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Single mom with heating problems help!

mpsomas15
mpsomas15 Member Posts: 7
edited December 2017 in Gas Heating
I need to know if I can fix this myself. From what I've read it seems the circulator is not generating enough power to circulate water to baseboards. I do have heat but afraid the circulator is dying.

Comments

  • Suzook
    Suzook Member Posts: 221
    Call a plumber. Why take a chance with heat in this weather?
  • Ironman
    Ironman Member Posts: 7,546
    mpsomas15 said:

    I need to know if I can fix this myself. From what I've read it seems the circulator is not generating enough power to circulate water to baseboards. I do have heat but afraid the circulator is dying.

    Circulators are generally either pumping or not. The piping could be air bound or even frozen.

    We don't recommend you trying to self diagnose.

    Please post some pics of the boiler, it's near piping and the circulator along with a brief description and we'll try and help you.

    Bob Boan
    You can choose to do what you want, but you cannot choose the consequences.
  • mpsomas15
    mpsomas15 Member Posts: 7
    It keeps turning on and off
  • Ironman
    Ironman Member Posts: 7,546
    The circulator? That doesn't necessarily mean that it's bad. What's controlling it?

    Every system is different and there are may different ways boilers, pumps, piping and controls can be done. You're giving too little info so far. That's why we need pics.
    Bob Boan
    You can choose to do what you want, but you cannot choose the consequences.
  • mpsomas15
    mpsomas15 Member Posts: 7
    This is the system
  • mpsomas15
    mpsomas15 Member Posts: 7
    I'm going to start with the thermostat because about a month ago it started clicking constantly so I changed the batteries. Then my next step was to check the relay wiring.
  • Paul48
    Paul48 Member Posts: 4,469
    This is in a home that you own?
  • mpsomas15
    mpsomas15 Member Posts: 7
    It definitely stops turning on and off after temp is reached. The house is getting heat so I was more concerned about burn out etc.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,375
    That circulator has oil holes. Two are at either end of the motor and the third is closer to the pipes. Get some 3-in-1 and oil it, and see if that helps.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    Ironman
  • mpsomas15
    mpsomas15 Member Posts: 7
    Ok thank you so much.
  • Robert_25
    Robert_25 Member Posts: 549
    With the bitter cold temperatures, the aquastat may be hitting the low limit during heat calls and cycling the circulator on and off.
  • mpsomas15
    mpsomas15 Member Posts: 7
    Thanks Robert. There is a way to adjust the limits?
  • Ironman
    Ironman Member Posts: 7,546
    If it is cycling on low limit, it would only be a very short period with an oil fired boiler.
    Bob Boan
    You can choose to do what you want, but you cannot choose the consequences.
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 6,329
    Sounds like the motor might be going out on thermal overload.
    Is the motor very hot? Be careful.
    You might want to have a tech replace it with a wet rotor circ. Aside from maybe a coupling, most don't stock replacement parts in the service trucks for that type of circulator.
    And I haven't seen a Repco in forever and a day. Not the most reputable. They've been gone a long time. If you own the home, consider boiler replacement
  • j a_2
    j a_2 Member Posts: 1,801
    In the good weather by all means play around with it as you wish...In this weather don’t mess with it beyond observation and if necessary,call a qualified plumber...give him all the info you can and maybe he will come with what he feels best to fix it...
    mpsomas15

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