Pump issue

Merch

Just looking to clarify an issue with a gas central heating system, the mounting/assembly for pumps usually comes with a flat head type fitting on each side, is this for maintenance access to allow you to take out the pump?
If so is there any reason for one or both to be virtually closed?

Sparkpea

no reason at all its probably slowing down the flow of water which isnt good. the ones with a screwdriver slot are rubbish and hard to open so maybe if the pump was changed before the plumber couldnt get them open again properly

Merch

Is there a ball valve on the inside of them?

Sparkpea

yes

Sparkpea

is this like it

http://s7g1.scene7.com/is/image/BandQ/5050027130605_001c_v001_zp

dannny

yes

Merch

yes pretty much, is that called a pump flange or mounting fitting or what?
Just the flat was across the flow almost completely, I didnt recal it being like that before but Im not certain, Im wondering why it might have been installed like that.

Basically the boiler hasnt been used much since it was serviced about a few months back, just irregular on and off.
The system was drained down to fit a new rad (replacement) and the heating tested and it was fine, bit problematic bleeding the system but, worked away ok, now after some disuse the boiler wouldnt turn on, eventually got it going but only after opening this valve a bit, it would hardly budge but moved it a little.
nothing was getting pumped around the system, but the boiler was shutting off due to overheat and the pipes made a hell of a racket.

I think maybe some gunk in the system lodged there, but I cannot understand for the life of me why it would be left almost closed, then that kind of thing wouldnt be a possibility, just thought someone might have used it as some kind of flow control??

Sparkpea

its called a pump valve.

once closed they are really hard to reopen I find. I personally change any set I find like that when changing a pump because they always cause problems like you've explained or they leak through the screw. I use these gate valve head type pump valves

http://www.wickes.co.uk/content/ebiz/wickes/invt/160091/Gate-Type-Pump-Valve_large.jpg

i'd advise getting yours changed.

the screw should be following the direction of the pipe coming into to valve so if its sitting horizontal the screw should be like --- to be open fully.

Merch

Sparkpea wrote: »

its called a pump valve.

once closed they are really hard to reopen I find. I personally change any set I find like that when changing a pump because they always cause problems like you've explained or they leak through the screw. I use these gate valve head type pump valves

http://www.wickes.co.uk/content/ebiz/wickes/invt/160091/Gate-Type-Pump-Valve_large.jpg

i'd advise getting yours changed.

the screw should be following the direction of the pipe coming into to valve so if its sitting horizontal the screw should be like --- to be open fully.

I'm not trying to catch you out, do you mean the flat should be inline with the flow?
I thought the pump wasnt working as i could feel no heat getting around the pipes that are exposed as would usually be the case. When i turned the screw to try line the flat up with the flow, it leaked a bit so i turned it back, till it stopped but its not open enouh in my opinion, less than 45 degrees, way less, it was almost closed when i found it???? I dont know how it worked but I think something got dislodged in the system and stuck there as when it was making noise the pressure relief blew a loud of black water out the pipe

Sparkpea

ok if u look at this image

http://s7g1.scene7.com/is/image/BandQ/5050027130605_001c_v001_zp

the screw driver slot part is going straight through the valve e.g. from the box and ring, through to the flange with the red fibre washer, that means its open full.

Merch

Thanks, thats what i thought, I was really looking for some confirmation, thanks for that

still cant understand why it was almost 90 degrees to how that pic is or how it worked like that before