Everbilt Condensate Pump

My Journey to Find the Perfect Condensate Pump

As a new homeowner, I’ve been learning a lot about the ins and outs of maintaining my house. One issue I ran into recently was needing to install a condensate pump in my basement. The air conditioner was producing more water than could drain naturally, so I had to find a good pump option. After doing some research, I decided to go with an Everbilt condensate pump.

In this blog post, I’ll take you through my full buying experience – from figuring out how a condensate pump works, to evaluating the Everbilt brand, to deciding which model to purchase. I’ll share tips on installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and more. Whether you’re in the market for a new condensate pump or just curious to learn about them, you’ll find this guide helpful!

What is a Condensate Pump and How Does it Work?

First things first – what is a condensate pump and what does it do?

A condensate pump is a small pump designed to remove water that accumulates from air conditioning systems, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, and other condensation-producing appliances. It works by collecting the condensate water and then pumping it to another location for drainage.

Here’s a quick overview of how a condensate pump works:

• The pump is installed below the drain outlet of the appliance that produces condensate.
• Water drips from the appliance down into a small reservoir in the pump.
• Float switches in the reservoir detect when a certain water level is reached.
• The float triggers the pump to turn on automatically and pump the water out through tubing.
• The water is pumped to a suitable drainage point, like a floor drain or sink.
• Once the reservoir empties, the float switches turn the pump off again.

This cycle repeats constantly to remove condensate water and prevent backups or overflows. Now that you know the basics, let’s look at the key factors I considered when choosing my Everbilt condensate pump.

Choosing the Right Everbilt Condensate Pump

There are a few important specifications to evaluate when shopping for a condensate pump:

• Pump capacity – Expressed in gallons per hour, this indicates how much water the pump can handle. You need adequate capacity for your appliance’s condensate output.
• Lift height – The vertical height the pump can push water. Longer lift heights give you more flexibility in drainage positioning.
• Reservoir size – The water storage capacity before the pump activates. Bigger is generally better for fewer on/off cycles.
• Power source – Pumps run on AC power or DC battery backup in case of outages.
• Alarm – Sounds if the reservoir fills too high, indicating a drainage problem.
• Accessories – Extras like tubing, fittings, and condensate neutralizers.

With those factors in mind, I compared several Everbilt models with capacities of 45 to 185 gallons per hour and lifts of 15 to 50 feet. The Everbilt 3/4 HP Thermoplastic Condensate Pump stood out as the perfect choice. Here were my reasons:

• 85 GPH capacity – Enough for my air conditioner’s output.
• 25 foot lift height – Gave me flexibility on drainage positioning.
• AC power with DC battery backup – Provides protection during outages.
• Alarm – Alerts me to any drainage issues.
• Lower price – More affordable than other models with similar specs.

This Everbilt pump had everything I needed at a great price point, so I decided to go with it. Now it was time for the fun part – installing my new condensate pump!

Installing My Everbilt Condensate Pump

Installing a condensate pump is a straightforward DIY project. Here are the steps I followed to get my Everbilt pump up and running:

Step 1: Position the Pump

I placed the pump on the basement floor close to the air conditioning unit. It’s designed for freestanding floor installation. Just be sure to elevate it if there’s any risk of flooding.

Step 2: Connect the Drain Line

I attached a 1/2 inch vinyl tubing to the pump’s outlet and ran it along the floor to a nearby floor drain. This would serve as the discharge line.

Step 3: Wire the Pump

Using the power cord, I plugged the pump into a nearby grounded outlet. The battery backup required no additional wiring.

Step 4: Attach Condensate Line

Next, I routed another 1/2 inch vinyl tubing from the air conditioner down to the pump’s inlet connection. The condensate could now flow into the reservoir.

Step 5: Prime the Pump

To prime it, I filled the reservoir with water and let the pump cycle on and off a few times. This ensured smooth operation.

And that was it! The install took less than an hour and the Everbilt pump operated flawlessly right out of the box. The whole process was quick, easy, and mess-free – a great DIY project.

Maintaining My Everbilt Pump for Optimal Performance

While condensate pumps are fairly maintenance-free, some periodic care will keep yours running smoothly for years. Here’s how I maintain my Everbilt pump:

Check the reservoir regularly – I peek inside once a month to check for debris like dust or algae. If needed, I’ll clean the reservoir with vinegar or condensate pump cleaner.

Inspect the lines – Clogs can happen, so I examine the tubing yearly for buildup or kinks. Compressed air clears out any gunk.

Test the float switches – These can get stuck or misaligned over time. I manually activate the switches annually to verify proper operation.

Replace the battery – For the DC backup, the battery needs replacing every 1-2 years. I set a reminder so I don’t forget.

With these simple maintenance steps, I can keep my Everbilt pump in tip-top shape for years of reliable service. Preventative care is the key!

Troubleshooting Common Everbilt Condensate Pump Problems

While the Everbilt pump is very reliable, issues can occasionally crop up. Here’s how I’ve troubleshot some common problems:

Pump won’t turn on: First, I check the power connections and try resetting the breaker. The float switch might also be stuck – tapping it gently can help.

Pump turns on but doesn’t pump: A clogged discharge line is the likely culprit. I disconnect the tubing and clear out any gunk.

Water overflows the reservoir: This means the pump can’t keep up with the condensate flow rate. Checking for clogs or upgrading to a higher capacity pump usually solves this.

Pump cycles too frequently: The reservoir may be too small for the application. A larger reservoir provides more buffer capacity.

Pump alarm sounds: The alarm indicates problems like a full reservoir, clogged line, or faulty float switch. I resolve the underlying issue first before silencing the alarm.

With some strategic troubleshooting, I can typically get my Everbilt pump up and running again quickly. But I may call a pro for any complex repairs.

Reflecting on the Benefits of My Everbilt Condensate Pump

Now that I’ve lived with my Everbilt condensate pump for a while, I can fully appreciate the benefits it provides:

• Reliable operation – It pumps water away dependably without me having to think about it.
• Easy installation – The pump was a simple DIY project requiring no special skills.
• Noise-free – It operates very quietly compared to other pump brands I researched.
• Energy efficiency – The thermoplastic pump motor doesn’t use much electricity.
• Alarm function – I have peace of mind knowing it will alert me to any issues.
• Drainage flexibility – The 25 foot lift height lets me pump water wherever I need.
• Corrosion resistance – Its plastic housing withstands humidity and condensate without corroding.

For the price, I’m thoroughly impressed with the performance and value offered by the Everbilt condensate pump. It was absolutely the right choice to address my drainage needs.

Final Thoughts on My Everbilt Condensate Pump Buying Experience

In the end, choosing the right condensate pump for my home air conditioner took some upfront research. I’m glad I took the time to understand key specifications, evaluate pump models, and select the ideal Everbilt pump for my needs.

Installing the pump myself was a straightforward DIY project. And maintaining the pump with simple periodic care has kept it running smoothly season after season. It provides reliable, hands-off condensate drainage that protects my basement from moisture damage.

For anyone in the market for a new condensate pump, I highly recommend considering the Everbilt brand. The performance and reliability of my pump has exceeded my expectations. Hopefully this guide gives you insights and tips for choosing the perfect Everbilt pump for your own home needs. Let me know if you have any other condensate pump questions!