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Pump Failure- Replacement or retrofit or repipe time?

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iced98lx
iced98lx Posts: 71
in THE MAIN WALL

Our 1978 utica boiler is still going strong but this last spring the 1/12 B&G 100 series pump died on me, completely locked up.

As a typical homeowner does, I've waited until the fall to replace it. We do have minisplits that provide heat in the mean time, so we're not without all heat.

The question now becomes, direct replacement? Something better? Opportunity for a repipe?

We've got 5 zones, here is the current setup:

image.png

I added in the Taco zone controllers and fuel smart hydrostat and the air scoop- all of which have been working great. My thought process is flipping the 100 series for something that can do constant pressure as I could audibly hear the pump straining when just a small zone was open (we have two 500 sq ft bedroom/bathrooms on their own zones).

image.png


We're not pumping away obviously, I've thought about just getting the cutter out and going to town, but…. "It worked".

It's all baseboard slantfin which my wife hates the look of. I wanted to just heat the floors (we have access to the underside) but with all that I'm hearing from flooring guys these days about wood floors after a few years of heated floors I'm leaning away. She wants to retrofit some new cast iron radiators (would fit with the theme of the house).

Opinions and input is welcome.

And yes, before someone says something the summer clutter around the boilier will be cleaned up when I do the yearly boiler cleaning, it won't be ran that way ;)

Comments

  • Ironman
    Ironman Posts: 7,958

    We really need to know how many btus the house needs to make a precise recommendation, but a Grundfos Alpha should do.

    Bob Boan
    You can choose to do what you want, but you cannot choose the consequences.
    iced98lx
  • iced98lx
    iced98lx Posts: 71

    That is entirely fair @Ironman I've calculated whole house load at 80k btu's as the house sits now, by zone:

    Main Floor: 30k
    Family Room: 22k
    Master: 10k
    Bedroom 2: 7k
    Bedroom 3: 7.5k

  • HomerJSmith
    HomerJSmith Posts: 2,831

    Ya, you certainly have your share of issues. The question is, is the heat output satisfactory, if so, what is your object and is it worth the trouble. If you can do the work, then, bring out the cutter. I would. But, to satisfy your Missus, you're talking about a major change. That's summer work not something you want to do in the winter.

    You can think about what you are going to do and even if you wait until next summer to make the changes, you can start accumulating the parts that you are going to need, now, before the prices go up.

    The B&G 100 has a flat curve which the Alpha doesn't and is great for ZVs. However, you might need the head that the Alpha provides. The 100 is kinda antiquated and an energy hog. You're the best judge of what to do if the 100 is failing. I would replace it with an Alpha.

  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Posts: 21,083

    You need to find out if the 100 motor is bad or the bearing assembly. Bearing assemblies need oil (the motor does as well). You might get it to free up until you decide what to do.

    You could replace either the bearing assembly or the motor which (with B&G high prices) probably cost as much as a complete new circ.

    HomerJSmith
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Posts: 28,412

    Any of the ECM pumps that have delta P function would ba a good choice. The 15-58 Alpha has a zone valve setting. So it modulates flow based on zone valves opening and closing

    You will pick up some efficiency on the electrical side and the system will not over pump when 1 or 2 zones are calling.

    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • iced98lx
    iced98lx Posts: 71
    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1905896#Comment_1905896

    Yeap, I think we're past the point of a complete boiler room re-pipe for the year. I keep putting off considering a boiler replacement but this one is more than twice the output I need- should probably just put a fancoil in the garage off it to lengthen the cycle times a little bit.

    Heat is fine except in the main floor where we just don't have enough radiators when the temp is below zero. We have a plan for that.

    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1905899#Comment_1905899

    It's the bearing, I pulled the motor and it spins, the bearings are bad. Frustrating since I was hyper vigilant on the oiling of both, but that is what happens.

    https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1905906#Comment_1905906

    Thanks, I think I am going to just put a 15-58 alpha in. For the cost vs parts for the B&G seems like an ok move for now, I appreciate the input!!

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