A boiler is a complex home appliance that uses boiler controls, and other parts and components to function. Having faulty boiler controls or other components can be problematic. A typical boiler has the following components: 

• Aquastats
• Burner
• Backflow valve
• Expansion Tank
• Circulator Pumps
• Firebox
• Feedwater Drum
• Pressure Gauge
• Heat exchanger
• Return Lines
• Refractory
• Safety Valve
• Steam Drum
• Safety Shut-Off Valve
• Supply Lines
• Superheater
• Water Level Indicator

In this article, you will learn about the circulator pump. This pump circulates hot water around the system. It is because of this component the water from the boiler travels through pipes feeding radiators and hot water cylinders. After that, water goes back to the boiler and the cycle continues. Circulator pumps can be in the airing cupboard, near the boiler or inside the boiler. You can avoid many problems in your heating system if you keep the circulator pump well-maintained.

The following signs show that there is something wrong with the circulator pump:

• When you touch the water flow pipe, it is not hot even when the pump is running.
• Leakage
• Unusual voices
• Hot pump casing
• Radiators not heating up
• No hot water

An airlock or blockage can cause these problems. Before you consider circulator pump replacement, you can try to fix the problem. Your circulator pump may not be working because of the following reasons:

• Faulty installation
• Leaking pump
• Blocked pump
• Loss of power
• Wrong speed settings
• Noisy pump
• No water in the system

Faulty Installation

Your circulator pump may not work if it is not installed correctly. Find a registered engineer to install the circulator pump correctly.

Leaking Pump

Water leakage occurs when the pump is loose. This also happens when the pump works with a blown seal. Grab a wrench and tighten all the circulator pump joints. If leakage still doesn’t stop, it may be because of corroded parts of the pump. In this case, you need to replace your circulator pump. Also check all the seals on the pump. 

Blocked Pump

If there is no heating at all or it is very slow, the pump is likely to be blocked. Metal particles or sludge build-up can block your circulator pump. The pump may also fail due to this build-up. Hire a registered engineer to clean the build up.

Lass of Power

If the pump doesn’t work despite the boiler connected to the power supply, there can be something wrong with the wiring. Loss of power may also occur in a corroded and old pump. Replace your corroded or old pump. Let an engineer see what is wrong with the wiring.

Wrong Speed Setting

Check if your boiler uses a pump that allows you to adjust speed and flow. Adjust flow and speed and see if this heats the radiators up or not. If not, click here let a professional identify the cause of the problem and fix it.

Noisy Pump

The pump may start making noises due to an airlock. It may also stop working because of an airlock. However, you can easily fix this problem by taking the following steps:

• Turn off the pump
• Turn the small bleed screw slowly to let the air escape.
• Tighten the small bleed screw and turn on the circulator pump.

The pump may also start making noise due to a loose bearing. You need to replace the pump in this case.

No Water in the System

This may happen when the propeller or shaft of the pump is stuck. Tap the pump gently. If this is a regular problem, replace your circulator pump.