensate pump do?
This article explains how a condensate pump works, why you need it, and how to use a condensate pump. You will also find answers to common questions about condensate pumps. Enjoy!
Condensate Pump Too Loud What To Do
- Post published:May 15, 2022
- Post comments:
A condensate pumpis essential when it comes to cooling or heating. As a homeowner, you may have noticed that your condensate pump makes a lot of noise but still don’t know how to tackle the problem. Luckily, we have consulted experts in this field, and here’s what they have to say.
A hole in the pump, loosened bolt, high fluid velocity, and hydraulic action are possible causes of a noisy condensate pump. Here are steps to follow to tackle a loud condensate pump:
- Add more protection between the pump and wall.
- Make sure there are no openings in the pump.
- Repair faulty pipes and change filters.
- Try decreasing the speed of water flow in the pipe.
- Install a reflection silencer.
In addition to the mentioned causes of a loud condensate pump, several other factors contribute to a noisy condensate pump. We’ll cover how to diagnose and address these problems. Keep reading to get more detailed information.
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Where Do I Attach A Condensate Pump
Question: 2020/05/17 Todd Neidhardt said:
Where do I attach a pump to? Can I go and buy one and install my self the condensation pump at lowes?
My unit shuts off as the drain fills with water they want 500 plus to install fro ac guy was trying to do it myself
Moderator reply:
Todd
Your HVAC system shows a condensate drain exiting the unit at its lower right , crossing along the bottom with some slope , Teeing into a small cleanout fitting with a black cap, and continuing into a drain that exits the photo at lower left.
Watch out: it seems to me that you already have a condensate drain installed. It is quite possible that your system is shutting off because that drain is clogged.
When an air handler is installed without a condensate overflow pan below the unit, instead the building may be protected from condensate leak damage by a switch inside the air handler.
When that switch, sitting on the air handler bottom, senses water filling the internal condensate pan, it shuts off the unit to avoid leak damage.
So if that’s happening, the proper repair is to find and fix the clog in the existing condensate drain line.
If you need a condensate pump to lift the condensate to a disposal location, that is, if your drain doesn’t already dispose of condensate to an acceptable location, you’d let that drain empty into the condensate pump’s reservoir, then attach a tube to the condensate pump’s outlet and route that tube to an acceptable drain.
Reader follow-up:
Todd said:
Todd,
Cost To Replace Condensate Pump
The cost to replace a condensate pump is between $125 and $300. The part itself usually costs $50 to $300.
Avoid buying a cheap condensate pump that has a bad reputation. A brand like Little Giant is recommended. You can find a wide variety of Little Giant condensate pumps and other removal pumps at Amazon.com.
I hope this AC troubleshooting and repair guide saves you some bucks. The best way to prevent condensate pump malfunction is to schedule regular AC maintenance. It will keep your air conditioner working optimally and extend its lifespan.
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How Can I Troubleshoot A Broken Condensate Pump
If your condensate pump is broken, unplug both the pump and the air conditioner from the socket. Then disconnect the drain pipe and empty the water in the pump reservoir. Next, check the float. If it is stuck, tap on it until it moves freely. But if it is worn out, you should replace it. Furthermore, check the drain line if there is a blockage, flush it with a cup of vinegar or bleach. If all these steps do not work, then your pump is due for replacement.
Finally, what does a condensate pump do? It lets you enjoy your HVAC system without the fear of water damaging your home.
Page Contents
Defying Gravity Dont Forget The Condensate
Historically gravity drains have been used in the removal of condensate water from air conditioning units, however, in many applications this seemingly simple solution can prove anything but simple to install and can pose potential health and safety risks. One effective solution to this problem is a condensate pump.
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Gravity Drain Limiting And Often Impossible
In some cases AC condensate may be drained with a plastic pipe leading away from the system. However, this traditional method has many potential disadvantages, such as water damage issues, space limitations and inflexibility of installation.
For instance, installing gravity drains in new buildings can prove tricky if this has not been considered at the design stage. Adding air conditioning to a building as an after- thought once complete, can also prove challenging.
Gravity drain systems ideally require the AC unit to be placed on the wall that is nearest to the outside wall and also require sufficient space to drain by gravity. However, without planning where to position a gravity drain in advance AC units may end up installed some distance from outside walls or in space restricted plant rooms, thus making it tricky to use gravity drains to remove condensate.
Is It Normal For A Condensate Pump To Make Noise
Even though a condensate pump may appear to be a small device attached to the side of your furnace or air-conditioning system, it is more complicated than that. Condensate pump plays a crucial role.
They collect and push out all condensations that accumulate within the HVAC system during the heating and air conditioning process. These hydraulic actions can generate noise within the condensate pump.
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How To Clean Ac Condensate Pump
Whenever you change the AC air filter, also clean the condensate pump. Here is how to clean the AC condensate pump:
- Turn off the A/C unit.
- Unplug the pump power cord.
- Remove the four screws from the metal cover.
- Wash the basin with soap and warm water.
- Wash and wipe down the submerged parts of the pump.
Pay attention to wiping down the metal float shaft and checking that it moves freely.
Reader Question: Bad Condensate Sensor Switch Shuts Down The Air Conditioner System
One of the condensate switch went bad, thereby shutting down the system.
I have to jumpered the A/C line to the hot on the ignition board to get the system to come back on while shopping for a new switch or pump.
I set the condensate pump to “continuous run” as a temporary measure to prevent flooding, but risk burning out the motor to the condensate pump.
– Yaga 8/13/11
Reply:
Yaga
Watch out: there are serious risks from condensate leaks into a building if you bypass or “hot wire” the condensate overflow tray sensor switch.
Those include: condensate leak overflow, building damage, and expensive and unhealthy mold contamination or damage, electrical short circuits if wiring gets wet, and probably other hazards I’ve not thought-of .
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