Stalled Pump

[Allan29]

After being away for 2 weeks, I started up by my (open vented) system and no heat. There was a mains feed to the pump, but the pump appeared to be stalled (no vibration). I unscrewed the vent plug about half a turn. This caused a small water leak, but no air release as I recall. However, the pump started up and has been OK since.

On the assumption that the pump had stalled rather than suffering an air lock, does this imply that it could happen again? If so, I would need to consider a new pump as I am away a lot and need the system to operate reliably and unattended in cold weather.

Allan

 

[Boilerman2]

Pumps do stick sometimes, but shouldn't have done in only a fortnight, i'd replace it

 

[Agile]

Its best to add a timeclock to run the pump for a couple of minutes every day to avoid seizing up.

Even a new pump would be likely to seize if not used regularly as a result of dirt in your system. You could clean that too!

Tony

 

[bengasman]

The vast majority of open vent systems suffer from corrosion, which could be the reason the pump was sticking. Have a look inside the headertank.

 

[Allan29]

Many thanks for your replies. The system is quite old so sludge and corrosion are likely. System is set to come on Twice Daily when I am away, at a low air temperature. The system has pumped Hot Water, and the the latter was reasonably warm, but not hot yesterday, suggesting that the pump had stalled either earlier in the day, or the previous day. I Bearing in mind its age, I will probably take Boilerman2's advice and replace the pump.

Allan