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Boiler Feed Pump Maintenance Guide for Property Managers

If your property has a commercial boiler for heat or hot water, it possibly has a boiler feed pump associated with it. Taking care of your boiler feed pump is essential to the successful operation of your boiler system. Here are some tips on boiler feed pump maintenance, so you can keep your boiler running smoothly between professional service checks.

What Does the Boiler Feed Pump Do?

Feeding the boiler tank

Your boiler feed pump works to supply feedwater to your boiler tank, where it can be heated for hot water and steam radiators. Depending on the purpose of the boiler, the water may be from a fresh source, such as that used for hot water, or it may be condensate returned from your radiator system.

Boiler feed pumps operate at a very high pressure to accomplish their job. They are also able to withstand extremely high temperatures over the boiling point of water (212 degrees Fahrenheit). This is the point at which water goes from the liquid phase to the gas phase (steam). Another feature of this type of pump is that it is made to undergo rapid changes in temperature that accompany boiler operation.

Also known as feedwater pumps, boiler feed pumps are typically multistage pumps. This means multiple impellers are used inside the pump to generate the pressure required to feed the boiler.

What Type of Boiler Feed Pump Do You Have?

Vertical vs. horizontal

There are two basic types of boiler feed pumps. They are either horizontal or vertical, depending on the pump’s orientation to the shaft. A horizontal pump is larger and usually employed for moderate- to high-pressure pumping needs. You see this one used in industrial settings, where demands are particularly extreme.

Vertical boiler feed pumps are smaller. They fit into boiler system installations where space is at a premium. These are generally all-purpose pumps, and they’re used in a wide range of applications below 900 ft of pressure. The disadvantage to this type of feedwater pump is that it usually needs to be removed to work on bearings and seals, unlike with a horizontal pump.

How Do You Care for Your Boiler Feed Pump?

Install the right pump

The first thing you need to do to take care of your boiler feed pump is to make sure the right size was installed. The boiler feed pump should be put in at the same time as your boiler, so you are sure the pressure matches properly.

Double check size

As time goes on, you may adjust other parts of your boiler system without updating the boiler feed pump. It’s essential that if you change your tank, you double check the size of the boiler feed pump and replace it with a new one if necessary. Increased demand on the boiler could potentially require a more powerful pump.

Keep an eye on wiring

An electric motor powers your boiler feed pump. Therefore, you need to make sure the wiring for the motor and any switches are intact. At the first sign of any frayed or broken wires, they should be repaired. Also, make sure the pump is receiving the proper voltage. Signs of voltage problems include the motor not functioning properly and the related circuit breaker tripping frequently.

Evaluate seals

The seals around the pump casing are one of the most common areas that show wear and tear. At the first sign of any leakage, they should be inspected. Seals, gaskets, or O rings that have hardened or cracked should be replaced. Check your water pH to see if that could be causing problems with mechanical seals. You want it between about seven and nine.

Watch for corrosion and scale

You may notice corrosion and/or scale on the pump. If corrosion is extreme, parts may need to be replaced. You want to take care of this before they wear through. Scale can usually be cleaned off with a vinegar-based solution. In the long-term, it’s better to treat your water for mineral deposits before it reaches the feeder pump, or you will have to worry about buildup regularly.

Reduce vibration

Noise from your boiler feed pump may be coming from the interior, but more often, we find that noisy pumps are caused by loose mountings. If the mounting system for your feed pump has become loose, tighten it back down, and the noise caused by excess vibration should stop.

Check pressure

Check the pressure for your boiler often. If there is a problem with pressure, it could be due to the boiler feed pump. If running through the checks above doesn’t help, you may need to call in the experts.

We can also review the anatomy of your feed pump, so you learn how to care for it moving forward.

Having an issue with your boiler feed pump? Can’t remember the last time you did a maintenance check with the pros? Call Antler Pumps today at 212-534-2500, or use our convenient online form to schedule an appointment at your convenience.