Circulation Pump Installation Manual

There are many types and brands of circulator pumps such as Unitech and B & G Pumps. There are many other brands on the market as well. Installing a circulator pump can be easy and trouble free providing you have all the right tools and materials.

The circulator pump also requires a source of electricity and depending how big of a circulating pump you are installing will depend on how much voltage you will need to have brought in to the area that you are working. Most circulators will also mount using a flange system. Unitech pumps is a leader in the flange system. The flange system makes troubleshooting and repair work a breeze if it need to be performed.

To install a circulator pump you will need the following types of tools. You will need a pipe cutter that will cut the type of pipe that you are working on. You will also need a basic set of open end wrenches and a basic pliers set with electric pliers so you can do the electric hookup after you put in the pump.

Once you have gathered all your tools you will want t make sure that you have the pump, pump flanges, pump flange bolts, plumbing fittings, and also the o-rings or gaskets that are required for the flanges.

Here is how you install a circulator pump:

This guide will explain to you how to install a new circulator pump as well as replace an existing pump.

1) Spread your tools out in a safe place so that you can see everything. Also take the new circulator pump, flanges, gaskets and bolts out of the boxes and bags they came packaged in.

2) Now that you have your tools ready you will want to isolate the area where the pump is being installed. If you are just replacing a circulator then you should have isolation valves on each side of the flange. If this is a brand new install it might require you to shut down a system or a line. Basically make sure the line is NOT live before removing the pump or cutting the pipe.

3)The first thing you should so if this is an existing pump is to shut of the electrical power source and then you will now want to remove the wires that are connected to the motor, followed by recapping the ends with electrical caps. If this is a new application your electrician will probably be there after you install the pump.

4) Determine where you are going to add the circulator pump in the line and mark the pipe to be cut. If you are just replacing a circulator and there is already one there with flanges you will want to unbolt the flange bolts. Once the flange bolts are loose you can remove all but one flange bolt to hold the pump in place. Please note that there maybe water that also pours out when you break the flange seal. The amount of water that comes out will depend on what type of line you are on. If you are just replacing a circulator pump on a boiler it may be a half of a gallon or so that leaks out, but if you are on a big line it could be more. Have something ready to catch the water.

5) If this is a new application and you are sure the supply is off. Measure the pump height, but be sure to take the measurement with the flanges attached. You will now want to cut your pipe in the place that you will be adding the pump. Once you have cut your pipe plumbing the flanges using your tools and fittings.

6) Now if you are installing a circulator pump for the first time or just replacing an existing you both will now have flanges that you can place the circulator pump between the flanges making sure you have your direction of flow correct. Depending on what brand you are using will depend if you have o-rings or gaskets, but either way don't forget to install them as well or your flanges will leak.

7) Reinsert your flange bolts and tighten them side to side equally so that the flange is not crooked or slanted one way or another. Improper tightening of the pump flange can also cause the flange to leak.

8) Once you have your pump in place, the flange gaskets installed, the flange bolts tight, you can now re-hook up your electric to the pump. If this was a new install you will make arrangements to have someone wire this for you, or you maybe able to do this yourself depending on your electrical background.

9) Once the pump is wired tightened and in place be sure to turn the water supply back on first and then you can turn the power on to the pump.