How to Install a Condensate Pump

A straightforward guide to condensate pump installation

Co-authored by Victor Belavus

Last Updated: February 17, 2025 References

Having an air conditioning unit in your home probably means that you have a condensate pump to help remove excess water that is given off when the system is running. This helps to remove dirty water from your home so it won’t contaminate the water that you drink. If you don’t already have one or if you need to replace one, here is a guide to install one.

Installing a Condensate Pump: Overview

Turn off the fuse that will power the AC and pump.
Connect the power cord to the pump and plug it into a nearby outlet.
Wire the pump’s safety switch according to your pump’s installation directions.
Mount the pump level near the AC unit and under the coil drain.
Insert flexible tubing to work as a drain pipe.
Turn on the fuse and start the AC to test the pump.

Steps

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Before installing the pump, let the air conditioner run a few cycles so that some condensate collects and to remove any oils that are left in the system.
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It is always important to make sure that you turn then power off at the fuse box before installing any electrical components of appliances.^{[1]
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^{[2]
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^{[3]
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Expert Source

Victor Belavus
Air Conditioning Specialist

Expert Interview} After all of the electrical is done, move to the next step.
The pump should have slots built onto the unit that will allow it to be mounted.
Make sure that the pump is close to the air conditioning unit, installed below the coil drain, and that the pump unit is level. If the pump isn’t level, it will not function properly. It is also important to make sure that the unit will not spray or splash when it is running. Once the pump is mounted correctly, you are ready to pipe the unit.
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Use some sort of flexible tubing, if possible, as the drain pipe for the pump. This pipe should be installed so that gravity will do the work when the pump is draining the system. The inlet pipe should be on an angle where it enters the tank and should not interfere with the operation of the float valve that the pump uses.^{[4]
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- It may also be a good idea to install a check valve somewhere on the discharge line to avoid backflow of the discharge water so it can’t be sucked back into the a/c unit. The discharge line should run into a line that goes to the city’s waste, once again to avoid contamination of fresh water.
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Once the pump has been installed, turn the power back on and run the a/c unit. Watch the pump and make sure that it is working correctly. Ensure that the electrical units are working correctly without sparking and that the piping is not leaking in any area.^{[5]
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- The best way to test a condensation pump is to pour room temperature water into the pump's collection container. Once the container is filled, the pump motor will turn on and discharge water out.^{[6]
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  Victor Belavus
  Air Conditioning Specialist
  
  Expert Interview}

Community Q&A

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Question

We changed the condensation pump, but now the air conditioner won't come on. What could be the problem?

Community Answer

It is probably and issue with the float valve/switch. Make sure your unit is level, then check the float to make sure it isn't sticking.

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Question

Where are the yellow wires found that are connected to the condensate pump on the air conditioner?

Community Answer

Cut the red wire from the furnace to thermostat and connect the yellow wires to the cut ends of the red wire. This way, if the condensate pump fails the safety switch (yellow wires), it will stop the furnace/AC and no more water from condensate will be generated. If heating or AC are a must, then connect the yellow wires to an alarm.

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