In order to make life in the house as comfortable as possible in the winter, it is imperative to perform such an operation as installing a circulation pump in the heating system. The procedure is not too complicated and, if necessary, can be done independently. But, of course, you will first have to choose the equipment that is suitable in all respects, as well as familiarize yourself with the technology of its installation.
Benefits of using
Systems with natural circulation of the coolant have a number of disadvantages. Firstly, in the house you have to install pipes with too large a diameter. This is necessary so that the water circulates freely through them, without lingering anywhere. Secondly, when installing such a system, it is necessary to calculate the angle of inclination of the pipes. And thirdly, equipment of this type is not tooconvenient to use.
Installing a circulation pump in the heating system solves all these problems. Pipes when using it can be placed thin. The slope in such systems is not necessary, but the heat is distributed evenly throughout the rooms. You can install such a pump, including in a system with natural circulation of the coolant. In this case, when the power goes out, the house will not be left without heating.
Varieties
Currently, there are only two main types of circulation pumps: wet running and conventional. The first variety is not very powerful, it works silently and is usually used in country houses and cottages. Most often this is single-phase equipment.
The installation of a circulation pump in the heating system of an apartment building is done in the same way as in the network of a private small building. However, conventional equipment is used, that is, one in which the rotor and stator are separated from the volute by a waterproof membrane. In this case, installation is carried out on the highway in a separate room - the boiler room. The fact is that such pumps are very noisy. This is a three-phase heavy equipment that requires, among other things, periodic lubrication.
How to choose the right one
Before proceeding with such a procedure as installing a circulation pump in a heating system (it is quite possible to do it yourself, as you will soon be able to see), you should, of course, purchaseall necessary equipment. So, in the event that you need a pump for a private house, you should buy a single-phase model with a “wet running” rotor. For an apartment building or a very large cottage, three-phase powerful pumps are suitable.
In any case, when buying, you should study the technical data sheet of the model. In this case, first of all, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
- Performance. This indicator is usually expressed in liters or cubic meters. It means the volume of liquid that the pump can pass through itself in an hour. In order to choose the right model, you should know how much water is pumped into the system. The performance value should be about three times this figure.
- Head. This parameter shows with what force the pump can draw in the coolant. The device should easily cope with pumping water through all the bends of the heating, if necessary, raise it to the upper floors, etc. For example, for an apartment building, you will need to purchase equipment with a pressure of about 20 m. A less powerful model is also suitable for a cottage.
Circulation pumps with automatics are considered very convenient to use. Such a model can be put on a timer, and it will turn itself off and on when necessary.
Basic installation rules
Most often, the circulation pump is installed in the heating system through a bypass pipe called a bypass. In this case, whenpower outage, the system is transferred to natural circulation without any problems. In order to let the water flow directly, you just need to close the valves on the bypass.
The circulation pump is installed only on the return pipe between the last radiator and the heating boiler. This is due to the fact that the pump does not push water, but sucks it in. In addition, under the influence of a very hot coolant in the supply pipe, its mechanisms quickly fail.
Only a manometer, a thermometer and a pressure relief valve are installed between the pump and the boiler. A filter is mounted directly next to it on the bypass. There is a lot of different debris in any heating system: scale, silt, etc. Without a filter, the pump impeller will quickly clog, as a result of which it will simply fail.
When performing an operation such as installing a circulation pump in the heating system of a private house, be sure to follow these recommendations:
- If tapping is made into an existing network, water should first be drained from the mains. The pipeline must be thoroughly rinsed.
- After the complete installation cycle is completed, the system is refilled with water.
- All joints must be coated with sealant.
- At the final stage, open the central screw on the pump housing and release excess air from it.
How to install
Installation of the circulation pump in the heating systemdo it yourself as follows:
- A piece is cut in the intended section of the return pipe, the length of which should be equal to the width of the bypass.
- Tees are installed on both freed ends.
- These elements are connected by a piece of pipe with a valve built into it.
- Each tee is connected to an L-shaped piece of pipe with nuts at the end and valves.
- A filter is installed on one of the L-shaped pieces (between the valve and the pump).
- Nuts are screwed to the pipes of the circulation pump.
Install the device in such a way that the coolant subsequently moves in the direction indicated by the arrow printed on the case. In addition, the place for its tie-in should be chosen in such a way that later it would not be difficult to access it.
How to connect to the power grid
When using the method of mounting the circulation pump described above, its shaft will be located in a horizontal position. In this case, air will not accumulate in it, preventing the lubrication of the bearings. Among other things, when installing the device, be sure to ensure that the terminal box is located on top.
Connect the electric pump to the mains in compliance with all applicable safety rules. The power cable must be equipped with a plug or switch. The minimum distance between the contact axes is 3 mm. Cable cross section - not less than 0.75 mm. Of course, the pump must be connected to a grounded outlet.
One or more?
Usually, in a private house, only one circulation pump is installed in the heating system. The power of modern equipment of this type is quite enough to ensure a sufficient flow rate of the coolant. Two pumps are included in the system only if the total length of the pipes exceeds 80 m.
Can it be installed without bypass
On the bypass pipe, a circulation pump is usually installed in an open-type heating system. At the same time, if necessary, the owners of a country house have the opportunity to switch the network to the natural current of the coolant. If the system is planned without slopes, the pump can be mounted in a pipe without a bypass. In this case, the installation is carried out directly in the return line. In this case, a shut-off valve must also be installed. This will allow you to easily remove the unit for repair or replacement without having to drain the system.
Such a procedure as installing a circulation pump in a heating system without a bypass is usually done only if the house has an alternative source of electricity. It can be, for example, a modern gasoline or diesel generator. In this case, in case of a sudden power outage, the building will not be left without heating.
How to install on polypropylene
Now let's see how the circulation pump is installed in the heating system in this case. Polypropylene - the material is quite light and comfortable inwork. Connecting equipment in this case is done like this:
- Special connections (3/4) are soldered to the ends of the line.
- Further, cranes are attached to them using linen.
- Then, the latter are connected to the pump assembly with the help of spurs.
Operating Rules
Modern circulation pumps are reliable and have a long service life. But, of course, sometimes this equipment also fails. Such a nuisance can happen, for example, due to:
- too strong or weak water supply,
- operation without coolant in the system,
- in case of long downtime,
- when the water is too hot (over +65 gr).
How to dismantle
So, we have examined how the circulation pump is installed in a closed and open heating system. Now let's discuss how to remove this equipment in case it needs to be repaired or replaced. This procedure consists of just a few steps:
- pump is de-energized,
- off bypass valves,
- the tap opens on the main highway,
- the fastening nuts are unscrewed.
In the event that the pump has been installed in the system for a long time, it is likely to be stuck. Therefore, it will have to be knocked out by tapping a mallet.
Repairpump on your own, if the owner of the house does not have sufficient experience in this matter, it will hardly work. Most likely, it will have to be carried to a repair shop. But most often, the owners of suburban buildings still install new equipment in the system, since pumps are not too expensive today.
