Condensate pumps, used in HVAC systems, work with the water that builds up inside these systems. These pumps route the water to the appropriate place as part of a comprehensive solution for heating or cooling. Condensate pumps require some basic parts and pieces to function.

Online condensate pump distributors sell these critical items online. A manager or business decision maker looking to outfit condensate pumps can take a look and with a few clicks of the mouse, all of the gear for condensate pumps can be efficiently ordered to keep a facility in good shape through the seasons of the year. Buyers might look for information about condensate pumps as well as solutions like the following:

1. Tanks for condensate pump models to hold the accumulated liquids.

2. Float switches for controls on condensate pumps.

3. Check valves and other specialized gear for condensate pumps.

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Find tanks from condensate pump suppliers

The tank is a critical part of the condensate pumps operation. Condensate is held in the tank until directed elsewhere by automatic, remote or other controls. Buy tanks online from a range of tested, durable models. Tanks and other gear should be temperature rated to handle the needs of the heating or cooling system.

I recommend: Get tank solutions for condensate pumps and info at Global Spec online. For tanks, steam traps, and more gear for condensate pumps, try Global Industrial.

Find float switches for condensate pumps

The float switch is a popular mode of control for condensate pumps: the float switch acts as a trigger when the water in the tank reaches a certain level. Using a float switch ensures that backup will not reach an overflow point. This automated solutions often offers the most efficient method for dealing with the contents of a tank.

I recommend: Get float switches, top-off equipment and DIY guides at Aqua Hub. Check out Fedex Ground options for bulk orders. Find more DURAKOOL and other float switches at American Electronic Components.

Look for check valves and other gear from condensate pump sellers

A check valve or 'one way' valve prevents return flow and keeps condensate pumps operating properly. Find these and other helpful parts online to keep condensation pumps maintained.

I recommend: Find brass or stainless steel check valves for online purchase at a condensate pump supplier such as Technical Specialties; check out savings on the online catalog pages. Get wholesale prices on Hartell condensate pump check valves and other gear at Arnold's Service Company.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be very careful when dealing with condensate pumps: the liquid that is held in the tank is not pure water and may contain gases or other elements. Also keep a careful eye on temperatures to avoid injuries.
• •  When buying, it may help to check with condensate pump manufacturers about ratings for equipment to make doubly sure the items can handle the pressure or heat thrown off by the systems you are working on.

The two main types of condensate pumps are boiler feed pumps and sump pumps. The boiler feed varieties are used to close a boiler system by condensing the steam back into water and returning it to the boiler, where it is again heated to steam. The sump pump varieties prevent water buildup in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) machinery by pumping water out of collection pans or tanks.

Condensate pump manufacturers produce both commercial and industrial models in a wide variety of materials, including plastic, iron, stainless steel, brass and aluminum.

Besides tank size and the total number of pumps in an assembly, here are some of the specifications to consider when examining a condensate pump distributor's products:

1. Type of power source of the condensate pump, which is AC or DC, and runs on anything from gasoline to solar power.

2. Maximum discharge flow of a condensate pump, which measures in gallons per minute (GPM), hour (GPH), or day (GPD).

3. Maximum discharge pressure, which measures in psi or bars.

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Buy from a quality condensate pump manufacturer or condensate pump supplier

There are many quality condensate pump distributors, so never settle for something second rate. When you've narrowed down to what you want, do a little price comparison between condensate pump suppliers to ensure you've got the best price.

I recommend: Beckett Pumps has a nice selection of condensate pumps for use in HVAC systems, especially for the commercial sector. For industrial condensate pumps, or for any condensate pumps used in boiler systems, Boiler Plus International is a good place to start shopping.

Consider the special safety features available from some condensate pump sellers

Many condensate pumps have safety features, like leak or rustproof tanks, flame retardant motor covers, thermal overload protection (on electronic models) and the list goes on.

I recommend: Armstrong offers fully stainless steel models that are highly corrosion-resistant and non-electric. Pumps from CEM Specialties, Inc. include many safety features, and they offer collection vessels that feature liquid-level alarms.

Maintain and repair your condensate pumps

It's important that you maintain your condensate pumps. Standing water can lead to buildup of bacteria and property damage. Periodic checks can prevent total breakdown; but even with maintenance, repair is sometime necessary. Having a backup pump on hand is not a bad idea.

I recommend: Pay attention to manufacturer information and keep it on file. Also, HVAC Maintenance & Supplies can help you with the upkeep of the condensate pumps in your HVAC system. When it comes to maintenance and repair of condensate pumps for boilers, including industrial boilers, then C&C Boiler is a solid option.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The water condensed in HVAC and boiler systems is not clean. In HVAC systems, it may contain dust or microbes. In boilers, it may contain boiler cleaning chemicals.
• •  When working on the condensation pump or other condensation parts of a boiler system, be alert to the fact that the water may be hot.

Condensate pumps are an integral part of HVAC and refrigeration systems in that these pumps pump condensate or water from the systems. Proper installation of these pumps is essential to the entire system functioning as it should. As HVAC and refrigeration are both lucrative fields—what building can you think of that does not have air conditioning or heating systems installed—it pays to get the proper condensate pumps education and training. In fact, every condensate pump distributors, condensate pump sellers, condensate pump suppliers and condensate pump manufacturers need to have training and education for these pumps to ensure the each and every condensate pump functions as it should or be for use in its intended application.

Proper condensate pumps education and training require more than one step: the training at an accredited school, NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification and purchasing or acquiring condensate pumps for various applications. Pursue education and training through these channels:

1. Get condensate pumps education and training.

2. Earn NATE certification for condensate pump installation.

3. Become EPA certified for condensate pumps.

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Start with the proper training in HVAC, refrigeration and condensate pumps

The first step is to find an accredited school that has an excellent reputation. Take your time on this step, for the proper training is imperative when working with condensation pumps. You will start by learning about the mechanical systems, such as working with the condensation pump and learning how they function. From there, you will move on to the electrical principles, like working with low voltage control circuits. You will then move onto the components and schematics--learning how the system and the condensate pump all work together.

I recommend: The Refrigeration School and American HVAC Training are two examples of accredited schools where you can learn information about condensate pumps and HVAC and refrigeration systems.

Earn NATE certification for condensate pumps

The next step of condensate pumps education and training is to become NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certified. There are two areas in which you obtain certification as an installer or service technician of HVAC or refrigeration systems--both of which contain condensate pumps. With the NATE certification, you can add another layer of excellence to your work with condensate pumps that can make you even more valuable to your clients and employers.

I recommend: NATE and Air Conditioning Contractors of America are the places to go for NATE certification.

Become EPA certified for condensate pumps

It is federally mandated that if you work with refrigeration and HVAC systems--both of which include condensate pumps--then you should be EPA certified. This certification requires that you recover refrigerant properly during the course of either installing or maintaining a HVAC or refrigeration system so no harmful refrigerants release into the atmosphere, thus depleting the ozone layer.

I recommend: Mainstream Engineering Corporation is one of the places where you can gain the EPA certification. The EPA lists accredited schools, which provide training for the federally mandated EPA HVAC certification.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Whether you decide to become condensate pump distributor, condensate pump seller, or condensate pump supplier or an installer of HVAC or refrigeration systems, it pays to have knowledge of condensate pumps. Being trained and keeping up with the advances of HVAC and refrigeration systems makes you more valuable to your clients and employers.

Condensate pumps are used to pump the condensate (liquid) produced in an condensing boiler furnace, steam system, refrigeration unit or a heating and cooling system. Condensate pumps are used in homes or in industrial settings. Condensate pumps run continuously or intermittently into tanks which accumulate the condensate. When the liquid reaches a certain level, the float switch activates and lowers the water level. Check valves work by preventing liquid from flowing back into the tank. Become acquainted with key terms for condensate pumps by perusing the following key words.

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Steam traps

A steam trap is a device used to discharge condensate and non condensate gases while not permitting the escape of live steam. Thermostatic steam traps are beneficial for use in schools, hospitals and homes. Thermodisc steam traps are best for laundry and kitchen equipment.

I recommend: Globalindustrial.com sells varied steam traps for specific uses and gives descriptive uses for each device.

Condensate pots

Condensate pots are installed at the drain position of the steam line. All foreign matters are collected in the pot and cleaned during shutdown of the main line. Condensate pots also ensure that the steam temperature is not transmitted to the gauge device.

I recommend: Technical Specialties describes a wide variety of condensate pots with descriptions and specifications for each type of pot.

Sump pump

A sump pump is one of the two main types of condensate pumps. Sump pumps prevent water build up in heating and air conditioning machinery by pumping water out of collection tanks. Sump pumps also prevent water build up in sump pits commonly located in basements.

I recommend: NDSU Extension Service answers all of your inquiries about sump pumps and how the pumps work. InspectAPedia gives an overview of how a sump pump works as a condensate pump for air conditioning components.

Boiler feed pump

Boiler feed pumps are one of the two main types of condensate pumps. Boiler feed pumps control the amount of water fed to the boiler and whether it is fed in a continuous or intermittent manner.

I recommend: P.C. McKenzie Company gives an overview of boiler feed pumps with information regarding temperature, capacity and pressure.

Pump traps

Pump traps function to eliminate condensate handling problems such as temperature control, noise, poor transfer of heat and tube failure. A pump trap is designed to automatically collect and remove condensate the instant it forms in equipment.

I recommend: Backos Pumpless Pump discusses pump traps and explains how they work.

Pre-piped PRV station

A pre-piped PRV station is an accessory for a condensate pump. PRV stations provide control of steam pressures and help to ensure the longevity of pump internals and check valves. PRV stations also provide stable management of the steam supply to the pump connection.

I recommend: Armstrong distributes condensate pumps and accessories. Armstrong provides a visual and a description of a pre-piped PRV station condensate pump accessory.