Air conditioning systems cool and dry the air in a building, generating large amounts of condensed water. It requires proper drainage in a way that is friendly to both the environment and all residents of a given building. The biggest challenges include the problematic location of such a system and the need to ensure its absolute tightness. See how NIBCO products can help you with this!
From the article you will learn:
- what are the methods of draining condensate,
- what are the most common mistakes made when installing air conditioning ,
- where to drain condensation from the air conditioning,
- what pipes to use to drain condensation from the air conditioning.
How to drain condensation from air conditioning?
Draining condensate from air conditioning can basically be done in two different ways. The first uses gravity, and the second is based on forcing the flow by pressure. It also happens that both methods are used at the same time.
Gravity drainage of condensate comes down to directing the installation downwards, at such an angle that the water flows spontaneously to the desired location. The optimal angle is about 1-2 degrees to the ground plane per 1 running meter of pipe. This method will only work in the case of the smallest systems, in which the distance of the air conditioner from the place of condensate drainage is small - it usually applies to wall-mounted split units.
Large air conditioning systems require the use of a second method of draining condensate, i.e. special condensate pumps. They subject the water to pressure, which forces it to overcome flow resistance and gravity. This allows the condensate to be pumped over longer distances, as well as horizontally or even upwards. Thanks to this, it can be drained to any place - a sewage system riser, an internal tank or the ground outside.
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Air conditioning installation and condensate drainage
In order to ensure the effectiveness of the condensate drainage system, it is necessary to select the appropriate pump first. Each model has a different efficiency, which translates into a specific amount of drained water, as well as the distance and height of its pumping. The technical documentation of the installation, indicating the maximum amount of condensate produced, allows you to make the right decision. On this basis, you can easily select a pump with the right efficiency and diameter of the drain pipe .
Another very important issue is the IP tightness class, which determines the water resistance of the control modules. You should also pay attention to the thermal protection, which is activated in the event of the condensate pump overheating. Thanks to such a convenience, the life of the device is significantly increased.
The most common mistakes made when installing air conditioning
In addition to selecting the wrong pump, other mistakes can also be made during air conditioning installation. The most common are the lack of supports or their incorrect spacing, which can result in system failures and siphoning. The so-called siphon effect occurs when the condensate drain pipe is located lower than the condensate tray. As a result of the pressure difference, all water is pulled out of the pipe and the pump starts "dry".
For the same reason, it is important to remember to fill systems using a pump with water when they are started for the first time or after a long break. Dry running causes the device to overheat and ultimately damage it. It is also very important to remove air from the discharge pipe, because condensate pumps need the water they remove to operate correctly and without failure.
Installing air conditioning also involves the risk of the float getting stuck in the lower or upper position. As a result, the pump does not receive a start signal or works all the time, even after the condensate has been drained. This happens because the pump start module is mounted slightly diagonally, not perfectly horizontally. Poorly executed installation causes problems such as flooding rooms or overheating the pump.
It is worth remembering that problems with the condensate drainage system may occur not only at the assembly stage, but also during the operation of the air conditioner. They are caused by the drain pipes, which are characterized by a relatively small diameter. This means that the impurities settling in them contribute to their clogging. Dirt in the float chamber is also responsible for the incorrect operation of the pump. For this reason, the system should be regularly inspected and serviced. Failure to perform maintenance procedures may contribute to the formation of an unpleasant smell, the leakage of condensate or damage to the pump.
Mistakes made during the installation of condensate pumps also include the following:
- bend in the condensate drain pipe,
- no cable ties on the connections,
- no float venting,
- lack of unblocking of the main drain,
- Float installation in the wrong position,
- incorrect power connection.
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Where to drain condensation from the air conditioner?
Installing an air conditioner in a detached house is easier because you don't have to worry about your neighbours. In a block of flats, draining condensate from the system requires the consent of the people living on the same floor and directly above and below the air-conditioned premises. Water can be collected in a special tank on the balcony, and if this is not possible, it must be led to the sewage system. The latter option involves the need to incur greater expenses.
In a detached building, condensate can be drained wherever it suits the owner. It is often directed to the ground or an internal tank. It is less often necessary to pump it into the sewage system.
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What pipes should be used to drain condensation from air conditioning?
In a condensate drainage system, the type of pipes used is of great importance. Models with a very smooth internal surface that prevents dirt from settling work best. Such qualities are characteristic of glued pipes from NIBCO. Another advantage of these products concerns the wide range of connectors, which allow for almost unlimited possibilities of connecting the pipeline with devices and drain traps.
The above benefits make the NIBCO rigid glued installation a significant advantage over flexible pipes or standard drain hoses. This solution is especially beneficial for gravity systems, which do not require such a strong drop in the installed pipes.
Nibco brand bonded pipes also have the following advantages:
- relatively low purchase cost ,
- high chemical resistance,
- negligible weight of the product,
- 100% tightness ,
- relatively low thermal conductivity parameter,
- safe, quick and easy assembly – no need to use complicated tools or electricity,
- high temperature resistance (PVCC)
- the best fire reaction parameters among plastics, confirmed by Polish and international certificates ( PVCU class - B-s2,d0; PVCC - class B-s1,d0 )
Pipes and all necessary NIBCO brand connectors can be found in the offer of our plumbing wholesaler . Thanks to the high quality of these products, you will ensure the efficiency and safe operation of each air conditioning installation. Check out the Onninen assortment!