Are you experiencing issues with older or failing condensate pumps? Understanding basic troubleshooting steps can save time, prevent system damage, and avoid costly emergency repairs.
When a condensate pump is working correctly, you may forget it’s even there. It will be efficiently pumping moisture from your condensate recovery system while maintaining optimal steam system performance. However, once it stops working the way it is supposed to, it can cause many problems. If the water overflows, it leads to big messes and can damage the surrounding areas, equipment, and impact operational efficiency. A faulty condensate pump will often cause a back-up of excess water.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to do some condensate pump troubleshooting on your own:
1. Make sure your condensate pump is turned on
The first thing you should do to troubleshoot a condensate pump is to make sure it has power. This is a simple step, but it is one that many people forget, only to realize that no power is the culprit after spending a lot of time investigating other reasons. The pump may have been turned off by accident or, perhaps the circuit breaker needs to be reset. Check both the main power supply and any emergency shut-off switches that might have been activated. A quick visual inspection of power indicators or control panel lights can often identify electrical issues immediately.
2. Check the float switch
The float switch is threaded into the condensate receiver tank. The electrical components of the switch are located on the outside of the tank and the float and float rod are located inside the tank. When water gathers and rises, so does the float. Once the float gets to a certain height, it hits the float switch. And when this connection is made, it tells the pump that it is time to turn on and pump the water out.
If there is a buildup of debris on the float, it might be interfering with its connection to the float switch. Organic growth on it can weigh it down. Sometimes, the float can develop a pin hole and fill with water, impacting the performance of the float. Regular inspection of the float mechanism can help identify these issues early. The float must be in good shape — if the float is damaged, it likely will not work correctly and may need immediate replacement to prevent system failure.
3. Gently tap the microswitch
The float is attached to a microswitch. If water is not being pumped out, it could be because the microswitch is not working correctly. There may be a simple fix to this — just give the microswitch a little tap. But don’t hit the switch too hard! Sometimes, microswitches can stick due to mineral deposits or normal wear, and a gentle tap can free up the mechanism. If tapping doesn’t resolve the issue, the switch may need professional inspection or replacement.
4. Check the discharge pipe for blockages
It is never a bad idea to check the discharge pipe for blockages regularly. To inspect it, disconnect the pump from the outgoing pipe and inspect for any debris or build-up that can be preventing water flow. Blockages can add extra strain to the pump, shortening the life of the pump. Common blockage materials include scale deposits, rust particles, and other system debris that accumulate over time. Regular inspection of discharge pipes can prevent unexpected system shutdowns and protect your pump’s performance.
5. Give your condensate pump a thorough cleaning
A good practice when troubleshooting problems for your pump is to give it a good cleaning. As with any device that deals with water, sediment, debris, minerals, and algae, they can all cause problems. Cleaning it and giving a thorough rinse can clear these culprits out, and your condensate pump will be back to pumping water in no time.
To clean, remove the whole pump from the condensate receiver tank. Remove the pump casing. Scrub the inner casing and impeller carefully with clean water, removing any debris build-up. Pay special attention to the impeller vanes and seals during cleaning. Also, inspect the inside of the receiver tank for any sludge build-up that can be impairing pump performance. Clean and remove as needed. Regular cleaning can significantly extend your pump’s lifespan and maintain optimal system efficiency.
6. Replace your pump
If your condensate pump is still not working correctly after taking these steps, it may be time for a replacement. When replacing, make sure you go with a trusted brand that has a reputation for quality parts. Consider factors like system capacity requirements, efficiency ratings, and long-term reliability when selecting a new pump.
The team at Rema Dri-Vac are experts in condensate pumps, and we can help you find the right kind of pump for you! We are a 3rd generation company that is family-owned, and we pride ourselves on forming relationships with all our customers to know how to meet their specific needs. With decades of experience in industrial pump systems, we understand the importance of reliable performance and efficient operation. If it’s time to replace your condensate pump, please contact us today!