Circulator runs all the time.

Murphy

I have a B&G circulator and lately it just keeps running even when the boiler isn't. It is also very noisy. I have loosened a couple of screws from the motor to the housing and shimmed it so it's not so annoying. I am a home owner and novice but I'm not afraid to try and fix things. I have replaced this motor before. Pretty straight forward.

Any thoughts?

Kal Row

as a home owner...

you no doubt shop at the HOME-DEsPOT,


and if this is an avg sized house with a copper baseboard system - (not a gravity conversion or a basement loop off a steam boiler) go to HD and buy yourself a taco 007 circulator it's 1/3rd the electric usage, and real quiet

after that check your aquastat control on the boiler, it may need a low limit adjustment or it may be dead - ie the circulator relay contacts are fused and the aquastat needs replacement - not a HD part

if your pump has been making noise, it's probably been dragging on a bearing and drawing a lot more current - and a probable cause for the fused contacts - you might be able to free the contacts by rocking the relay's armature - that metal piece connected to the spring – but it will still need replacement

jim murtaugh

b&g

need more info to determine why pump runs all the time. what controls the pump? (the space t-stat, an aquastat mounted to the boiler or end switches on zone valves)as for the noisey pump sounds like the coupler assem. and or motor mounts loosining these bolts will definatly cause premature coupler failure.

Mark Eatherton1

Stuck relay

Occassionaly, the relay that sends power to the pump gets stuck due to magnetism. No way short of replacement to fix it. Be careful, you're dealing with a deadly force (120 volts).

If you're not comfortable with wiring, call in a pro.

ME

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Robert O'Connor_7

Murphy..

You first must find the control that is keeping it on. Most simple systems use a relay. When the thermostat calls for heat it completes a circuit. Then the completed circuit makes the relay start the 110v portion, or pump. The pump will keep running untill the thermostat is satisfied. You say the boiler isn't firing, but the pump continues to run. The boiler also has a aquastat that turns off the burner when the boiler water temperature reaches its set point but will keep the pump running untill the thermostat is satisfied...Robert O'Connor/NJ

Murphy

> need more info to determine why pump runs all the

> time. what controls the pump? (the space t-stat,

> an aquastat mounted to the boiler or end switches

> on zone valves)as for the noisey pump sounds like

> the coupler assem. and or motor mounts loosining

> these bolts will definatly cause premature

> coupler failure.

Murphy

Thanks for all the replies but I have no idea what most of you are talking about...aquastat? I guess that I need to get a pro to look at it. Anyone from the south suburban Chicago area here?

Chuckles_2

jim murtaugh

so.suburban chigo.

jim murtaugh (708)301-7335

Mark Eatherton1

Scroll to the top of the page

Right under "The Wall" sign you will see a Find A Professional button. Go there and enter your zip code and you will see whose close. I think Glen is close to you. He knows what he's doing.

Good luck and thanks for know when to say when.

ME

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Murphy

Thanks again for all the quick replies. I've left a message with Jim Murtaugh and hope that he can help me out.

BTW I did a search and only one company came up and they were a supplier, no technicians.

Chuckles_2

Does it run "all the time" (24 hrs/day) or just sometimes when the boiler isn't on?

When the circulator gets noisy (perhaps due to lack of oiling or excessive oiling) its run times may become more obvious. But the circulator is supposed to run some of the time when the boiler is not running.

This is because the boiler heats the water up to (say) 180, then goes off until the water cools to (say) 150, then starts again. During those cool-off periods the circulator will still run, as long as your thermostat is calling for heat.

So even if you don't know what an aquastat is, you may be able to answer this question: does the circulator run even when your thermostat is not calling for heat?

Weezbo

that sir would be the best thing to have done for the pump:)

and your peace of mind.