If you live in Adelaide, you will notice that the summer weather can get quite humid throughout December, January and February. When the humidity level is high, items such as fridges, condensers and air conditioners tend to sweat due to the high moisture levels in the air.
When the weather is humid, the appliance works harder to perform its task of making items and people cool. In the example of a split system air conditioner, these units expel much water and keep the condensation pump working overtime. It is for this reason that these pumps should receive regular maintenance to avoid an emergency with your pump failing.
What maintenance needs to be done to an air conditioner condensate pump
Looking after a condensate pump requires the services of a licensed plumber to avoid electrocution and flooding. Below are a few steps that are required to keep a pump running year-round:
- Cleaning of the catchment sump
- Removing the filter and cleaning any debris such as hair, fluff and bugs
- Ensure the discharge suction line is primed and clear of any obstructions both inside the catchment sump and the discharge tundish port
- Check the auto float is free of resistance and moving freely up and down the sensor shaft
- Fill the catchment sump and test the operation of the pump itself
In The Event Of Pump Failure, What Should Be Done
In the event of a pump failure for your split system air conditioner, you will probably notice a musty smell coming from the air getting blown into the room. In a catastrophic failure, you will start to see water coming out of the split system mounted on the wall. Below are a few steps to take until a pump technician arrives from Mayfair Plumbing.
- Turn the air conditioner off
- Put a bucket or some form of collection device under the split system where the water is coming from
- Call a pump technician from Mayfair Plumbing to attend quickly (typically, we can have an emergency plumber there the same day, subject to availability)
What Is The Maintenance Schedule For Condensate Pumps?
If you are developing a programmed maintenance schedule for the pump on your split system, we suggest the following:
- Before the start of any warm weather where you think you will use your split system, have the pump inspected and check that it’s working. It’s not uncommon to see bugs and insects make a new home inside the sump catchment
- Towards the end of the warm weather, we recommend another inspection to confirm that the pump can be winterised and made hygienically safe for the cooler months of the year in Adelaide
If you experience any difficulties with your split systems condensate pump, think Mayfair Plumbing. We are experts in all types of pumps and specialise in emergency pump repairs across all of Adelaide, including the Fleurieu Peninsula and Adelaide Hills. Call today on 0429361819.
