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Two pumps in central heating system?

Hello. We have two pumps in our central heating system, in series sat next to one another, but each pump has a separate outlet pipe. Any ideas why two pumps are needed,and in this configuration? Thanks

Tony
August 2009
If it's the first unit then this is the pump and your can replace it with any standard 15/50 pump.

John
August 2009
Thanks John. You are spot on with your answer. If I have identified the inlet side correctly, then the first pump is the faulty one. Will the system continue to function ok, or does it sound like it is heading for a full breakdown due to the strain of losing one smc unit?

Tony
August 2009
If both pumps are blue you have an SMC pump/divertor system. One unit is a pump the other a divertor, they are NOT both pumps. Your best option is to replace the the second in line unit which will have an outlet to the side with either a single zone valve or 3 port divertor valve. Either way the system will need the wiring reconfiguring. This is not a simple task and will need doing by a competent heating engineer. Another solution is to replace the lot with a combi, unless of course you can source the SMC replacement which I think unlikely.

John
August 2009
Thanks all for your answers. Even with one failed pump, the radiators heat up and so does the water. It's not a Grundfos plan pump, if the images on the web are anything to go by, but we do have 8 stat controlled rads all from 3 to 5 feet in length. Any ideas??

Tony
August 2009
You have a Grunfos Pump Plan, One Pump supplies the Hot Water Primary heating, the other provides Radiator Circuit, The inlet connection is the Branch to the side of the set, the outlets are top & bottom, each outlet has a push-in non-Return Valve fitted to prevent back flow, however they can be problematic, but can be repalced separately

www.elanar.co.uk
August 2009
assuming it's not a twin pump arrangement (only likely if it's a very large property) it sounds like you have fully pumped c/h and h/w but instead of using motorised valves to control them, whoever installed it has used separate pumps instead. it's a bit unusual but nothing wrong with it.

Ian
August 2009
to heating circut controled trought stats

brian dunne
August 2009
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