What is a condensate pump and how do they work?

Many homeowners may not know what a condensate pump is, or how important it is to your central heating system in Ealing, especially your new boilers. Well that's when Boiler Boys step in to help. Our experienced heating engineers will tell you all you need to know about condensate pipes and how they work in our latest blog post!

What is a condensate pump? 

Like many heating systems, air conditioning systems and industrial refrigeration units, boilers use condensing water to control the system's temperature. During this process, steam is produced, and when it cools, this steam converts back to water droplets. This waste water is otherwise known as 'condensate', and it is an acidic liquid that needs to be disposed of via a drainage pipe known as the condensate pipe. 

If this waste water cannot be taken away from the home by gravity, a pump is needed in order to expel this waste. This is often the case when a boiler is placed in a basement or a long distance from the drainage system. Essentially, condensate pipes are there to improve the interior aesthetics of the installation by avoiding the need for unsightly pipework, as well as providing a way for you to rid of any waste water through your drainage system.


How do condensate pumps work?

The principle behind condensate pumps is a simple and proven one, ensuring reliable and effective operation. Working in the opposite way to a water turbine (whereby energy from flowing water is transferred to a propeller), a condensate pump transfers energy from a powerful motor to the condensate water via a rotating impeller.

This action creates the pressure needed to pump condensate water up and away through an unobtrusive, thin clear tube (provided with the pump). Condensate water is then disposed of in a soil stack or outside drain point.

Condensate pumps generally run intermittently through the use of a small tank in which the condensate water accumulates. When it reaches a preset level, a float is raised to energise the pump. This then runs until the level of liquid in the tank is suitably lowered. This intermittent operation ensures minimal energy usage to help keep your costs as low as possible rather than a constantly operating pump which is likely to use up more energy and cost more money.

Get in touch to book our boiler services today

If you are looking for boiler repair, servicing, or installation services in Ealing, then you should choose Boiler Boys London, and get in touch by calling us on 020 8997 0614. We offer all boiler services throughout Ealing, throughout Ealing, including Hanwell, Northfield and Pitshanger Lane. You can also email us at info@boilerboyslondon.co.uk  or message us using our contact form