Diagnosing Common Condensate Pump Issues

By returning condensed water to the distribution system of your boiler for reuse, the condensate pump plays an integral role in the overall operation of your heating system. Not only do condensate pumps ensure that boilers run efficiently without wasting excess water, they also prevent fluid levels from falling too low, thereby preventing damage that can occur when heating elements become exposed. With this in mind, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that your condensate pump is operating improperly or inefficiently. Today we’ll look at a few common signs of condensate pump trouble and their potential causes.

The Pump Is Failing to Keep Fluid Levels High Enough

Start by checking the float switch to make sure the travel is set correctly. If the float switch isn’t properly calibrated, the pump will fail to kick on and return water to the boiler when it needs to. A faulty check valve seal can cause a similar issue where the pump continually turns on and off, sending water back and forth between the receiver and boiler.

The Pump Becomes Excessively Loud

In many cases, loud condensate pump operation is caused by excessive vibration between adjacent components. Make sure the pump controller is securely fastened to its foundation, and nearby pipes aren’t loose or damaged. You should also check to make sure the pump itself hasn’t been damaged by inadequate priming or hot condensate.

The Pump is Leaking or Underperforming

A leak could be caused by a buildup of Carbolic acid, which can damage the pump’s seal. Check the PH of the water in the pump to verify whether this might be the cause of the problem. Many other performance issues, meanwhile, are caused by sediment buildups which clog pump components. Inspect vent lines and the pump impeller for signs of dirt and sediment to be sure.

The Pump Motor Is Overheating

This issue could be caused by a number of factors. Start by checking the temperature of the condensate to make sure it’s not excessively hot. If the temperature is within acceptable norms, inspect for sediment buildup in the pump as well. This is another problem that could be caused by improper float switch calibration. If the float switch isn’t properly calibrated, it could cause the pump to run continuously and overheat. Finally, make sure that the pump has the appropriate capacity and pressure rating for your boiler system. If not, it could simply be working too hard to keep up with the system’s demands.

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