Condensate pumps are a type of centrifugal pump that is used to collect and disperse the hot water and liquid produced by condensation from heating systems, such as gas and oil condensing boilers, from the production of refrigerated air, such as air conditioning and refrigeration systems, air dehumidifiers and …
Do I need a condensate pump for my boiler?
If the condensing boiler is situated below the drainage line, then you will need a condensate pump to help remove the wastewater from your home. For example, if your boiler is installed in the cellar or basement, then gravity will not be able to take the wastewater to the drainage system at ground level.
What happens when a condensate pump fails?
So furnace installers mount a condensate pump right on the furnace and route the drain line to a far-off sink or floor drain. If that condenser pump fails, the water overflows the pump and spills onto the floor.
How often should my boiler condensate pump run?
once every 3 months
It is essential that the condensate pump system is regularly checked for correct operation. The frequency will depend on the environment in which the unit is operating but should be a minimum of once every 3 months.
How do I know if I need a condensate pump?
If gravity can’t take condensed water away from the home (e.g. when a boiler is placed in a basement or a long distance from the drainage system) a condensate pump can be used. This will also improve the interior aesthetics of the installation by avoiding the need for unsightly pipework.
How reliable are condensate pumps?
These pumps are very reliable, but they require periodic maintenance to prevent premature failure. A condensate pump that operates incorrectly can overflow and cause significant water damage. The excess moisture can lead to unhealthy mold and mildew growth inside your home.
Why do I need a condensate pump?
The condensate pump exists to help remove water vapor that has gathered (or condensed) into liquid within the system. Usually, this liquid flows into your condensate drain pan, and the pump flushes it out, depositing it outside your home.
How do I know if my condensate pump is working?
The best way to tell if a condensate pump is working is to simply pour water into the pump reservoir. If the condensate pump is working, the float will rise up as you pour the water, which will activate the float switch, and the pump will audibly turn on.
How long should a condensate pump last?
Going through condensate pumps every 2-3 years.
Does a condensate pump run all the time?
Condensate Pump Floats
When the float reaches a certain point, a switch is triggered which sends the water outside or to a drain. If that float gets hung when the water level rises and can’t slip back down into its natural position, the condensate pump will run continuously.
What does a condensate pump look like?
Youtube quote:The water in a reservoir rises. It pushes the main float. Up. When the float gets high enough it closes this micro switch 120 volts is then applied to the pump motor and the pump motor runs.
Where is the condensate pump located?
The condensate pump simply sits on the floor in this installation. It receives into its reservoir condensate from a drain attached to the air handler and pumps the condensate to a suitable drainage location.
What does a condensate pump sound like?
A loud gurgling or bubbling noise can be a sign of a clogged drain pipe or malfunctioning condensate pump. When a condensate pump starts to fail, it can lead to excess water building up. It creates the noise as it tries to get rid of the water.
How loud are condensate pumps?
Condensate pumps are often very loud due to high fluid velocity and hydraulic action. Depending on the size, location and noise level of the pump, steps taken to reduce noise may include altering the insulation between building floors, reducing flow velocity or providing rubber buffers.
How do you turn off a condensate pump?
All condensate pumps have a float, which is located at the top of the pump. This small piece can sometimes become stuck and cause the pump to shut off. If the float is stuck, simply tap on it until it can move freely again.
How do you fix a leaking condensate pump?
Youtube quote:Into your new unit and the hole that's open and then all you have to do is hook up the wires and you're done if it's a tight fit going to the bottom a lot of times you can pull it off right here.
Do condensate pumps leak?
The condensate pump pushes water away from your furnace and through the condensate lines. If this pump is not working properly, your furnace may leak water. High efficiency furnaces usually have white PVC vent pipes whereas conventional furnaces have a metal exhaust vent pipe.
Do condensate pumps have a check valve?
For use with Condensate Pumps
A check valve keeps water from draining back into the pump which can cause the pump to short cycle. This small accessory can extend the life of the motor.
How do you clean a condensate pump check valve?
Youtube quote:There. Then i'm just going to use a flathead screwdriver. And put it in this little slot right here to pry the top off the tank. And as you can see it's pretty slimy in there.
Do you need a check valve after a steam trap?
Steam traps – Other than with steam traps discharging to atmosphere, check valves should always be inserted after a steam trap to prevent back flow of condensate flooding the steam space. The check valve will also prevent the steam trap from becoming damaged by any hydraulic shock in the condensate line.
