[dato]

Hi,

I am having a problem with the condensate pump for my AC. It keeps running and running but the water only drips out of the drain tube.

Does this sound like a clog in the hose or a broken pump? Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[kdean1]

Yes, it does sound like a clog or a broken pump.

 

[dato]

Thanks for your prompt reply, Kdean1. Are there ways to tell between a clog and a broken pump? I guess I could remove the tube to see if the pump actually pump water. Just wondering if there is some other ways? Thanks.

 

[catmanacman]

Sounds like a clogged check valve in the pump ,although could be a clogged line or a broken pump

 

[kdean1]

First find out if water flows freely through the tube. Then briefly run the pump without the tube to see if it pumps.
Pumps need to be cleaned periodically. Has that been done?

 

[dato]

Thanks for all the replies. Here's what I tried:

1. I unplugged the vynal tube and there is a bit of water draining out of the tube.
2. I let the pump run a bit without the tube, and I did see water gently coming out the check valve. Question: Should the water be forcefully shooting out of the value? Or just very gently flowing out of the valve?
3. Then I re-plugged the tube, turned on the pump. The water was pumped up the tube may be 5 or 6 inches and then it stopped going any higher. Also, there's a bit of leaking at the place where the tube meets the valve. Question: What should I use to secure the connection so that it doesn't leak?

I'd appreciate any suggestion on what to do next to further my diagnosis on whether it's a bad pump or a clogged tube. Thanks.

 

[Brian8383]

Yes water should be shooting a couple to a few feet above the check valve.

Just make sure the tube is clear, also. Blow through it. You should be able to. If you can then your only problem is the pump. It either has a plugged check valve, a broken impeller or so dirty water isn't getting where it should inside.

 

[dato]

Thanks, Brian, for your answer and suggestion. I just tried the the pump with a new, unclogged 3-foot tubing and no water is coming out of it.

To further my diagnosis, I need to uninstall the pump. Here's a photo of how it's connected to the AC drain pipe:

The drain pipe goes into the pump so deep that it almost touches the bottom of the reservoir of the pump. Question: How can I separate the pump and the drain pipe? I guess I can always cut it. But I hope there's a way to do it so that I can preserve the pipe and don't need to rebuild one.

One more question: Here's a photo of the top of the drain pipe:

As you can see, it's exposed. And, it may not show clearly in the picture, there's a reservoir next to the drain pipe that goes into the pump, and the water level is always at the top.

Question: Does this look normal to you? Or is this some kind of a shoddy installation?

Thanks again to all who have shared and/or are sharing your insight.

 

[Brian8383]

It looks like you can unplug the pump which is good. It's not direct wired. First thing I would do is to pull the check valve. That's the black part with the barbs that the clear tube goes on. That's the check valve. See if it's plugged. It just threads in and there is a O ring on it.

We aren't supposed to give advice that could cause a homeowner to get hurt or give information that would take work away from a qualified tech that should be doing the work. But we are only talking about a condensate pump here.

If the check valve is clear and you don't think that's the problem plug in the pump again with water in it. It should shoot water 4 ft in the air. Not trickle out Not 6"

If it doesn't, then it's the pump. It will have to be pulled off the furnace and opened and cleaned or if the impeller is broken, replaced.

 

[dato]

Thanks again, Brian. I unplugged the check valve and turned on the pump-- Boom the water shot up like a fountain!

If you don't mind, could you please let me know how to check if my check valve is clogged or faulty? I couldn't see through the holes on either end of the valve, and when I place it directly under a faucet. The water doesn't seem to come through the valve.

 

[catmanacman]

Clean it with a q tip

 

[dato]

Thanks catmanacman. I used a toothpick to stir inside the holes on both ends, and push through them, and then tried again. No cigar.

I have bought a new check valve from Amazon. Wish me luck!

Back to my question on the second photo in message #8. Does that drainage system look normal? Should I hire someone to have it redone? Thanks.

 

[catmanacman]

I cant tell from the photo . Although its a good time to get a complete tune up