SK-18CE Corner Condensate Pump

What the SK-18CE is designed to do

Every air conditioner produces water while it cools, and that condensate has to be carried out of the building. When the indoor unit sits somewhere a gravity drain cannot fall continuously to an outlet, a condensate pump collects the water and pushes it through a small discharge pipe instead.

The SK-18CE is shaped to sit in the corner where a wall meets a ceiling, another wall or the side of a unit. That shape lets it tuck into spaces a rectangular pump would not fit, and makes it easier to hide behind trunking or beneath the indoor unit. It is intended for air conditioning units of up to 8 kW of cooling capacity.

Its defining feature is the built-in buzzer. If water in the pump rises to the alarm level, because the discharge pipe is blocked or the pump cannot keep up, the buzzer sounds so someone in the room knows there is a problem before water reaches the floor or furniture.

Performance: flow, head and capacity explained

The SK-18CE has a maximum flow of 10 litres per minute and a maximum head of 10 metres. The flow figure is a peak rating at zero lift; as the vertical height increases, the flow drops. For an air conditioner of up to 8 kW, that performance leaves a generous margin over the condensate the unit produces in UK conditions.

Head is the vertical lift the pump can achieve with no horizontal pipe. Horizontal runs, bends and fittings all reduce the effective figure. A useful rule of thumb is to allow roughly one metre of lift for every ten metres of horizontal pipe. The extra two metres of head compared with the SK-18AE makes the SK-18CE the better choice for taller rises, longer runs or routes through upper floors.

Route the discharge pipe upward first, straight from the pump to the highest point, then let it fall gently to the outlet. That uses the pump's lift efficiently and lets gravity take the water the rest of the way.

The built-in overflow alarm

Condensate pumps are simple and reliable, but any drain can block. Sludge from the coil, an insect nest in the outlet, or a pipe accidentally crushed during decorating can all stop water leaving. Without a warning, the first sign is often a stain on the ceiling or a puddle beneath the indoor unit.

The SK-18CE's buzzer gives an audible alert when the water level rises too high. For the most complete protection, also wire the safety switch connection described in the manufacturer's instructions so the air conditioner stops producing condensate when the high level is reached. Alarm plus cut-off means someone hears the problem and the leak cannot grow.

Quiet operation

Rated at no more than 18 dB(A) at one metre, the SK-18CE is quiet enough for bedrooms, meeting rooms and hotel rooms. Mount it firmly, keep it off thin resonant panels and clip the discharge pipe so it cannot rattle. It only runs when the reservoir fills, so it is silent most of the time.

Installation overview

Position the pump below the indoor unit's drain outlet so condensate reaches it by gravity. Keep the inlet hose short and falling steadily, with no dips that can trap water. Fix the corner body securely and leave enough room to remove the cover later for cleaning.

Run the discharge pipe to an approved outlet, rising first and then falling, and secure it along the route. Connect power from a suitable fused supply in line with current UK wiring regulations, with electrical work carried out by a competent person. Commission it by slowly pouring clean water into the drip tray, confirming the pump starts and stops, then testing the alarm as described in the instructions.

Looking after the pump

Clean the air conditioner filters regularly and inspect the pump every six to twelve months. With the power isolated, remove the cover, rinse any sludge from the reservoir and check the sensor is clean. Test the buzzer during each service so you know the warning will work when it matters.

If the alarm sounds, switch the air conditioner off, then check the discharge pipe for kinks or blockages and the reservoir for debris before restarting. Our troubleshooting guides cover the common causes in detail.

SK-18CE or SK-18AE?

Choose the SK-18CE when the air conditioner is up to 8 kW, the route needs up to 10 metres of head, a corner body suits the space, or you want an on-pump audible alarm. Choose the SK-18AE for a straightforward wall-mounted split unit up to 7.5 kW where a compact pump and 8 metres of head are plenty.

Delivery

Delivery is £8.99 to UK addresses. Order before 1pm on a working day and the pump is dispatched for next-working-day delivery; orders placed after 1pm, at weekends or on bank holidays leave on the next working day.

We sell single units to homeowners and installers alike. There is no account to create: add the pump to your basket and check out.

30-day returns

You have 30 days from the date of delivery to return a pump if you change your mind. The pump must be unused, in its original packaging and in a resalable condition. Return postage is paid by the buyer, and we recommend a tracked service, as the pump remains your responsibility until it reaches us. Once the returned pump has been received and checked, we refund the price of the pump; the original £8.99 delivery charge is not refunded. To start a return, email info@condensatepump.co.uk with your order details before sending anything back. This policy is in addition to your statutory rights, which are not affected.

2-year warranty

Every pump sold on CondensatePump.co.uk carries a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects, starting on the date of delivery. Keep your order confirmation as proof of purchase. The warranty does not cover damage from incorrect wiring, blocked inlets caused by missing filtration, physical impact, or use with liquids other than air-conditioning condensate.

Frequently asked questions