Setting Up a Little Giant Pump: A Comprehensive Guide

Little Giant pumps are widely used in various applications, including HVAC, plumbing, pool, and hydroponics. Known for their reliability and durability, these pumps require proper setup to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to set up a Little Giant pump, drawing information from reputable sources such as the Little Giant website and Hunker.com.

Key Facts

  1. Turn off the HVAC system: Before starting the installation process, switch off the HVAC system via the switch on the furnace to prevent water discharge during the setup.
  2. Remove the old condensate pump: Unplug the old pump from the wall and, if necessary, loosen or remove the screws on which it hangs. Pull the plastic tube off the nipple, and have a towel or bucket nearby to collect any water that may drain out.
  3. Evaluate the clear plastic tube: Check the integrity of the clear plastic tube. If there are major kinks or tears, cut it down. Otherwise, you can reuse the old tube.
  4. Install the new Little Giant condensate pump: Slide the inlet pipe into the hole on the pump, ensuring it is vertical. If needed, hang the pump’s mounting bracket on the screws and tighten them in place. Adjust the position of the screws if necessary. The pump must sit on a flat, level surface to prevent water overflow.
  5. Install a new plastic tube: Slide the plastic tube over the pump nipple. If using a new tube, place one end where you want the water to exit and have a helper hold it in place. Secure the tube to brackets and/or other pipes with zip ties, avoiding sharp angles. Cut off any excess tube and secure the end over the nipple with a hose clamp if desired.
  6. Remove the protective cardboard: Look for a piece of cardboard sticking out of the new condensate pump. This protects the switch during shipping and must be removed before operation.
  7. Plug in the pump and turn on the furnace: Once the setup is complete, plug in the pump and turn on the furnace to start the operation.

Step 1: Safety Precautions

Before commencing the setup process, it is crucial to take necessary safety precautions:

  • Turn off the HVAC system via the switch on the furnace to prevent water discharge during the installation.
  • Unplug the old pump from the wall.

Step 2: Removing the Old Condensate Pump

  1. If the old pump is hanging, loosen or remove the screws on which it hangs.
  2. Pull the plastic tube off the nipple.
  3. Have a towel or bucket nearby to collect any water that may drain out.

Step 3: Evaluating the Clear Plastic Tube

  1. Inspect the clear plastic tube for major kinks or tears.
  2. If significant damage is found, cut the tube down.
  3. If the tube appears to be in good condition, it can be reused.

Step 4: Installing the New Little Giant Condensate Pump

  1. Slide the inlet pipe into the hole on the pump, ensuring it is vertical.
  2. If necessary, hang the pump’s mounting bracket on the screws and tighten them in place.
  3. Adjust the position of the screws if needed.
  4. The pump must sit on a flat, level surface to prevent water overflow.

Step 5: Installing a New Plastic Tube

  1. Slide the plastic tube over the pump nipple.
  2. If using a new tube, place one end where you want the water to exit and have a helper hold it in place.
  3. Secure the tube to brackets and/or other pipes with zip ties, avoiding sharp angles.
  4. Cut off any excess tube and secure the end over the nipple with a hose clamp if desired.

Step 6: Removing the Protective Cardboard

  1. Look for a piece of cardboard sticking out of the new condensate pump.
  2. This cardboard protects the switch during shipping and must be removed before operation.

Step 7: Completing the Setup

  1. Plug in the pump.
  2. Turn on the furnace to start the operation.

Conclusion

By following these steps carefully, you can successfully set up a Little Giant pump. Remember to take necessary safety precautions and ensure that the pump is installed correctly to avoid any issues. If you encounter any difficulties during the setup process, it is recommended to consult a qualified professional for assistance.

References

  1. Little Giant: https://www.littlegiant.com/
  2. Hunker: https://www.hunker.com/13415883/how-to-install-a-little-giant-condensate-pump

FAQs

What safety precautions should I take before setting up the pump?

  • Turn off the HVAC system to prevent water discharge.
  • Unplug the old pump from the wall.

How do I remove the old condensate pump?

  • Loosen or remove the screws holding the pump.
  • Pull the plastic tube off the nipple.
  • Have a towel or bucket nearby to collect any water that may drain out.

Can I reuse the old plastic tube?

  • Inspect the tube for major kinks or tears.
  • If there is significant damage, cut the tube down.
  • If the tube appears to be in good condition, it can be reused.

How do I install the new Little Giant condensate pump?

  • Slide the inlet pipe into the hole on the pump, ensuring it is vertical.
  • If necessary, hang the pump’s mounting bracket on the screws and tighten them in place.
  • Adjust the position of the screws if needed.
  • The pump must sit on a flat, level surface to prevent water overflow.

How do I install a new plastic tube?

  • Slide the plastic tube over the pump nipple.
  • If using a new tube, place one end where you want the water to exit and have a helper hold it in place.
  • Secure the tube to brackets and/or other pipes with zip ties, avoiding sharp angles.
  • Cut off any excess tube and secure the end over the nipple with a hose clamp if desired.

What is the purpose of the cardboard sticking out of the new condensate pump?

  • The cardboard protects the switch during shipping and must be removed before operation.

How do I complete the setup process?

  • Plug in the pump.
  • Turn on the furnace to start the operation.

What should I do if I encounter difficulties during the setup process?

  • Consult a qualified professional for assistance.

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