[needsleep]

A condensate pump was installed with my new high efficiency furnace so I also tossed in output streams from the humidifier overflow pipe in winter and dehumidifier and A/C in summer.

What I'm finding is the check valve needs replacing far too frequently.

Explaining this to a serviceman, he said the extra streams add much more complex sediments into the pump, which cause early failure of the check valve.

Now I'm on a hunt to identify a filter that could be used to filter out the sediments and extend my check valve life. Any ideas?

Thanks,

 

[beenthere]

Are you sure its not pieces of your drum humidifier's pad getting into it.

 

[supers05]

I second been's thought. Something unusual is going on.

Cheers!

 

[needsleep]

I'm totally sure. However, I've learned a little bit more. It turns out the pump is made for furnace and A/C condensate, but not for humidifier condensate. Maybe there is something unique and damaging about humidifier condensate, at least to the check valve.
@beenthere: I clean the pump every month. I would have seen the belt debris if there was any. I can't imagine the belt would disintegrate, as I buy them new, and change them every 2 months.

 

[beenthere]

The check valves are basically just ball checks. So should be able to clean any dirt out of them, if they aren't several years old.

Post brand and model number of condensate pump.

 

[throrope]

I anticipate you will have a back-up if you install a filter. Filters clog.

I had similar configuration with three into the condensate pump. Then I realized I could add a safe waste and gravity drain from the humidifier and dehumidifier. My dehumidifier is on a shelf bolted to the wall, which enables gravity drain.

BTW, I rarely clean my pump.

 

[needsleep]

@beenthere Little Giant VMCA-20 pump
@throrope Yeah, my dehumidifier is on a small table so it can currently drain into the pump. I'm not familiar with a safe waste. Is it difficult to construct, or would I have to buy one?

 

[beenthere]

Those are usually pretty reliable pumps. I would make a trap betwen the humidifier and pump. make it out of 1" PVC, and look in the trap after a month, to see what kind of debris is coming out of the humidifier.

 

[needsleep]

Should the trap be of the size of a kitchen sink trap, or would a deeper one give me a better filtering action? My kitchen sink trap uses 1-1/2 inch diam pipe and has a 3-1/2 inch deep notch.

 

[beenthere]

Doesn't need to be 1-1/2. 1" is fine. About 4" deep.

 

[Yodaman]

I would suspect mineral deposits building up on the check valve seat. Remedy could be as simple as running some bleach thru the pump

 

[needsleep]

@Yodaman I believe you are correct. In the check valve that failed, I was not able to move the little ball, even using a nail or something to push against it. I still have the valve. Manufacturer suggests 50/50 vinegar/water as a quarterly cleaning solution. I'll try soaking the failed valve for a couple of days in that and see if I get any results.
Thanks for your post.

 

[Yodaman]

@Yodaman I believe you are correct. In the check valve that failed, I was not able to move the little ball, even using a nail or something to push against it. I still have the valve. Manufacturer suggests 50/50 vinegar/water as a quarterly cleaning solution. I'll try soaking the failed valve for a couple of days in that and see if I get any results.
Thanks for your post.

There is also a product by CLR that dissolves it instantly. With either product, periodic pouring into the reservoir and letting the pump push it past the check valve may keep it clean with out removing it.

http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail...gclid=CJvO6Ivnq8oCFQotHwodMmQLmg&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[SeniorSitizen]

I wasn't aware of mineral deposits from condensate that would make frequent acid cleaning necessary.

Back in the Good Ole Days, when we were poor as snakes and in college , and that skinny too, I caught condensate water from the A/C for the wife's steam iron and she was happy.