Central heating pump problems and their fixes

As we all know, the central heating system is crucial in supplying heat and hot water to our homes through boilers, pipes, and radiators. But to do that, it requires a central heating pump. And if some problems arise within your main heating pump, it can cause multiple issues for your central heating system. Due to this, you might face interrupted heating and supply of hot water, leakages in your pipes, boilers, cold radiators, and disturbing noises. The good news is that you can solve the problems by yourself. But to do that, you must know the kind of problems and possible solutions.

This article will discuss the possible solutions to central heating pump problems. Also, we will shed light on the central heating system pump and its location. So, without further ado, let’s begin!

What is a central heating pump, and how does it operate?

A central or boiler heating pump is responsible for circulating hot water and speeding water transfer through your boilers and pipes, feeding it into the radiators and hot water cylinder. After supplying the water, it transfers it back to the boiler so that an uninterrupted and constant flow of hot water is maintained throughout your home.

Where is it located?

Depending on your type of system, if you have a combi-boiler, your heating pump will usually be near the boiler. If you have a system boiler, it might be located near the hot water cylinder in an airing cupboard. If you have an old house, it is advised to look for the pump under the floorboards; for that, you will have to remove the carpet and check for the movable floorboards.

Pump problems

Now that you know what a central heating pump is and how it works, you must have realised its importance, as without the pump, the water isn’t going anywhere. So if your central heating pump is not working the way it should, it will create problems for you, especially in the winter. Let’s discuss the common issues with your central heating pump and the preventive measures.

Problem #1: Disturbing noises

A noisy central heating system can be irritating and disturb your peace of mind; the problem might be related to the airlock in the heating pump. An airlock can affect the heating system’s efficiency and disrupt the flow of hot water and heating.

Corrective Action:

To remove the airlock from your central heating system and heating pump, all you need to do is turn off the electrical supply, then locate the small screw on the pump. Keep a towel in place as the pump will be full of water, and turn the screw with the help of the screwdriver allowing air to escape. Clean up the water on the floor, retighten the screw and turn the electric supply back on.

Key Takeaways:

After turning off the supply, let the pump cool down for 10–15 minutes, as it might be hot and touching it can cause your body damage.

Problem #2: Incorrect speed setting on the pump

Many homeowners are unaware of the ideal setting at which their central heating pump should run. That’s why the main heating pump causes problems in terms of water flow and pressure. For your information, the scale shows you the pressure rating between 1 and 3, where one indicates low pressure and 3 indicates high pressure. The incorrect setting causes inconsistent water pressure and radiators that don’t get hot enough.

Corrective Action:

Locate the pump, on top of which there will be a switch. If the setting on the switch is between 1 and 2, flick the switch to 3. This is the most powerful setting, and your water flow and temperature will ideally adjust according to your needs.

Key Takeaways:

It is recommended that you contact a Gas-Safe engineer because this is a technical issue that should be handled by a professional. The setting on the pump might be set due to the system’s capacity, as it might be unable to resist high pressure, causing your system to leak.

Problem #3: Blockages due to the build-up of sludge

Blockages in the central heating pump due to the buildup of sludge due to dirt particles can cause with the passing age of your central heating system. The blockages caused in the heating pump are pretty standard, and it limits your central heating system from working ideally, resulting in low pressure and temperature of heating and hot water supply.

Corrective Action:

The preventive measures that you can take to avoid this problem include getting a central heating power flush and draining your central heating system. After getting your system flushed, installing magnetic filters will prevent future sludge buildup that leads to blockages.

Key Takeaways:

When getting an annual boiler service, always ask the engineer to check your heating pump.

Problem #4: The circulating pump is running but not moving the water

One of the common problems homeowners face with the central heating pump is that it vibrates, showing signs that it is working but not moving water around the central heating system as there is a lack of hot water and heating. The reason could be related to the components of a heating pump. Some of its features, like the shaft or propeller, might get stuck.

Corrective Action:

To deal with the heating pump not working, you must find the stuck or jammed component and tap it gently to free up the part. If the problem is still recurring, it might be time to replace your heating pump.

Key Takeaways:

Consult an engineer before buying a new heating pump, as they will inspect your heating system and tell you what kind of pump to buy that accommodates your boiler type.

Problem #5: The heating pump is not powering up

The central heating pump is not powering up, but if the boiler and the rest of your home’s appliances are powering up, the issue might be the wiring. Sometimes leaks can ruin the wiring and cause it to lose power.

Corrective Action:

Check for leaks. If there isn’t any, check if your pump is getting old, causing corrosion, and asking to be replaced. Then check the pump’s fuses to see if they are blown. If your answer is no to the checklist mentioned above, you should contact an engineer and let them inspect the problem.

Key Takeaways:

To ensure it is not powering up, put your hand on the pump to feel if it is getting warmed up.

Problem #6: The heat pump is not turning off

Heat pumps not turning off is a common issue associated with circulating pumps. There are multiple potential causes, so it is essential to identify the root of the problem to resolve it.

Corrective Action:

The solution is to check your thermostat, as it may be malfunctioning and causing your pumps to run too long. Another potential cause could be faults related to the printed circuit board (PCB) on the boiler and the mid-positioned valve becoming stuck, which is usually remedied by lubrication. This is the most common issue preventing the pump from shutting off.

Key Takeaways:

If the problem is with your PCB, then you must contact an engineer; if the problem is related to a stuck mid-valve, you can solve it by lubricating it by applying 3-in-1 oil.

Problem #7: Pump old age and rising problems

As the years pass, it is evident that other machines become worn out, either because they have reached their desired lifespan or because of a lack of maintenance or faulty installation, which reduces their life expectancy. The life of a circulating heating pump typically lies between 10-15 years. And after 15 years, if your boiler pump is not working consistently, it is time to replace it.

Corrective Action:

It is simple to replace; depending on specifications and the warranty period, the cost will range between £95 and £350.

Key Takeaways:

Don’t forget to add the additional labour cost associated with replacing the central heating pump, which would be £100 to £150.

Conclusion:

If you’re experiencing issues with your central heating system, such as noisy radiators, a malfunctioning boiler, or a heating pump that won’t turn on or off, you may need to look closer. Through this article, you’ll be able to identify potential problems and take the necessary preventive measures. You can sometimes troubleshoot the heating system by yourself, such as by bleeding out your radiator or restarting the system. However, more complex issues, such as wiring, internal blockages within the pipes, or a heating pump that won’t turn on or off, may require the help of an expert.

If you’re currently facing problems with your central heating system and don’t know what to do, don’t hesitate to contact us at 0345 3192 247 for immediate assistance.