Central heating circulation pumps are important elements of heating installations. They enable the proper flow of water to all collection points, increasing the water flow in the installation and giving it the appropriate pressure. Thanks to them, it is possible to distribute heat evenly. The operation of circulation pumps is associated with the accumulation of air bubbles inside them. They can lead to air in the pump and related disruptions to its operation. However, how to recognize air in the pump and eliminate this problem?
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Why does the circulation pump get airlocked?
The central heating circulation pump can become air-tight for several reasons. The most common reason is air entering the system through leaks. These are often difficult to detect during everyday use of the system. Air can also be sucked in when filling the system with water - especially if this process is too fast, which is not uncommon in more complex systems.
It is also worth remembering that in heating systems made of materials such as polyethylene or polybutylene, air can penetrate the pores in the pipes. To prevent this, it is worth using pipes with an anti-diffusion barrier, which prevents oxygen from flowing through the pipe walls.
How can you tell if your circulation pump is clogged with air?
The symptoms of a blocked circulation pump are quite characteristic, and therefore difficult to miss. The most important symptom is a decrease in heating efficiency. Radiators may be completely or only partially cold, even when set to the highest temperature. You should also pay attention to any disturbing sounds coming from the system. A blocked circulation pump is also indicated by sounds resembling gurgling or knocking.
Effective Circulation Pump Venting Practices
The first step should be to find the circulation pump. It is located inside the boiler casing – under the exchanger and the drip tray. On its front wall you will find a screw with a milling cutter for a flat screwdriver. This is what is used to bleed the pump. Before you start work, you should also disconnect the boiler from the power supply.
Venting the circulation pump is simple – for the sake of the technical condition of the installation, it is worth doing it regularly. The first venting of the pump should take place already during its start-up – regardless of whether the installation is new or was used in previous seasons. To do this, simply loosen the venting screw located on the pump housing and wait until water starts flowing out. When water appears, tighten the screw.
If the radiators are still cold after bleeding, it is worth checking the condition of the sediment filters before the pump. Dirty filters can restrict water flow, leading to air in the system. In this case, you should cut off the water supply, turn off the pump, clean the filters of impurities and reinstall them in their place. After installing the filters, open the valves and restart the pump, and then bleed the pump again. However, you cannot prevent the pump from running dry - this can result in its permanent damage.
Modern heating systems often feature automatic air vents that allow for the automatic removal of air from the system. These types of air vents work best when installed at the highest point in the system. They make the bleeding process much easier, and users don't have to worry about manually removing air from the system.
The correct operation of the circulation pump has a significant impact on maintaining a comfortable temperature in the rooms. Its airlock, although in fact a minor fault, can result in serious disruptions in the operation of the entire installation. That is why regular bleeding is so important - especially if you notice symptoms indicating airlock. This will extend the life of the device and give you certainty about the efficiency of the heating throughout the heating season.
Check out the central heating circulation pumps at the Onninen wholesaler