Air conditioner condensate pump FAQs set #2.
This article series discusses the inspection of air conditioning condensate pumps & condensate pump control systems, including their proper installation. This is part of our installation, inspection, & troubleshooting guide for condensate piping, traps, drains, condensate pumps, and the detection and hazards of air conditioning system condensate leaks in buildings.
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These questions & answers were posted originally at CONDENSATE PUMPS - home. Be sure to see the condensate pump installation, inspection, & troubleshooting help given there.
On 2018-10-07 by (mod) - I tested my condensate pump and used alcohol in its trap
Thank you for the comment. That's Interesting. We're not really sure of course what happened. Could have been that the first pumping cycle actually removed a slime or LG blockage or that your alcohol helped is all such a blockage.
On 2018-10-06 by Walter leon
I first texted my condensate pump by adding water to the reservoir and it was not pumping it out very fast at all. I then added a 32 oz bottle of rubbing alcohol to the reservoir hoping it will clean out whatever could be clogged up in there.
I then fill the empty bottle up with water and poured that in and it was successful the Water started pumping much faster.
On 2018-09-08 04:17:21.513823 by (mod) -
If slime or a scale or debris have clogged the veins on an impeller type pump that would explain why it might both be noisy and not be moving much water. You might to try cleaning it.
On 2018-09-07 by Anonymous
Seems to be alot of slime in or white algae in tank but qhen my pump is on pumping mode it makes aloud vacuum sound for about 4 minutes and it only used to make that loud vacuum sound for about 30 seconds before
any idea why its making that spund on pumping mode its a clearvue pump floatless sensor i can see a lil fan inside/plastic wheel spinning inside the tank as its making the vacuum sound/on pumping mode please help?
On 2018-09-07 by Jr
When My condensation pump is on pumping mode it makes a large vacuum sound for about 2-5 at first it the vacuum sound when it was pumping would only last about 20 to 30 seconds now its staying longer on pumping mode any reason why(
On 2018-08-20 by (mod) - How do I wire up my condensate pump?
Becky, normally a condensate pump is powered independently, connected to an electrical receptacle; the pump is turned on and off by the presence of water or condensate in the pump reservoir.
Let's get the brand and model of the pump, then we can find the installation instructions and wiring diagram so as to actually follow those.
Here is a manual that might work for your pump but we nee to know your pump model
EVERBILT AC CONDENSATE PUMP IO MANUAL [PDF] Model# CSP010
You'll see that the pump has a line cord that is simply plugged into a 120VAC electrical outlet.
On 2018-08-15 by Becky
I had a tech come out and my condensate pump was bad.
He rewired to bypass the pump till I could get a new one. I have finally got the new one and can't remember how he said to wire it to get it back the way it's supposed to be.
My wires from the switch are yellow, which are hooked to a red and white from the thermostat.
Which do I put back together?
I know yellow to black on the pump, but which of the other 3 hook to the other black on the pump or do they just all hook together on that side?
On 2018-08-03 by (mod) - Air vent on condensate pump
Probably that's an air vent at a trap or air vent for the pumping chamber. If you seal it it will no longer work. There should be no conditioned air coming out of that pipe. Nor any other air discharge.
On 2018-07-30 by Jamal
The condensate pump has a a white pump coming out of it that goes straight up for about a foot and is uncapped. I assume this is some sort of air intake for the pump. But cool (conditioned) air is escaping from this pipe into the attic.
Can i seal or partially seal this pipe to prevent leakage of conditioned air?
On 2017-10-18 by (mod) - Un-grounded electrical receptacles
Totti,
Un-grounded electrical receptacles are missing a valuable safety feature. It's an example of "everything works just fine until something goes wrong".
Take a look at our discussion of older un-grounded electrical circuits at https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Old-House-Electrical-Systems.php#OldGround
On 2017-10-18 by Totti
Do i have to have a ground recpatcle? What are the chances of bad things happening, Please reply and thank you
On 2017-10-10 by (mod) - What is the highest lift height a common condensate pump can effectively operate at?
David
Using a Little Giant 5501 120V Vertical 1/50 HP Condensate Pump, 1.0 Amps, 6.5 psi as an example, the highest lift height discussed in the product literature is 12 ft. at which the pumping rate is limited to 18 gph. By contrast, if the pump only has to lift one foot, it can remove 65 gph of condensate.
All of the Little Giant VCMA series condensate pumps will show a ZERO pumping capacity at 20 ft of lift height, so I take it that 15 ft is a practical limit.
You see there isn't a single fixed lift height number for condensate nor other pumps: higher heights mean lower pumping capacity or rate at which water can be moved.
If you have to lift a greater height you need to be sure that your condensate pump's capacity at that height will be more than the maximum (+ safety margin) rate at which condensate is going to be produced by the HVAC system in the most arduous (humid) conditions.
On 2017-10-09 1 by David
What is the highest lift height a common condensate pump can effectively operate at?
On 2017-08-02 by (mod) - San Antonio TX code on condensate pumps
Robert,
If your existing system has two levels of protection against condenate overflow into the building you may be incompliance with San Antonio HVAC code.
Give our local building department a call to describe what you have installed and to ask their opinion.
Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center
Development Services Department Map
1901 South Alamo Street
San Antonio, TX 78204
Mailing Address
ATTN: Code Enforcement Services
P.O. Box 839966
San Antonio, TX 78283-3966
Phone:
311
I wouldn't call Mike Shannon, the director, on this as it's really a small matter. But others at the department should be able to help you.
Since San Antonio has adopted the ICC code you can read those condensate disposal guidelines in the article above on this page.
See
5. Requirements for a Backup Condensate Drain System & Backup Condensate Drain Options
On 2017-08-02 by Robert
I was told by a technician tbat by San Antonio Tx code I need a secondary pan with float switch for my condensate pump in my attic even tho my condensate pump already has a float/safety switch in it. Is this true or is he trying to rip me off?
On 2017-08-02 by (mod) requirement for backup condensate handling system
Robert,
If your existing system has two levels of protection against condenate overflow into the building you may be incompliance with San Antonio HVAC code. Give our local building department a call to describe what you have installed and to ask their opinion.
Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center Development Services Department Map 1901 South Alamo Street San Antonio, TX 78204
Mailing Address ATTN: Code Enforcement Services P.O. Box 839966 San Antonio, TX 78283-3966 Phone:311
I would not call Mike Shannon, the director, on this as it's really a small matter. But others at the department should be able to help you.
Since San Antonio has adopted the ICC code you can read those condensate disposal guidelines in CONDENSATE PUMPS see
5. Requirements for a Backup Condensate Drain System & Backup Condensate Drain Options
On 2017-08-02 by Robert
I was told by a technician tbat by San Antonio Tx code I need a secondary pan with float switch for my condensate pump in my attic even tho my condensate pump already has a float/safety switch in it. Is this true or is he trying to rip me off?
On 2017-07-27 by chrissy
HI, this may sound like a stupid question but I'm a learning DIY-er.
I have a little giant condensate pump (didn't know existed until trying to fix my ac unit). Anyhow, there a two 1 1/2" or so holes on the top, one has the pvc pipe drain going into it, but the other is just open with no cover or anything
I can see the nasty water inside of it, which I'm about to clean out, and seems the valve may be clogged too. Not sure though, bc my unit isn't cooling the condensate pan is bone dry, therefor so is the plastic drain tube...
I trailed off a bit, my main question is does the other hole that has no piping to/from it need to be sealed?
On 2017-07-24 by (mod) temporary disposal of condensate when pump fails
Kathy
Sure the A/C system will work fine, but condensate isn't being disposed-of. They're independent systems.
I don't like water on the floor: it it wets drywall or other mold-friendly materials you could have a mess to clean-up. If it drains harmlessly to a floor drain you can survive for a time with that knowing that the condensate water may be unsanitary or could harbor unsafe bacteria.
Can you catch condensate in a bucket to pour into a drain?
Can you get to a building supplier like Lowes or Home Depot or a local HVAC supplier? COndensate pumps are simple and not costly. You could even buy one online for next day delivery.
On 2017-07-22 by Kathy
Recently I was cleaning the sludge out of my condense pump when it started to smoke and the it popped! The pump doesn't work now but the a/c still does. Even though water is getting on the floor, is it ok to still run the unit till I replace the pump?
On 2017-07-10 by (mod)
If the lift height is truly unchanged I would look for a kink in the more flexible tubing
On 2017-07-09 by JWD
I installed a new condensate pump and new drain tube to the exterior of the house. When the pump comes on it only pumps the water about 6 ft. high in the tube and then continues to run without pumping the water any further in the tube.
The pump works fine when connected to the old drain tube that runs to the sewer pipe (the rise and distance is about the same as the new drain tube to the exterior). The tubing for the new exterior drain is more flexible than the existing tubing. Any ideas? Thanks.
On 2017-05-30 by Eunice
The ac unit is in the basement so I imagine it can be damp to begin with. The only thing I can see looks like condensation. I did notice later there is also condensation on the bottom of the pvc pipe that runs to the pump.
The water collecting in the blue pan and the pipe both feel very cold. Crossing my fingers there is no problem and thanks so much for your help.
On 2017-05-30 by (mod) Should there be condensation on the blue pan of the condensation pump?
Eunice,
Perhaps, if condensate is quite cold and the area around the little pumping chamber is both warm and very humid. It doesn't sound like a serious concern as long as condensate is not actually leaking out of the pump.
On 2017-05-29 by Eunice
Should there be condensation on the blue pan of the condensation pump?
On 2017-05-22 by (mod) water dripping out of the bottom of my AC unit
Possibly Samantha, you'll want to take a close look after a few hours;
On 2017-05-20 by Samantha
I change my condensation pump out last night because it stopped working a few weeks ago.
I made sure there are no clogs in the PVC pipe drain that goes into the pump from the AC. The pump works great and is pumping out the water as it fills
There is still water dripping out of the bottom of my AC unit though. Could that be leftover water from when the pump wasn't working?
On 2017-01-14 by (mod) intermittent running of a condensate pump?
I've used Little Giant products on and off for years with good results, but even the best little condensate pumps ultimately need replacement. It sounds to me as if the float switch is corroded, broken, failing.
I checked some big suppliers like Grainger and didn't find replacement switch parts - and besides fooling with a switch that can get wet sounds like a risk of death by electrocution.
New condensate pumps like the one you probably have sell for about $50. U.S. - I'd replace it. But FIRST check that the condensate drain line is not crimped or blocked.
On 2017-01-11 by Brian E
I have a little giant condensate pump. It has recently begun over filling and not turning on all the time.
I removed the cover and the float is not stuck and when I manually trigger the switch by usin the float the pump will turn on and run as normal. I noticed some slime buildup and ran some bleach and hot water through it and it will intermittently turn on and off by itself when full.
And other times I have had to manually trigger the switch. I'm not sure what the problem may be and looking for suggestions. Has anyone else experienced a intermittent running of a condensate pump?
On 2016-09-24 1 by (mod) Is it proper to mount the condensate pump inside the return air cabinet space?
The condensate pump can go at almost any convenient location, but it has to be located where it receives drainage from the condensate drip tray or drain by gravity.
For those reasons I don't understand how a condensate pump could be inside the airflow of the air handler - perhaps someone put it in the return air plenum?
Why? Did they power it from the blower motor circuit? Sounds amateur to me; I'd be looking for unsafe wiring too.
On 2016-09-23
by Michael Gonzalez
Is it proper to mount the condensate pump inside the return air cabinet space?
I have come across a system that has the condensate pump sitting on the floor of the cabinet in between the air filter and hvac system where air flows into the heater and passes through the evaporator coil and back through the air duct system throughout the house.
It is not outside but inside the stream of air flow. Is acceptable by any means?
As a homeowner I installed a condensate pump for my attic-located air conditioner as described above.
When my A/C tech inspected he said a horizontal flow air handler does not have a trap on the condensate output so air is drawn in through the air gap at the pump collection tank.
This air flow keeps the condensate from flowing out the drain until the air handler blower shuts off, creating a tidal wave of water which sloshes where its not supposed to including the emergency drain pan. (My ceiling has fallen in 3 times due to overflowing emergency pan which did not drain properly.) - Bob Farrell 06/09/11
Bob,
I agree that improperly installed condensate lines that don't drain or a tipped condensate pan that does not slope towards its drain are bound to cause air conditioner or heat pump condensate overflow leaks.
If I understand your comment, you are pointing out that a missing trap on the A/C condensate line can allow air to flow up the condensate line into the air handler, preventing proper condensate drainage and causing leaks and damage to the building.
There is another similar hazard: if an installer routes the condensate line over to a plumbing drain or vent pipe there is a risk that the same effect draws unsanitary or even dangerous sewer gas into the building air ducts
...
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