Condensate Pump Cleaning
In our last blog, we explained how algae and debris can find its way into the drain lines of an HVAC system, clog, and cause flooding in the home. But, a clog in the system isn’t the only way a flood can result from an HVAC operation. A failed condensate pump will allow condensation to build up and cause a flood in the home, too. Today, we’re going to talk about that little pump and its role in the HVAC system: the anatomy of a condensate pump.
The parts
A condensate pump consists of the top portion, which contains all the working components, and the bottom, which is merely a reservoir for the collected water. The top has some things running to and from it: the wiring,the inlet port, the discharge valve and hose, and the casing for the motor. There is also another port through which the reservoir bottom is visible.Taking it apart
The process
A handy person can unplug the pump, disconnect the intake and drain line, and use a flathead screwdriver to open the unit at the slot on the side between the two pieces in order to be able to peer inside.There are several items to see in the pump housing. The bottom part, the water reservoir, may have some dirt, algae, and debris inside. Sometimes there will even be a dead mouse or lizard. All that gunk should all be cleaned out. In fact, proper cleaning of your pump can extend its life significantly, so it’s worthwhile to do so.Cleaning the unit
How it works
The water float measures the amount of water and conveys the information to the pump to signal when the reservoir is full enough for the pump to turn on. The float should move freely. The impeller basket, a round columnar shape with slots, should be clean and debris-free. The discharge valve should also be clean and can be removed and cleaned with a cotton swab or a small bristle cleaner. Once the unit is clean, it should be returned to its rightful place and reconnected. Don’t forget to plug it back in; failure to do so will result in a flood once the reservoir fills up. A little water can be added to the reservoir to test the pump and make sure it’s working. Reconnection
Reconnecting
Once the pump is cleaned and reconnected, the air intake filter should be replaced. As with any appliance, a little maintenance goes a long way. These types of pumps only cost about $40, but since they run off and on all the time, it’s a good idea to keep them clean and in good working order. A homeowner will want the pump to last as long as possible since unit failure will result in the need to shut the HVAC off until the pump can be repaired or replaced.One note of caution: since these pumps run off of 120-volt power, it’s important to be very careful working around them and to not work on them if they’re turned on, and also, make sure that they’re plugged into a GFCI switch.
As always, home maintenance should be conducted with safety in mind and at your own risk. If you don’t want to perform this task, a condensate pump, even with the installation cost, is nominal compared to the inconvenience of a pump failure.
Stud Air Conditioning is a full-service installation, maintenance and repair company serving Broward, Miami-Dade, West Palm Beach, and Port St. Lucie counties.
