Circulator Problem?

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Kungur
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Post by Kungur » Sat. Jan. 14, 2023 7:42 am

This morning while checking the boiler I noticed "noise" coming from the circulator pump for our second floor. It only runs occasionally because we don't use the space. The control panel shows it is not running.
So when I went upstairs the area warm.
Can a pump go "bad" and allow a flow to go by? Check valve?
Thanks!

 
CapeCoaler
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Post by CapeCoaler » Sat. Jan. 14, 2023 9:50 am

Ghost flow if pipe is warm upstairs...
Check valve can get stuck open...
Some control panels have an 'exercise' option for the pump...

 
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StokerDon
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Post by StokerDon » Sat. Jan. 14, 2023 10:10 am

Ghost flow doesn't make "Noise". The pump can't fail "ON" so I would look for a problem in the control section. Most likely whatever you are using to control that pump is turning it on.

-Don


 
Kungur
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Post by Kungur » Sat. Jan. 14, 2023 10:58 am

I don't think it is "turning on" because I jumped the terminal in the control panel and it went on.
I w pull the check valve. I think Supply House sells replacements.

 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Sat. Jan. 14, 2023 1:53 pm

Kungur wrote:
Sat. Jan. 14, 2023 10:58 am
I don't think it is "turning on" because I jumped the terminal in the control panel and it went on.
I w pull the check valve. I think Supply House sells replacements.
The cast iron check valves can hang open, especially if they don’t get used often. A few taps with a hammer will likely cure it.

 
Kungur
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Post by Kungur » Sat. Jan. 14, 2023 3:34 pm

Rob,
I was looking at Supply House and it appears that the check valves are plastic and are replaceable.


 
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davidmcbeth3
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Post by davidmcbeth3 » Sun. Jan. 15, 2023 1:36 pm

Replace the pump if you think its needed. Really, its either wiring or the pump itself or the controller. Check wiring, controller, and pump. Replace pump if needed. What are they $100 ?

Prior to changing, if you think its needed...turn up the heat in that zone, observe pump and other parts of system. My system does not have a control panel..just thermostats wiring to pump wiring (each thermostat per zone is the "control panel").

In such instances I change the plumbing to accept Sharkbite. They even make a mixing valve for hot water. No more waiting for pipes to dry or become dry enough to solder. Now if wanting to go Sharkbite, you have 3 options of type of Sharkbite system: 1st) simple push-on fittings ; 2nd) Ring-clamp system ; 3rd) Expanding pipe / contracting pipe system. The 1st require no special tooling costs. 2nd and 3rd do. I use both 1st and 2nd.

I have a 3 stooges how-to plumbing vid if needed.

 
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Rob R.
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Post by Rob R. » Sun. Jan. 15, 2023 1:51 pm

Kungur wrote:
Sat. Jan. 14, 2023 3:34 pm
Rob,
I was looking at Supply House and it appears that the check valves are plastic and are replaceable.
I did not realize you had the style mounted inside the circulator. If you have isolation valves I would remove the circulator and see if there is a piece of debris stuck in the check valve. It is not common for them to fail completely.

 
Kungur
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Post by Kungur » Sun. Jan. 15, 2023 4:26 pm

Rob,
I pulled the check valve out. Gave it a cleaning. It appears OK. But I might just replace it as I have everything apart. I big on preventative maintenance!

 
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McGiever
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Post by McGiever » Mon. Jan. 16, 2023 12:29 am

Check valves only stop flow in one direction. With more than one circulator it is possible under certain conditions to reverse the flow to another circulator, especially when that circulator is the one not running.

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