why is pump jammed?

[buckmoy]

Woke up this morning to no CH/HW and the display on my 20 yr old Potterton EP 2000 was blank.

So I checked the electrics - all fine.

Changed the main fuse to the pump / 3 way valve / control box and the display came back on.

Switched it to 24 to try and get a response from the system and there was a very brief pump noise - then just straining and silence.

Concluded the pump was jammed (checked by undoing the air bleed bit - I can spin the impellor a bit - then it gets jammed).

This is a new pump (couple of months).

Question is - how can I clear out the pump? I am not an expert (as you may be able to tell!). Do I have to take the whole thing out? If so, how do I isolate the water flow to stop my flat getting flooded as well as very cold..?

Thanks all

 

[breezer]

should be

one of these either side of your pump. (it may have a "different tap" ) but you just turn them off

 

[buckmoy]

thanks breezer.

Ok - so I've isolated the water flow. Whats the best way of taking the pump apart? Should I use an alan key to remove the front motor section? (Sorry don't have a pic but assume they all look the same)..

 

[masona]

This is a new pump (couple of months).

Normally comes with a 12 month warranty don't they?

 

[buckmoy]

Quite possibly - the plumber that fitted it did it for cash - its definately brand new but not sure where the docs are.

I don't think the pump has had a mechanical failure. I think theres crud due to my aging and failing system (low water content - Thorn Apollo which is also shutting off occassionally - probably for related reasons).

Just want to clear the crud out. Mind you - you are the xperts - not me.

 

[breezer]

i believe the 4 "screws" will remove the motor, giving yopu access to the impellar. question is how did XX get in there? unless your system really is falling apart

 

[buckmoy]

breezer. You are right. The system is falling apart.

I am falling apart with it..

The boiler has been playing up for a bit (loud banging - shut off). Lately I have been able to get it working for 2 week periods by lifting some floorboards upstairs and giving the pipees a bit of a shake. Not sure if this works by clearing trapped air.

When the boiler problems first occured - the plumber came in and changed the 3 way valve and the pump and it worked again for a while.

Thing is - there is a small leak "above" the pump. Its leaking v slowly over it and leaving crusty stuff.

Also one of the TRVs on one of the rads downstairs is just spinning freely..I am getting the system changed when I can get the money together - but any suggestions for short term fixes would be nice - a bonus. Thanks for your help already..

 

[masona]

I am getting the system changed when I can get the money together - but any suggestions for short term fixes would be nice - a bonus. Thanks for your help already..

Is there water in the F&E tank in the loft?

 

[kevplumb]

oy masona

Is there water in the F&E tank in the loft?

stop nicking my "stock" question

 

[buckmoy]

Yes there is - dipped a hammer in there (! its up high - little space between roof and tank) and it is about half full. Full of crud though - the hammer came out covered in cak.

 

[masona]

oy masona

Is there water in the F&E tank in the loft?

stop nicking my "stock" question

Oh all right then, how about is there any air in the F&E tank?

 

[doitall]

How about flushing it out

 

[buckmoy]

ok..masona and kevplumb..

air in the F&E tank. Yes - its got an open top. Its was probably meant as a joke but difficult to laugh with ice encrusted on vocal chords.

FLushing it out = emergency services if I try and do it myself I suspect.

Plumber time. Thanks for your help though.

 

[masona]

Have you bleed the pump yet? (centre screw) Does the water dribble out?

 

[buckmoy]

ok

have drained the system anyway.

just wanted to check the impellor in the pump before refilling/

The pump is a pretty standard 3 speed one - made by Circulating Pumps Ltd. The motor housing is helpd onto the impellor housing by 2 alan key screws - one at each corner.

They are v v stiff - any clues / tips for getting them off? tried "shocking" the area with a chsiel to remove crud. Tried levering the alan key but worried the whole wall is going to cave in with the force I'm putting through!