A circulator pump is a device that pumps substances like water, slurries, and gases in a closed circuit setting. The circulator pump is installed by a plumber in homes and large structures to provide hydronic heating and cooling. During the hydronic process, the system uses water to heat or cool the interior of a home or business. For instance, hot water radiators use hydronic systems.
Circulating Pump Details
Hydronic systems typically use electronically controlled centrifugal pumps. If you install one in your home, then it will likely be small and sealed. In addition, residential units require very little horsepower to operate. The unit’s parts include a motor rotor, support bearing, and pump impeller. Also, the manufacturer seals the parts inside the water circuit to maintain a watertight seal at the driveshaft area. Small and medium-sized circulating pumps are also available. You can even purchase a large unit that has a powerful electrical motor for a large structure.
Manufacturers build circulator pumps from bronze or cast iron. Cast iron pumps are used for Hydronics to regulate temperatures. You will need a bronze unit if you intend to use the pump for water consumption.
Hot Water on Demand
Once you contact a residential plumber to connect a circulating pump to your home’s hot water heater, you will have hot water as soon as you turn on a faucet. The device conserves energy, and it is especially beneficial in areas where water conservation is an important issue. In fact, water companies in cities with drought problems are beginning to offer homeowners and builders rebates to install circulating pumps in new homes.
In a traditional setup, a home’s plumbing system will use pipes to siphon hot water from the water heater to the faucet. Once you turn the tap off, the water will settle back down into the pipes where it will lose its heat. When you need hot water again, you will have to wait for the system to pump the hot water from the water heater. A circulating pump will continuously circulate a small amount of hot water from the most distant fixture to the water heater and back. As a result, you will not have to wait for hot water.
Basic units may not permit you to adjust the temperature. Therefore, consider purchasing one that allows you to control the temperature because it will be more energy-efficient. A thermostatically controlled unit will cycle on and off at regular intervals to maintain your preferred temperature.
Circulating Pump Advancements
You can buy an advanced circulating pump that has the technology to control the water’s temperature. This type of pump is more energy efficient. The pump also requires the application of thermal insulation to the pipes, which decreases the amount of water that the pump must circulate to keep hot water available at all times. For more efficiency, the device may feature an integrated check valve to prevent the merging of cold water into the hot water line. A timer is another pump advancement that limits the amount of time that a pump circulates. In fact, you can program it to run only during the hours of the day that you are likely to need hot water. The timer feature also decreases the unit’s energy use.
When You Need Help
If the circulator pump is failing to produce hot water on demand, then you may need a residential plumber to identify the failure. For instance, a fuse or pump bearing may need to be replaced. Other issues may include the temperature gauge and the unit’s timer. Also, for plumbing leak detection, be sure to contact a professional plumber.