If your home's heating system isn't working and you have a boiler, the problem could be with the circulating pump. A boiler makes heat, but if the circulation pump isn't working, the heated water won't spread through your house. Here are some signs of circulating pump problems and what a residential boiler repair service might need to do to restore your heat.
Signs Of Problems With The Boiler Pump
A circulation pump is usually very quiet, so you can't rely on sound to tell if the pump isn't working. Instead, look for the indicator light that lets you know if the pump is bad. However, since the pump is usually so quiet that you can hardly hear it, if the pump suddenly starts making noise, then you know something is wrong. The bearings might be bad or need to be lubricated.
The seals that fit between the water lines and the pump have O-rings in them, and if the rubber rings are bad, water might leak around the pump and let you know there's a problem. The primary sign of a bad circulation pump is when the boiler makes hot water, but there is no heat in your house.
Boiler Repairs That Might Be Needed
A circulation pump is next to the boiler on the outside of the tank. It has a plumbing pipe leading into it and another pipe leading away. There are also electrical wiring connections on the side of the pump. The repair technician has to determine the exact cause of the problem to make the right repairs. The problem might be electrical in nature, or parts in the pump might be bad, such as the bearings, valves, motor, or seals.
If the pump is bad, the repair technician may replace it if repairs can't be done. Depending on the way your boiler system is set up, the water may have to be drained from the tank before the pump can be removed to be examined. However, if your boiler has shut-off valves above and below the pump, the repair person may be able to skip draining the boiler.
Once the valves are shut or the boiler is drained, the pump can be removed from the plumbing by removing the bolts and electrical wiring. Once the pump is out, the repair technician can examine it to see if parts can be replaced or if a new pump has to be put in.
Putting in a new pump involves putting on new rubber rings to seal the connection with the plumbing pipes and then sliding the pump in place and bolting it to the pipes. The electric wires have to be reattached to the pump so it receives power to operate.
When all the parts are reconnected, the valves are opened, or the boiler filled, and the pump can be checked for leaks and proper operation. Once the pump starts circulating hot water again, your home will be able to warm up.
For more information about residential boiler repair, contact a local HVAC contractor.
Share22 February 2021
Working with HVAC contractors is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only do your contractors ensure that a new system you buy is properly installed, but they also ensure optimal performance throughout the years through a series of regular inspections, maintenance services, and repairs. But there are lots of things you can do in between your contractor's visits to ensure that your HVAC investment is always in tip top condition, aside from cleaning out the air filters. After working with my dad for more than a decade in the HVAC business, I've put together a few methods homeowners can use to maintain a well working system, and I have published those tips and tricks right here on this blog. I hope some of the information you find here helps you on your journey as a homeowner!
