We all know today’s high-efficiency, gas heating equipment requires routine maintenance and rightly so. But what about the critical accessories that support the equipment like condensate neutralizers?
A condensate neutralizer is a filtration device purpose-built to safely and effectively treat acidic condensate produced by 90+% AFUE boilers, furnaces and water heaters. Unlike HVAC condensate that rolls off the coils in an AC unit, acidic condensate is corrosive (2.9-4.0 pH) because it includes various acids from the combustion gases. If discharged untreated, this residue can damage floors, floor drains, concrete foundations, plumbing systems, sewer lines, septic systems and wastewater treatment infrastructure.
As such, condensate neutralizers are a must-have on every high-efficiency, gas-fired installation —but do condensate neutralizers need maintenance every year? Yes! Like any filtration device, condensate neutralizers must be routinely serviced to maintain performance and effectiveness.
How to service condensate neutralizers to prevent acidic condensate corrosion
We’ll cut to the chase: If a condensate neutralizer installation is not properly maintained, it is comparable to not having a neutralizer at all. As a result, facilities and the plumbing system are once again susceptible to extensive and costly damage from untreated acidic condensate.
Generally, JJM® recommends that service technicians perform maintenance at least every 12 months by inspecting the neutralizer and replacing the neutralizing media. However, every installation varies based on the acidity level, BTU capacity, operating hours and volume of acidic condensate produced.
To ensure continued performance and protection, service technicians should regularly test the pH of the treated acidic condensate leaving the condensate neutralizer with a digital pH meter. If the pH is lower than 5.0 (or the local water authority threshold), then the tech should immediately replace the neutralizer media.
It’s also important to keep in mind that not all neutralizer media is created equal. JJM® condensate neutralizers use pH Power Pellets®, the proprietary media found exclusively in JJM® products. pH Power Pellets® are shelf-stable and non-toxic, with magnesium hydroxide as the active ingredient. pH Power Pellets® are long-lasting and won’t “waste away” into silt like other neutralizing media, such as limestone or calcium carbonate.
Best practices and expert tips for servicing condensate neutralizer installations
JJM® condensate neutralizers are designed to be quickly and efficiently serviced. Additionally, pH Power Pellets® refill kits are individually weighed and packaged for each JJM® condensate neutralizer model, which ensures quick and accurate service every time. No guesswork required in the field.
BEST PRACTICE: HVAC and plumbing service teams should build the condensate neutralizer service into the annual preventative maintenance programs of high-efficiency heating equipment.
BONUS TIP: But what if a condensate neutralizer was not previously installed with the condensing furnace, boiler, or water heater? During a routine service call, service technicians should be prepared to educate homeowners on the need to treat acidic condensate, present a purpose-built JJM® solution, and then install the condensate neutralizer during such service call. Condensate neutralizers are not just an install product!
Next steps to treat acidic condensate and in turn prevent condensate corrosion
JJM Alkaline Technologies®, the industry pioneer, has been supplying HVAC and plumbing industry professionals with purpose-built condensate neutralizers to treat acidic condensate and in turn prevent condensate corrosion for over 20 years.
JJM® products are designed with industry pros in mind: versatile to install, quick and easy to service, and purpose-built for specific gas heating appliances. JJM® condensate neutralizers are proudly Made in America.
JJM® provides factory training opportunities—both in-person and online—designed and taught by the industry's leading manufacturer of condensate neutralizers. Request a training session from JJM® today.
To buy from the pHirst and the best, click on our “Where to Buy” page to track down a JJM® authorized distributor. If your preferred distributor doesn’t stock JJM® yet, ask them to contact us (ask for the Blue Label).
FOLLOW JJM® ON YOUTUBE, LINKEDIN, AND FACEBOOK.
