New Jersey contractor solves condensing-boiler condensate problem

PROBLEM

SUCCASUNNA, NJ — Alfred Fico, owner of All Clear Plumbing and Drains, recognizes the importance of having a condensate pump for a “combination,” or “combi,” condensing boiler. The latter provides hot water for both space heating and domestic bathing and washing.

Condensate water produced by such a boiler tends to be acidic, and its corrosive properties can damage drain and sewer lines unless this water is neutralized. Since he would be installing a combi boiler for his own business, Fico wanted to source a pump that could eliminate the danger of destroyed pipelines — not only for himself, but also for customers with condensing-type heating and water heating equipment.

SOLUTION

As a master plumber with 22 years of experience, Fico knew a plethora of companies that sell condensate pumps he could install to solve this issue. However, he wanted a solution that could not only neutralize acidic condensate, but also pump it away. Almost immediately, Fico thought of Saniflo, having completed numerous successful installations with its reliable above-floor plumbing solutions in the past.

“We have used Saniflo products on many projects, and they have always worked great,” he says. “I have never had a single callback, so I knew this would be the best option for us.”

Fico ultimately decided that the Sanicondens Best would be his ideal solution. Able to pump condensate waste up to 15 feet vertically and/or 150 horizontally, it neutralizes drainage from condensing-type equipment, preventing the corrosion of drain lines. The pump also contains a built-in acid neutralizer that raises pH levels in any drainage, meeting many local and state codes that require condensate to be treated before being discharged into a sewer system.

The Sanicondens Best pump consists of a float mechanism, which starts and stops the system; and a motor, which drives the pump. It comes ready-to-install with wire connections to an external overflow, shut-off switch or alarm system.

Condensate water enters the Sanicondens Best through any of the four, one-inch inlets located at the top. Once the acids in the water are neutralized, it exits the system via a flexible 3/8-inch PVC discharge pipe.

The float mechanism starts and stops the pump when the water is at a certain level, keeping power consumption to a minimum. Once water is discharged into the sanitary line, the pump shuts off until the next use. The averaging running cycle for the pump is two to ten seconds.

For this installation, All Clear technician George DeJesus ran the condensing line from the boiler to the pump to give the condensate a place to travel. He then connected it to a drain line to ensure it operates properly.

Installation of the combi boiler took several hours, but the Sanicondens Best required less than 30 minutes. The product also came with all the necessary hardware for the installation, avoiding additional costs for the project.

“It is one of the most solid condensate pumps I have used,” DeJesus says. “Having both the pump and neutralizer together is a true time- and cost-saver.”

RESULTS

Fico says the Sanicondens Best has ensured that his combi heater is running effectively and that his plumbing system is protected. Praising the “two-in-one” feature of a built-in neutralizer with the condensate pump, he estimates All Clear saved $200 by not having to buy a separate neutralizer to tie into the system.

“But that purchase savings is nothing compared with the reduced labor and the cleaner installation the two-in-one feature provides,” Fico remarks.

“Our priority was to find and install a pump that could both drain condensate while neutralizing any possible acids,” he continues. “That double-duty capability made Saniflo the best option.”

Contact information:

Alfred Fico

[email protected]

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ABOUT SANIFLO

SFA SANIFLO U.S.A. – whose parent company originated macerating plumbing technology — offers a complete line of waste and drainage pumping systems for residential and commercial applications. Saniflo developed its innovative, “above-floor plumbing” technology more than a half-century ago and has led its commercialization worldwide. Today, the company markets macerating technology through 24 subsidiaries in 50 countries and has sold more than seven million units worldwide since 1958. Saniflo markets through independent sales agents throughout North America, and the product line is currently available at distributor and dealer locations throughout the United States and Canada.

For more information, contact Saniflo at 1-800-571-8191. Or visit the Saniflo website at go.saniflo.com.

For editorial assistance, including photography, contact John O’Reilly c/o GreenHouse Digital + PR: 815-469-9100 or [email protected].

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