Annoying hum gets on your nerves? Why is the pump in the heating system noisy, how to troubleshoot

The heating system with a centrifugal pump has long been has become an indispensable attribute of a modern private home.

The ability to be independent of utility services and independently regulate the air temperature in the rooms increases the comfort of life.

Low-noise household devices, if used correctly, do not require attention and can withstand up to 10 years of uninterrupted operation. The appearance of extraneous sounds, hum or whistle during operation of the unit, signal a breakdown. The problem is caused by various circumstances, some of which require immediate resolution.

Why is the circulation pump in the heating system noisy? Troubleshooting

Choosing the right circulation pump will help prevent annoying noises. The store offers units with two types of motors:

• Dry. This type of device can handle high loads. The rotor remains dry. Cooling is done by a fan, which will make noise.

Photo 1. Circulation pump for heating systems from the manufacturer Wilo. There is a fan at the back for cooling the device.

• Wet. The pump is located directly in the water. The unit is protected from overheating by a virtually silent coolant.

Extraneous hum, noise or grinding noise from the device may be associated with some system malfunctions. The most common problems:

• Unstable voltage.
• Poor quality installation.
• Air lock in the system.
• Mismatch between power and parameters.
• Equipment failure.

Unstable voltage

When voltage fluctuates, the pump operates unevenly. Lack of synchronization leads to intermittent circulation of water in the system, extraneous sounds occur inside the radiators or pipes.

To determine the cause of the noise, diagnostics are carried out to identify malfunctions in the device. Such a procedure requires involving a specialist with additional equipment.

Noise due to installation error

The rustling occurs due to increased cavitation loads. The installation of a hydraulic compensator will help avoid this problem.: a membrane tank that helps regulate static pressure when heated. This device draws excess moisture from the system and prevents water hammer. A properly mounted hydraulic compensator will significantly extend the service life of the pump.

The pump whistles due to air locks

Whistling sounds that occur when the heating is turned on are often caused by air pockets. Air enters the system when pipes and radiators are filled with water.

What to do if the pump suddenly starts whistling? To eliminate the malfunction, the design provides Mayevsky cranes - special holes, closed with a screw plug, located in the upper parts of the radiator.

Photo 2. Mayevsky tap on a heating radiator. Allows you to release excess air from the heating system.

Open the device with the pump turned off. using a screwdriver or wrench.

Mismatch of parameters and power

Noise when heating is turned on sometimes caused by the installation of an unreasonably powerful pump. The technical characteristics of the unit specified in the instructions necessarily correspond to the parameters of the entire system project. The pump becomes one of the final purchases when the length of the pipes and the number of radiators are precisely known. The overall performance of the device at maximum load calculated relative to low temperatures outside in winter.

The device hums and crackles due to equipment failure

Common problems with the circulation pump include: rotor or impeller defect. In addition to the constant noise, this problem results in deterioration in system performance.

The hum is a consequence of technological gaps increasing over time and shaft vibration. Repair and replacement of adjusting washers will solve the problem.

The crackling may be caused by burnt-out motor windings. It is better to entrust the correction of this defect to a specialist.

What to do to prevent noise

You can prevent the occurrence of extraneous sounds in the heating system even at the design stage:

• Modern circulation pumps are very powerful. The productivity of the simplest silent unit is enough to maintain a comfortable temperature in a low-rise building.
• Proper installation, carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions, will significantly improve the pump's operation. It is important to remember that the wet-type rotor is installed only horizontally. An error will lead to noise and rapid wear of parts.
• Coarse filter installed before the pump, will prevent sand and small debris from getting in.
• If you are unsure about the system's operating parameters, It is worth choosing a model with the ability to change the operating mode.

• Permissible heating temperature of the coolant is 65 °CThe circulation pump is mounted on the pipe that delivers cooled water to the boiler.

How to maintain an autonomous heating system

Autonomous heating requires constant attention. Emergency repair of the circulation pump will cause a lot of inconvenience.

Timely prevention will help to avoid this. Even before the onset of the cold season, the serviceability of each part of the system is checked:

• Connecting nodes and joints must be waterproof.
• Gaskets and bearings contain sufficient amount of lubricant.
• A special device will help to evaluate connection and compliance with the electrical network.
• Test run will detect extraneous sounds and malfunctions in the system in advance. The engine must operate without vibration and noise.
• Long periods of inactivity are harmful to the pump. During the warm season, it is necessary to turn on the system once a month. for 15-20 minutes.
• Running the device without water in the pipes will cause serious damage. It is also necessary to monitor normal circulation of liquid and not to close the valves near the pump.
• The filter must be free of contamination. If it is not available, only clean water is poured into the system.
• Limescale impairs the operation of the shaftIt is necessary to remove it periodically or try to use a less hard liquid for the device.

Useful video

Watch the video to learn how to disassemble and repair a circulation pump.

Conclusion

There are no trifles in an autonomous heating system. It is important to correctly calculate the parameters of the required model and connect it correctly. Timely diagnostics and regular preventive measures will help keep the circulation pump in working order for many years.