What is a Condensate Pump? An Overview
A condensate pump is a type of pump which is used to pump the condensed water. These types of pumps are utilized in condensers to release condensed steam in the form of water (condensed water) into a technical vacuum (close to steam pressure). This pump is used in the engine of the vehicles.
In an open circuit, the condensate pump pumps the condensate into a water tank. The condensation water is pumped directly to the boiler feedwater pump via a low-pressure feedwater heater in a closed circuit.
Troubleshoot the Existing Condensate Pump
Troubleshoot your old condensate pump before spending unnecessary money on your new condenser pump. It may only take a simple repair to get the pump working again. Slowly pour water into the reserve tank until the pump motor float switch activates or the reserve tank overflows.
- Check the electrical circuitry: If the pump motor does not start, check the fuse. The fuse protects the low voltage circuit from a catastrophic failure. If the fuse is shorted, inspect the wiring for damage and exposed conductors, and secure with electrical tape if necessary. Replace the fuse with a precisely fitting fuse. Do not increase the fuse rating. If the fuse check does not turn the pump on, make sure the voltage on the high voltage connector is correct.
- Check the outlet pipe: The drain line may block if the condensate pump motor is running, but the water reservoir does not empty. This usually happens after the air conditioner has been turned off for a long time—the slime forms in the standing water in the storage tank. When the pump motor starts, the sludge is sucked out of the tank and pushed into the drain pipe.
- Check the actuator of the pump motor: If the pump motor fails to start or stays ON after all condensation has been drained from the reserve tank, there is likely water in the pump actuator. The pump will be temporarily repaired by cleaning stagnant water in the clogged actuator from time to time. However, deposits on the actuator generally disrupt the actuator in a short time. Open the pump’s water reservoir and remove sludge and water deposits.
How to remove the Old Condensate Pump
- Remove the discharge tubing: Use the appropriate tool to loosen the clamp securing the drain hose to the barbed drain port on the pump. Some pumps use hose clamps that require a flat-bladed screwdriver, while others use hose clamps that are tightened with a pair of pliers. Hold the pump housing with one hand and the pressure tube with the other. Twist the tube back and forth as you move it away from the joint.
- Remove the drain hose from the air conditioner and furnace drain: If the condenser pump is on a mobile stand, slide the stand out to lower the pump. The air conditioning or oven drains slide into the pump housing from their respective inlets. If the pump is on the floor or other stationary surface, cut the drain hose approximately six inches above the pump housing. Pull the furnace drain hose out of the inlet connection of the condensate pump. Save the short pipe for reinstallation.
- Remove the condenser pump from the old oven: Remove all mounting brackets with a suitable screwdriver. Dispose of the old device.
Install the New Condensate Pump
- Prepare a new condenser pump: If the old condenser pump is standing directly on the floor, consider using bricks or other props to lift the pump off the floor. Its elevated position facilitates future preventive maintenance. The technician uses the raised platform to slide the bracket out from under the pump. After this lower the pump without cutting off the PVC drain on the stove or air conditioner.
- Connect the air conditioner and the furnace drain hose to the condensate pump: If the pump housing is on a raised platform, insert the ends of the A / C and furnace drainpipes into the appropriate outlets on the pump housing and replace the pump with a platform bracket. If a technician cuts the drain hose while disassembling the old pump, place the drain connector in the pump housing just below the existing drain hose. Slide a small cutting piece into the air inlet and use a coupling to join the two pieces together. If necessary, repeat this process for the furnace drain pipe.
- Connect the drain pipe: Push the end of the drain hose against the prickly drain on the condenser pump. The end of the drainpipe should completely cover any thorns in the drain connection.
Test the New Condensate Pump
Pour water into the pump’s reservoir. When the water finally rises, the float switch goes up, and the pump motor starts. A running condensate pump removes large amounts of water from the storage tank before it is circulated. This process takes less than 30 seconds. If the engine does not start, make sure that all electrical connections are well connected and that the voltage is correct.
Placing a drain cleaning cloth in the pump’s storage tank prevents sludge from building up.
