Circulator noise

Vinny A.

I have a steam system.When my addition was built the contractor put in baseboard radiator ,using the hot water from the boiler to heat the room.The circulator is extremely noisy.I replaced it last year due to the noise and it seemed to be fine,but now since I started putting the heat on it's noiser than ever.Any answers??

adambuild

I would guess.........

without having any further info, that the circulator used was not a bronze one. An iron body circ gets eaten up by the carbonic acid in condensate. Replace it!

will smith_4

Noisy circ

Vinny-What type of circ is it? If it's a series 100, could be a coupler. If so and you're losing one a year, check the motor mounts-could be misaligned. Just a thought.

Vinny A.

It is a Taco 007-F5.I replaced it last year with the same type.The original was 7 years old before it started to make noise.This one is only a year old.

adambuild

Like I said..........

Bound to happen! Like I said, switch it for the bronze version and you're bound to have better luck.

Vinny A.

Thanks Adam.I'll try it

[Deleted User]

Water lubricated pumps not recommended for condensate

heating applications. Too many ferrous oxides in teh water (rust) causing problems with the bearings.

Recommended pump is a 3 piece bronze pump, like the Bell and Gossett series 100 bronze. Get ready for pocket shock...

ME

[Deleted User]

Even the Series 100

Bronze comes standard w/ a plastic impeller. Best to get someone who knows pumps & custom make a Series 100 (iron will do), w/ a Viton Shaft Seal & bronze impeller.

Viton is for the high water temp. Bronze impeller will take the heat & nasties in the water.

Brad White_9

I have to ask

at what temperature is the system running and is the water-side loop pumping away?

When the boiler is hottest, the chances of pump cavitation (marble grinding sound) is at it's highest. Add to this if you are pumping toward your expansion tank, you further depress the circulator suction pressure and cause sub-atmospheric boiling. Cavitation. And if the circulator head is excessive compared to what is required, that cannot help you either.

I just have to ask this.

As ME said, I agree completly that water-lubricated circulators have a limited lifespan in an essentially open and gritty system such as a below waterline steam to water zone. A strainer or filter will help but an oil lubricated sealed circulator is the best place to start. And yes, I would use at least a fine mesh strainer upstream of the circulator.

Unknown

This comes up a lot

I have had great luck with iron pumps. Water quality is the key. Here's what I've found...

http://www.heatinghelp.com/pdfs/346.pdf

Noel