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[liminalcadet]

A few days ago, I had to have my AC serviced as water was pouring from the unit. Now, I am noticing that the condensate pump is not really running as often as it used to, so I'm worried that water is not draining from the unit again.

How often should a condensate pump run a day? I'm used to hearing it a few times a day, now I think I hear it once.

Thanks!

 

[Irobot82]

Pouring from the indoor part?

That could be

1. The exit pipe is clogged (dust, dog hair, mold). I run bleach through it once a month.
2. The condenser inside is clogged. (dust dog hair mold). I get that serviced.

 

[Quasicat]

There are a couple of questions, but I will answer based on my device. Mine runs a couple of times a day in late July, August, and early September. May and June not as much depending on the humidity. I’m in Ohio, if you live south of here, I would imagine it would run a bit more throughout the day.

 

[liminalcadet]

Pouring from the indoor part?

That could be

1. The exit pipe is clogged (dust, dog hair, mold). I run bleach through it once a month.
2. The condenser inside is clogged. (dust dog hair mold). I get that serviced.

Yeah, the unit is in the closet so water was all over the floor underneath it. The AC repair guy came out and drained it, did some other repairs. There is no water draining from the unit to the floor now, so I am assuming it's running to the pump, but the pump is not really running as often. Which makes me I think the water is just backing up in the unit again.

Or maybe I'm just being paranoid. I have had so many AC issues that I just expect them to always be on the fritz--even this one that is about a year old.

Also, use white vinegar instead of bleach--or at least that is what all the repair guys have said.

 

[liminalcadet]

There are a couple of questions, but I will answer based on my device. Mine runs a couple of times a day in late July, August, and early September. May and June not as much depending on the humidity. I’m in Ohio, if you live south of here, I would imagine it would run a bit more throughout the day.

Florida. Unit is kept on 78 during the day and 74 at night.

I'll pay attention to how many times a day, but I think I only heard it once yesterday and zero times today (it could be running when I'm outside, but I'm WFH right now so I'm around).

 

[p_xavier]

And here I thought that Condensate Pump was a fancy title for a new Assassin's Creed until I noticed it was in the Off-Topic section.

What kind of AC you have, HVAC cube style?

 

[liminalcadet]

And here I thought that Condensate Pump was a fancy title for a new Assassin's Creed until I noticed it was in the Off-Topic section.

What kind of AC you have, HVAC cube style?

AC, shit. lol

Lennox Elite: Basically this

 

[Quasicat]

Florida. Unit is kept on 78 during the day and 74 at night.

I'll pay attention to how many times a day, but I think I only heard it once yesterday and zero times today (it could be running when I'm outside, but I'm WFH right now so I'm around).

From what I know of Florida weather and humidity, it should be running quite a bit like it did before. From personal experience, I can tell you that the unit can run for a while and show no signs backing up only to have a real mess on your hands after it happens. Like the post above says, you may want to pop off the cover or check the water outlet to make sure there’s not a backup. Good luck!

 

[p_xavier]

AC, shit. lol

Lennox Elite: Basically this

Yeah, not familiar with those, my draining pipe is directly into my main vent.

 

[liminalcadet]

Quasicat Yeah, that's what I'm worried about but no water back up so far. Maybe I'm worried for nothing.

p_xavier Due to the location of the unit, the condensate pump is outside of it and then push through to another pipe. Old house--1950s so it's Frankensteined to fuck and back. Thanks anyway.

I'm probably going to call my service provider and ask. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[JORMBO]

Depends on the humidity and weather. Mine backed up due to a clog in the pvc pipe the other week and I snaked it. Pop the front panel off your air handler and see if there is water piling up inside.

 

[Irobot82]

Yeah, the unit is in the closet so water was all over the floor underneath it. The AC repair guy came out and drained it, did some other repairs. There is no water draining from the unit to the floor now, so I am assuming it's running to the pump, but the pump is not really running as often. Which makes me I think the water is just backing up in the unit again.

Or maybe I'm just being paranoid. I have had so many AC issues that I just expect them to always be on the fritz--even this one that is about a year old.

Also, use white vinegar instead of bleach--or at least that is what all the repair guys have said.

Also take a shop vac outstide to the drain and suck the pipe. It'll force whatever is clogged out. White vinegar is probably better.

 

[Burnttips]

Is your house staying cool? Is there water on the floor? If not leave it be.

 

[Quasicat]

Depends on the humidity and weather. Mine backed up due to a clog in the pvc pipe the other week and I snaked it. Pop the front panel off your air handler and see if there is water piling up inside.

Unfortunately, this is a right of passage for so many homeowners. It happened to us a couple of years ago which led to me pulling up and replacing half of the laminate flooring in the kitchen. I love how the package said it was water resistant, just not when the water goes through the bottom first.

 

[jason10mm]

Mine runs every 20-39 minutes in this heat.

I bet you have a water float valve cutting off your pump. The water level evaporates or slowly drains enough to activate then it fills again.

I had this happen once. You gotta get that drain line clear or at least bail out the drain pan so you get a day runtime to cool the house.