Is Your Air Conditioner Water Pump Not Working? Heres What to Do
Your air conditioner (AC) water pump is like a mechanical superhero. While the AC keeps your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer, the pump moves condensation water away, preventing potential damage. It’s easy to forget that the two exist, especially when they are at their optimum performance levels.
But like all machines, your AC water pump can experience problems, and when it does, the situation can be quite frustrating. So what happens when they stop working? Below are some steps that you can take to address this problem.
Speak With the Professionals
Is your air conditioner water pump not working? Do not panic! The first thing to do is to speak with professionals in the field. An expert can help troubleshoot your AC and water pump and restore them to their functional state.
However, before making that call, you can check if the socket is on. Also, remember to check the circuit breaker. If everything is fine, but your air conditioner and water pump are still not working, then it’s time to call the professionals.
In the case of your AC, the main problem could be poor airflow caused by clogged filters. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you should replace or clean them every month or two. If you don’t, they accumulate dirt and debris and block the air from entering the cooling system. With insufficient airflow, your AC’s cooling efficiency drops significantly. Eventually, the unit will overheat and shut down, forcing you to call a professional for furnace repair and more.
On the other hand, your water pump might not be working because it has a broken pressure gauge. Leakage or blocked pipes could also cause the same problem. Here, you will need to reach out to a reliable plumber who offers water pump repair services. Most plumbing companies have the necessary tools and expertise to diagnose and address such issues.
Prevent Further Damage
Is your air conditioner water pump not working? Is the AC producing a screeching noise? Is the water pump overheating? These are all indications of a malfunctioning system. The best course of action is to shut it down to prevent further damage.
Usually, when a problem occurs with your AC, there’s a high possibility it has already taken its toll on other parts of your HVAC system. For example, if the air filters are dirty and cause poor airflow, then it’s likely that the evaporator coil is also dirty and needs cleaning. Avoid the temptation to continue using it further, as this will result in irreversible damage. Turn off the power supply immediately.
Sometimes, your gutter system can get clogged and divert the water from the roof toward your outdoor AC unit. If this happens, you’re likely to face water damage to parts. Generally, the fan blades, compressor, and condenser coil will have issues. React at the earliest by shutting the system down to reduce further damage. After that, call a local roofer to inspect your gutter system thoroughly.
Additionally, if the water pump overheats, it can cause damage to the compressor. Continuing to use it in such a condition will only worsen the problem. Something that should have required a few dollars in repair might cost you thousands.
Keep Irrigation From Destroying Your Pavement
Is your air conditioner water pump not working? It could be due to poor installation, clogged pipes, or damaged components. The constant water flow from a malfunctioning water pump can easily damage your asphalt pavement over time.
A leaking pipe on your irrigation system creates a puddle of water on your asphalt pavement. The water slowly soaks and breaks down the porous paving material. Eventually, it causes potholes and cracks to form. Even worse, it weakens the base layer and leads to sinking pavement.
To avoid this costly mistake, hire a professional to repair your water pump and leaks in the irrigation system. According to Forbes, it will cost anything from $1,000 to $2,750. However, if the water has damaged your pavement, you will spend more to get an asphalt company to restore the pavement.
According to Forbes, the average cost of repairing your asphalt pavement is $1,900. If the damage is minor, it costs as little as $100. On the other hand, extensive resurfacing can cost you north of $4,800. The good news is most asphalt companies also double as patio contractors. You can get a quote for both repairs if the patio is damaged.
Don’t Let Water Leak in From Outside
If your air conditioner water pump not working, do not let water leak in from outside. A leaking water pump can be disastrous for homes with basements. The water seeps in through the foundation and cracks, flooding the interior space. It causes humidity, mold, and damage to your home’s interior. Even worse, it can weaken the foundation of the house.
The irrigation system connected to your water pump can leak and cause water to pool around your home’s foundation. If you have poor drainage, the water will collect, crack your foundation, and flood your basement. You may not notice a leak until it has damaged your home. As a result, you must hire a professional to repair the damage. If the pipes are too deep, you might need an excavation company to dig them up.
When you hire a landscaping contractor, ensure they place your sprinkler system strategically. The last thing you need is water pooling around your foundation and seeping inside your basement. Additionally, ensure they install a backflow preventer to stop dirty water from flowing backward and contaminating the clean water supply. Remember to prioritize regular inspection to avoid massive damage and costly repairs.
Build the Home You Want
If you are building a new home, use the opportunity to install your air conditioner water pump correctly. Work with a professional who specializes in HVAC installation. They will know how to set up the AC and ensure it serves you well for decades.
If you are moving into an existing home, thoroughly check the AC before you finalize the purchase. If it is not in good condition, negotiate with the homeowner to fix or replace it before you move in. A faulty installation can result in inefficiencies and other costly damages down the line.
The same case applies to water pump repairs. If you notice any signs of a malfunction, such as strange noises or weak water flow, do not ignore them. Ensure you hire a moving service provider with a reputation for attention to detail to avoid water pump damage during relocation.
Don’t forget about maintenance. Regularly inspect your air conditioner and water pump to ensure optimal working conditions. If you notice any problem, contact a professional for repairs immediately before they worsen. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to more problems and costly replacements.
Install a New System
Is your air conditioner water pump not working even after repairs? It may be time to install a new system. An aging AC and water pump can result in frequent breakdowns and inefficiencies, making it more cost-effective to replace them.
Sometimes, your AC can have frequent breakdowns that may cost you more than installing a new system. When this happens, work with a reputable HVAC installation company to upgrade to a newer, more efficient system. They will also ensure a proper installation that meets all safety and efficiency standards.
Additionally, these experts can install your air ducts properly and attach them to the walls. A stair climber can help you move the ducts up and secure them to the ceiling. After installation, schedule regular maintenance to keep your new system running smoothly. The same case applies to your water pump. If it is constantly malfunctioning, consider installing a new one. It will save you from ongoing repair costs and the headache of dealing with a non-functioning pump.
Check The Thermostat
If your air conditioner water pump not working, check the thermostat. Sometimes, the issue may not be with the AC but rather the thermostat. Usually, it might need new batteries. Try changing them and see if the AC starts working.
Another cause could be a faulty thermostat sensor. The small device detects the temperature in your home and signals the system to turn on or off. If it’s not functioning correctly, your AC might not turn on even if the temperature in your home is too high. Talk to an HVAC contractor to check and replace the sensor if needed.
The thermostat might also have a faulty connection. In this case, it will display an error code or turn off completely. If you see an error code display, consult the manual or contact a professional for further assistance.
Check the thermostat’s settings to ensure it’s set to cool and not heat. If accidentally changed, your AC may not work properly. Additionally, a close heat source might be near the thermostat, causing it to register a higher temperature than the actual room temperature. Move any heat sources away from the thermostat and see if that solves the problem.
Turn Off The Power and Check the Water
If your air conditioner water pump not working, turn off the power and check the water level. Sometimes, your pump might shut down due to low or no water in the reservoir. It could be due to a clogged drain line or a malfunctioning float switch.
First, thoroughly inspect the drain line for any clogs. If you find any, remove them and try turning on the water pump again. If that doesn’t work, check the float switch. It is a small device that detects when there is too much water in the reservoir and turns off the pump to prevent flooding. Check if it’s stuck or malfunctioning, and replace it if needed.
Also, check for clogs in the connecting pipes and clear them if necessary. Also, pour a gallon of water into the reservoir to see if the pump turns on. From there, test the hose leading from the pump and ensure it has clean water. After that, return the hose, turn the water on, and wait for it to enter the tank. Lastly, turn the power on and test to see if it’s working correctly.
Check The Drain Pipe
If your air conditioner water pump not working, it could be due to a clogged or damaged drain pipe. The drain pipe removes the condensation and excess water from your AC unit. If it gets clogged or damaged, the water won’t be able to escape and will cause the pump to shut down.
The outdoor unit houses the drain pipe. Have a professional check it for any wear and tear. They will use a high-pressure vacuum to remove the clog if it’s clogged. If it’s damaged, they can replace it with a new one.
Check Your Circuit Breaker
A tripped circuit breaker is another common reason for an air conditioner water pump not working. This problem can be caused by power surges or overloading the circuit with too many appliances. Check your circuit breaker. If it’s tripped, reset it. If it continues to trip, it has an underlying electrical issue requiring a professional.
Do not try to do it yourself; always call an electrician if you suspect any electrical problems. Electricity can be dangerous, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. It can also create more damage and cost you more if not handled properly.
If your air conditioner water pump not working, you can try troubleshooting before calling a professional. You can also ensure regular maintenance to prevent any issues with your pump. However, if the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional for proper diagnosis and repair.
Don’t ignore AC and pump problems. If you do, you risk entire system damage. Keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. Taking care of these problems early on can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run. Need more actionable tips to keep your home appliances and machines in perfect working condition? Visit this website.