Condensate Pumping Regularly /Noise

[RMSteve]

Hello-my query is about the frequency of pumping and noise generated. I don't think it's been covered on other threads... Several weeks ago the installer a local heating engineer serviced the Worcester Bosch condenser boiler in cupboard on first floor and found a kink in the condensate pump pipe feed going up to the stack. This was after I commented about the worsening noise when the pump became active. The noise made by the pumping has now changed but it is much more regular, about 2 or three times every 90 minutes and doesn't seem to co-ordinate with drawing of hot water. Before this it pumped perhaps three times a day, and not for long. Central Heating is of course at present switched off. The plumber does not answer phone calls or text messages particulary well and I suppose he's busy and doesn't need my custom now - since installation I have always wondered if the condensate pump was configured correctly. It is screwed to the side stud wall - no sound deadening and I appreciate this will contribute - I've seen a thread referring to a side shelf and foam so will think about this too. But I suppose its the frequency of pumping that is concerning me in the main.The boiler is a Worcester Bosch Greenstar Ri and the Pump brand is Pro F & B. This pumping frequency has been going on for many weeksbut did not start immediately after the feed pipe kink was resolved.Installation of system was October 2017.Boiler serviced every year by installer but I do not think the Condensate Pump has ever been inspected inside. If he isn't interested I assume I could get another engineer on board and the 10 year boiler warranty would still be good?

 

[cross thread]

I would start by checking if water is running into the pump as its excessive number of start ups just for condensate.

 

[Razor900]

Does the pump go up? If so sounds like the non return valve in the pump has failed.

https://sauermanngroup.com/en-GB/condensate-pumps/accessories/tubing/non-return-valve

 

[Agile]

Most of these pumps hold about 1/2 litre and switch the pump on when they are half full.

There could be a leak in the boiler and creating water to be pumped. If boiler is not used then there should be no condensate water coming out.

The amount of condensate depends on many factors but perhaps averages about 1-2 litres per hour of constant operating.

 

[RMSteve]

Thanks for all of your comments. To take up on these, having now stood with the cupboard door open for several minutes (why didn't I do this before !) I've observed that the noise seems to be coming from the boiler not the condensate pump housing, there' s a solid plastic feed from boiler to condensate but I saw no water coming from the boiler trickling in to the condensate chamber , with boiler running or not running although the boiler was on for just a moment to replenish cylinder after someone having a quick shower. The feed pipe going from condensate pump to stack is empty apart from say 30ml of fluid inside the pipe, immediately above the non return valve, which I suppose is just gravity effect- This noise isn't a gurgling noise, more of a steady vibration. Does this narrow things down?

 

[jeff the gasman]

Sounds like the CO2 settings need testing!

 

[CBW]

Have you had the float valve in the loft checked?

 

[dilalio]

So... This noise... Occurs when boiler is firing? Whole time it's firing or just on start up or after a few mins?

 

[jeff the gasman]

Have you had the float valve in the loft checked?

As Chris says. Ballvalve in loft. Open a cold tap when it’s vibrating. If that stops it it’s definitely your baby.

 

[Mottie]

If he isn't interested I assume I could get another engineer on board and the 10 year boiler warranty would still be good?

As long as it’s serviced by someone who is gas-safe registered, the warranty will remain valid.

 

[Razor900]

Pull the end of the condensate pipe out of the pump and shove it into a bucket. If the noise stops it's the pump if it doesn't it's something else...