Question: home A/C pump problem

rnln · 02:01 PM

Hi guys,

I just discovered that my first floor ceiling is soaked of water and found that water is all over where the little pump next to the A/C unit is (second floor).

There are 3 ports/holes on the pump, I think the white PVC pipe (3/4") is the input water to the pump from the A/C unit (it's just placed loose in there). The small clear hose is leading to the outside (output). And another hole, in the middle, is for another input; which is not using in my case. I see there is full of water through this hole.

How do I test to see if my pump is not working?
I see the label said 115v 60hz 1.4A. If I need another pump, is there one anyone can recommend? Right now I turn off the A/C and it is hot

Thanks guys.

This is what it looks like

Hugh R · 07-21-2016, 02:15 PM

Your condensate drain line is plugged with crap. Run a piece of wire like romex through it.

rnln · 07-21-2016, 02:24 PM

it runs far. How about blowing air through it?
You don't think the pump is bad?
Thanks Hugh

jpk · 07-21-2016, 02:38 PM

This is called a condensate pump. You can get them at Home Depot in the HVAC section. Don't worry too much about matching specs for a replacement, they all pretty much do the same thing and work the same way. If you have a very long run for the output hose (>50'), or if it needs to lift the water high (>8') get one with a more powerful motor if you can.

Take the cover off the motor (the screw near the ports) and you will be able to see the float switch; it should be a rod extending down into the tank, and a microswitch with some wires attached feeding power to the motor. Carefully (keep your fingers out of the switch) lift the rod untill the switch makes contact and see if the motor runs. If it just hums or makes a screetching sound, the pump will need to be replaced. If the motor runs, but the water desn't move, the output hose is likely plugged (like Hugh said)

rnln · 07-21-2016, 02:44 PM

thanks guys.
I touch the pump and feel that it is "vibrating" and there is little humming noise. Now I am not sure that if it is running or trying to run. Will have to take it apart tonight.
Thanks again.

Mike80911 · Mike80911's Garage

As stated the condensation drain line is probably clogged you should clear it out. The pump discharge pipe might be clogged also. This happened to me twice made quite a mess as the unit is in the attic and destroyed the walls. That drain line should be serviced every year.

rnln · 07-21-2016, 03:36 PM

Mike,
pumped air through the output line and it's flow well. I left the output line off the pump, pump still humming/vibrating but no water coming out. I will take it apart tonight and check the discharge pipe (internal of the pump?). After that, new pump. Thanks again.

Oh Haha · 07-21-2016, 03:44 PM

Had the same problem with ours last week Ours in the garage so it wasn't a total mess.

I took it apart and found a pebble blocking the impeller. I filled it up and checked the operation of the float switch and it worked fine. Reinstalled and it's been good.

There's most likely a micro switch which activates the pump to turn on. Be sure the float is moving freely. and bench test before you re install it.

rnln · 07-21-2016, 03:48 PM

why didn't they install A/C in garage? Why it's above my head and everything else?

Got all info for tonight.
Thanks guys.

jpk · 07-21-2016, 03:49 PM

It could be that the pump impeller has "spun" on the motor shaft and is no longer turning. In that case - you'll need to replace the pump.

A930Rocket · 07-21-2016, 04:48 PM

Once you get it going, maybe toss a little bleach in there to keep the mold, etc down.

Oh Haha · 07-21-2016, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

Once you get it going, maybe toss a little bleach in there to keep the mold, etc down.

Saw this post and poured a bit of pool chlorine in our pump. I had the jug out for the pool and figured "what the heck?".

rnln · 07-21-2016, 11:34 PM

got it going. It was the check valve that was clog. While in there, I clean and lube everything. You guys are amazing. Thanks everyone.

Oh Haha · 07-22-2016, 03:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rnln

got it going. It was the check valve that was clog. While in there, I clean and lube everything. You guys are amazing. Thanks everyone.

Great!

MBAtarga · 07-22-2016, 06:05 AM

These things tend to just go bad - might want to keep your eyes on this one and get a spare to have handy. Probably will run $30-40 at a local big box store. As others have stated - they are typically interchangeable - they all have the same functionality/work the same way.