Update to The case of the backward flow Never saw a circulator this plugged

RayWohlfarth

We finally changed the circulator on the other boiler and couldn't believe what we found. The circulator outlet was completely plugged. I have enclosed a pic. It's weird that one was plugged like this. I wonder what's inside the boiler.

PeteA

Is there an inline filter for particulates that can be installed before the pumps? I know there are magnetic and large particle dirt/air etc etc but is there a particulate separator out there that works along the lines of a whole house water filter that handles pretty high flow rates but yet gets pretty small particulates and the filters are pretty easy to replace. I know the heat system obviously has very different conditions such as temp and additives some people use but I'm just curious what the finest particulate filter is out there that may catch these things before they reach the pump/boiler.

RayWohlfarth

We suggested that Thanks @PeteA

hot_rod

Magnetite? Sticks to a magnet?
If so, ferrous components are corroding in the system.

mattmia2

Looks like someone didn't clean out any of the chips from cutting and threading the pipes or was doing it over an ope pipe in the system. Those look more like chips of steel from some machining operation.

And the little passages for the flow check caught everything.

RayWohlfarth

@hot_rod Havent checked it with a magnet yet Weird thing is the system is all copper and pex.
@mattmia2 Wondering if it was a ticked off fitter LOL

mattmia2

Maybe someone was cutting unistrut or conduit in some room that was under renovation with the emitter removed and the chips got swept down an open fitting under the floor or something.

ScottSecor

My guess is serious make-up water issues. Any leaks in system, non oxygen barrier pex?

RayWohlfarth

@mattmia2 and @ScottSecor Yeah this is a weird one. The other thing is its on circulator discharge