HVAC condensate pump issue

last year

last modified: last year

Hello,

Last night, I noticed that my indoor unit was running, the condensate pump had all 3 lights on, and the outdoor wasn't running. I cleaned the pump, which fixed the problem but it happened again a few hours later. I then replaced the pump - everything seemed to work fine overnight, but we were back to square one this morning.

The new pump had all 3 lights on again (maybe it was trying to push the water out but unable to do it?!), and I noticed that the reservoir is full of water. After emptying it, the outdoor unit came to life and we have cool air again.

Anyone know what the issue is? Maybe the vinyl line from the pump to outside is clogged? If so, can it be cleaned, or does it need to be replaced? I tried putting vinegar in the pump reservoir earlier, but that didn't help.

Thanks in advance!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

dan1888
last year
Can you unhook the line again and apply air pressure to see if it's clogged. And maybe unclog it.
cooldyood
Original Author
last year
@stax I removed and cleaned the old condensate pump but that didn't solve the problem. I thought the pump was bad so I replaced it, which I am now realizing wasn't necessary.

At this point, if I manually empty the pump reservoir (been using a meat baster) when it gets full, everything runs fine. Otherwise, the outdoor unit turns off.
Related Professionals
Downers Grove Solar Energy Systems · Pacific Grove Solar Energy Systems · Paramus Solar Energy Systems · Peabody Solar Energy Systems · Phoenix Solar Energy Systems · New Lenox Solar Energy Systems · Brookfield Home Automation & Home Media · Danville Home Automation & Home Media · Fairfield Home Automation & Home Media · New York City Home Automation & Home Media · Philadelphia Home Automation & Home Media · Tamiami Home Automation & Home Media · Columbine Fireplaces · Norridge Fireplaces · West Valley City Fireplaces
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
last year
There should be a check valve in the discharge to prevent backflow. If it's dirty it won't work. Take it apart and have a look.
cooldyood
Original Author
last year
@charles-ross-homes Assuming you mean the floating valve in the pump that checks the water level in the reservoir, it is clean. This is a brand new pump.
PRO
Charles Ross Homes
last year
The float switch turns the pump on and off. There should also be a check valve in the discharge line that prevents backflow.
dan1888
last year
You haven't done anything to check the line. It's not the pump or the reservoir or the float. Move down the line to check the remaining components. Or call someone to come for $100 and blow the line out.
cooldyood
Original Author
last year
Update - I cleaned the vinyl line and put the old condensate pump back. Everything is running normally now. Not only was the line clogged, the new pump seems to be shot.

I love this forum, thank you all for the advice!