Installing A Mini Split Condensation Pump

Here are some tips on installing a mini split condensation pump
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[@Lee-iv7sn]

Finally someone that can actually explain things that I can understand. Well done.

[@sprockkets]

Thanks for the guide. It's interesting when linesets are run in the attic. I always imagined the best spot would mean go through walls to the unit, but this setup can be nifty to run at a more central location.

[@RobertLanghorn]

You're the only other person that I've seen with a Nitecore headlamp. I have 3x HC90. They're discontinued but I keep buying them.

[@alfonsoaguilar9612]

FINALLY, Someone who can explain this. Greatly appreciate your fully detailed video, Can you send me the model and brand of the condensation pump used in this video. I’m in a bind. I converted my garage into an ADU. and the only good place for the head unit is on the main wall where garage door used to be so I want to install the compressor on the roof which also has a a drain for rain.

[@AbilityJohn]

The brand is diversitec. Not sure the model number. But they all are about the same.

[@sv6k0a39]

Thanks for this, I didn't know that breather tube was mandatory. I came across a unit that didn't have that and it would leak out of that port. I wasn't sure what it was for.

[@murky2502]

Showing the placement and connection in the attic was helpful, thank you. You are going to want a strain relief, or at least some chaffing protection, where the wires enter the back of the evaporator sheet metal.

[@danielmedina240]

Thank you very much for your help explaining how to wire the condensate pump I tested it by overflowing the reservoir and the unit turned off , water level went down and the unit turned on again , thank you

[@jmarsh746]

Just a heads up, some mini splits use terminal 2 as the signal wire for communication leaving 1 and 3 as line voltage. E6 error codes across the board wiring to terminal #2

[@chriswhite2346]

You sir are a gentleman and a scholar!

[@renesalinas9491]

Interesting that it has a shut down. I use moste Silent Mini Blue from aspen as it fits behind the AC with space one from Refco working with a non mechanikal sensor wich works on all positions and has a high adjustable pumping rate.

[@juliancollazo10]

Thank you so much bro I couldn’t figure it out but ur video helped me out a lot thank you again sir

[@user-um4hx5pz5c]

The best video ever

[@coryknick8806]

For some reason the instructions were revised saying you need a 24V transformer and contactor (not included) to wire it up this way. New instructions say it can’t break line voltage, only reduced DC control voltage.

[@myfeethurt9503]

I was checking for the same reason. Just had a pump fail in less than 2 months and the only difference I have was I wired per new instructions to break the signal wire and not voltage…

[@hawksfan95]

Thanks, was looking for an explanation for the breather tube on top of the reservoir.

[@AbilityJohn]

It prevents leaks if the drain backs up between the reservoir and the pump. It extends that cavity to above the drain pan hight.

[@sherylbradshaw7724]

Thank you for this post. Our pump stopped working properly last year and when we had the company we purchased and had it installed from, come to fix it, they said the pump was broken. They unhooked the wires and said they would order a new one. I didn’t believe them and took the pump out to test it and it worked. However, I couldn’t understand the instructions on how to rewire it. They refused to come back and rewire it unless we paid them. Any chance you have a photo of the pump wired to the unit? Your explanation was great but I couldn’t quite see how the wires were finally installed. No worries if you don’t.

[@AbilityJohn]

I would try to locate the instructions. That is the best thing for sure.

[@sherylbradshaw7724]

Hi John. Thanks for your response. We actually have the instructions but they are almost impossible to understand. However, we were able to find someone to reattach the wires and the pump works like a charm (go figure...). Thanks for trying to assist and also for your videos. They are helpful. Cheers.

[@stephenjbove]

Thank you brother for that helpful confirmation. Certainly that was my conclusion but it was a little hard for me to believe that power ultimately fed through the switch would be fed to terminal S1 through such a tiny wire.

[@AbilityJohn]

Yeah. It’s such a small wire. But I’ve seen mini splits installed with thermostat wire instead of the standard 14 gauge. The blowers are basically the size of servo motors. So not much amperage there.

[@JillofAllTrades2]

My electrician couldn't get over that either ... but it's been working for us since 2014!

[@VelRodRanch]

Thanks for sharing the knowledge

[@nosteponsnek2238]

Thanx dude you rock! Keep on keeping on!!

[@kylewhite7323]

Great video. Extremely helpful. Those instructions they give you really do suck!

[@Henry-Hormin]

thanks for this information good video

[@Josh-px6xb]

I had a mini split install today and had installed an aspen mini orange and I was pulling my hair out cuz the unit wouldn’t run but when I disconnected the pump, it ran.. was giving me a communication error code. I’m convinced I followed the schematic correctly.. I returned it for a diversitech CP-M230 and I really hope it works out for me. I found zero step by step videos on the entire internet and this one is the closest one.. the colors are different but seems like the same general wiring. 🙏🏼 hope it works out

[@AbilityJohn]

I hope you get it figured out. The instructions are confusing for sure. Don’t break the communication wire. Break terminal 1 or 2.

[@Josh-px6xb]

John Dungan It worked out for me. I had to look for the electrical schematic for the mini split online and turns out the middle wire was the comm wire not #3

[@AbilityJohn]

Damn. Glad you got it figured out.

[@JillofAllTrades2]

YEP! The instructions I had for a different brand of micro pump were equally sucky!

[@albertoandrade1457]

Thank you !!😊

[@shanefrank3281]

Nice video. Would there be an issue with the condensate freezing in the attic during the winter? I know that no condensate is produced indoors when in heat mode, but there would be some condensate left over from the last time you ran the AC and possibly split the hose or damage the pump. Since the reservoir needs regular maintenance, I guess you would have to remove the entire plastic cover of the mini split to clean out the reservoir.

[@AbilityJohn]

I’m not familiar with cold climates like that. If that area gets below 28 degrees I would assume you would have to drain all water.

[@AJ-ox8xy]

😅 North Idaho Technician here! Yes we don't use these pumps specifically because they're bad for cold applications. Especially when mounting through an attic or crawl space. We use the ones that are installed directly below the unit called Gobi 2.

[@AbilityJohn]

@@AJ-ox8xy I like this pumps too.

[@shanefrank3281]

Lots of people say these miniature condensate pumps only last 1-2 years before they fail. What brand have you found to be the most reliable? In the past I have always used those big Little Giant pumps, but for most mini-splits that isn't an option. Thanks.

[@AbilityJohn]

I haven't had that issue. If the pump goes bad it's usually from poor installation. otherwise I haven't had to replace any minisplit pump i have personally installed. I hate to give any names of pumps because I just don't want to vouch for any particullar brand. hope you understand.

[@fishy14ctj31]

Thanks brother!

[@arnnor3880]

Hi John, thanks for this. I guess this one is much less noisy than the pumps installed next to the unit in the same room?

[@josbrun]

I think the manuals are written in China and than sent to Mongolia to be translated to English! 😂😂 Same goes for the mini splits!

[@AexoeroV]

Hello, does this pumps or the reservoirs/sensors need maintenance? If yes, what kind?

[@AbilityJohn]

I use bleach in the drain pan. Followed by hot water after about 30 min.

[@AexoeroV]

@@AbilityJohn you mean the drain pan inside the AC unit? Enbglish is not my native that's why im confused! You turn the AC on, then you pour bleach to run through the reservoir and pump?

[@krisratliff3157]

We just had some Mitsubishi units installed with the Mini Whites and those things run constantly. I think I hear the pump kick on every 1-2 minutes. Are the pumps supposed to empty out completely or are they just supposed to lower the water level ever so slightly

[@AbilityJohn]

The pump reservoir is small so it fills up quick and then the pump turns on to empty it. The pump could run quite frequently especially in high humidity situations.

[@heatingairservices8708]

Hi John Great video I have an min split to install this week & its on an inside wall backing up to an closet & the drains are killing me trying to figure out how to drain or pump condensation out ..never thought a pump could be installed above the indoor min split evaporator like that but if it has enough suction power to pump up hill into the attic above & no gravity drain required to fill the pump ...That solves a lot of problems .but question .... what triggers the pump to turn on ?? Thanks in advance xxx jerry

[@AbilityJohn]

These pumps are specifically for mini splits. There is a small reservoir that goes behind the air handler. It triggers the pump to go on and also turns the unit off if the pump fails.

[@onlyasheep]

how long does it typically take to install a pump for a pro?

[@AbilityJohn]

Maybe 45 min to 1.5 hours depending. All jobs are different.

[@eastrawi]

Thanks John. Extremely helpful. I was wondering to use this as a sump pump alternative for a tight space. Does the wiring schema the same?

[@AbilityJohn]

I’m sure you could wire it that way. Not sure what you’re asking, is it the same way as what? I don’t know much about your application and I’m not an expert in these pumps. It’s just for information.

[@erich7827]

I just bought a house with a split unit installed on an interior 2 floor wall with the condensate drain line connected to nothing. Where do you have the condensate pump pumping to?

[@AbilityJohn]

Up into the attic then outside.

[@bjpenick7787]

So I am confused on the grey and the purple wire. I have a mr cool. Does the communication wire run to each of these wires? So I would have to splice the communication wire to these wires?

[@AbilityJohn]

Sorry without instructions I wouldn’t be able to help you. Usually the switch breaks high volt not communicating. That’s my understanding.

[@medusa569]

You don't mention priming the pump or reservoir. Is this a setp that can be skipped?

[@AbilityJohn]

I have never primed a minisplit condensation pump in my life.

[@medusa569]

@@AbilityJohn OK thanks...I‌just had mine repaired and the pump bubbles like a tea kettle. . With air like that I thought it was a necessary step.

[@JimS870]

Do most condensate pumps have a shut off if they fail? I have an Aspen Mini White and it claims to but I've also heard they fail. What's the most reliable way to kill power to the mini split if the pump fails? Like a Safe-t switch? Any brands you recommend over others?

[@AbilityJohn]

I have only used the mini split shut off integrated with the pump. They all have it.

[@PageTrimble]

Does it matter the brand of mini split I'm installing this on?

[@AbilityJohn]

The color wires may be different but to my knowledge they work the same.

[@JDMejBen]

In this setup, the condensation hose is going straight up? Just curious because my setup at home is going straight up into the attic, I couldn't use the wall that faces the outside of the home, i haven't been able to run my a/c because of the condensation running down. Will doing this correct my issue?

[@AbilityJohn]

I’m confused by your description and question. This is the setup using a condensation PUMP. With a pump it doesn’t matter which direction the hose goes.

[@queenqb5372]

@@AbilityJohnI believe they have the same issue I do, in that the condensation runs down the wall or out of the front end of the mini split where the air blows. Can this pump help with this issue if installed?

[@AbilityJohn]

@@queenqb5372 a condensation pump is used when you don’t have the ability to run a “gravity drain” meaning the drain line can’t slope down hill the entire way from your unit. If the line is sloped down hill and it’s leaking try cleaning the line with a shop vacuum.

[@derekw6223]

Do you have any suggestions on installing this pump for a mini split that doesn't have a communication line?

[@AbilityJohn]

No. And I don't know that I have ever seen a mini split without a communication wire. If it has 3 wires and a ground in the air handler the 3 terminal is usually the communicating wire.

[@paulcourtemanche2386]

I just installed a pair of 3 zone MItsubishi M series splits. I have one unit requiring a pump. l installed a refco combi. It is not pumping water, nor is the safety breaking the circuit. I am sure that the wiring is correct. The green LED indicates that it should be working. I suspect the the reservoir is where my problem is. Any thoughts?

[@AbilityJohn]

1. Is it the correct voltage 2. Is there a kink in the tubing from the pump 3. Is the pump hiked up in the correct direction

[@JillofAllTrades2]

@PaulCourtemanche I'm about to buy a Gobi II to replace my previous REFCO micro pump because someone must have snapped off the small nipple where the breather tube was attached. Don't ask me how, but it's Murphy's Law: If it's not idiot-proofed, an idiot will break it.

[@paulcourtemanche2386]

John Dungan I had plugged the connector in wrong on the reservoir. It is square, and even though it was keyed, it can Easily plugged in wrong.

[@brucefrancis2301]

Use your wiring on my Mr Cool I lose power to air handler, pump is powered. Any suggestions???

[@AbilityJohn]

Sorry. Not enough data.

[@brucefrancis2301]

@@AbilityJohn Thanks for reply; it appears my problem was alarm relay in Gobi II pump flunked continuity test. Great video thanks

[@martymeunier4862]

Why did you puttge pump in the attic ?

[@AbilityJohn]

Where else would I put it?

[@tinman4585]

I hate them damn mini pumps!!😡😡😡

[@albertoandrade1457]

Thank you !!😊