Water condensation is common on all heating and cooling units. A condensation pump will work to remove any excess water that may damage your heating and cooling unit. The pump is simple to install with just a few tips and tools.
Tools Needed
To begin installation you need to have a few items on hand including your condensation pump. A piece of pipe long enough to reach the drain for your heating and cooling system, enough fitting to connect the pipe to the drain and the pump, a saw and a drill are all commonly used when installing a pump. You will want to measure the pipe carefully before cutting it or your drainage system won’t work properly.
You may also want to take the time to fit all of the pieces of the pipe together before gluing the PVC to ensure it will work properly. PVC pipe is inexpensive and works well for installing a condensation pump but if you accidently glue the pieces together incorrectly you may have to saw a coupling off and have to run and buy another one. Save yourself some time and simply work the pieces together before gluing.
The Installation
Your condensation pump installation will be fairly straightforward. You may need to have an extension cord on hand if there isn’t an electrical outlet near your heating and cooling unit but this is a simple fix. You will also need to install a trap between the heating and cooling unit and the pump to ensure no debris enters the pump. This will ensure your pump has a long life. After connecting the pipe to the furnace drain you will then connect it to the pump.
After measuring your pipe you should then cut it to the size that you need. It is always better to cut the pipe longer if you aren’t sure the measurements are right. You will typically install the condensation pump lower than the drain to promote drainage since the pump depends on gravity to work correctly. The pump itself can be installed on the floor if it needs to be. The pump will work to push the excess moisture out when it is turned on. After connecting the pipes properly you can plug your pump into the nearest outlet.
Maintenance
A high quality condensation pump won’t need a lot of maintenance. You may want to clean the exterior of the pump periodically if dust is an issue in your area but the pump will work for many years to come if it is draining correctly. The installation of the pump is critical since the water has to drain for the pump to work correctly. You may find that a professional installation is helpful if you aren’t sure how the pump connects to the furnace.
If you have a good installation the maintenance of your condensation pump is very limited. You may want to check the drain lines annually to ensure the water is moving out of the system but this only takes a few moments.
