Pump on constantly

[AnnNeedsHelp]

I had a new boiler fitted on Saturday. The existing controls (pump, room stat and timer all original since 1984 and working). However, after boiler switched off, the pump continued to run so I switch off at mains but now cannot get the boiler/pump to run. The engineer is ignoring my calls. I have looked at the pump and can see Grundfos UPS Model 916. It has a central groove and another sort of grey little 'box' on the left. I'm too scared to touch anything. How did the engineer switch it on? I'm getting upset as the engineer fails to answer my calls (but he is well known for that). The new boiler Vaillant eCoTEC Plus is far more sophisticated than previous - electronic controls. Can anybody advise me please how to 'kick-start' the pump? I wondered if it just got stuck as it has been off for a few weeks. Other than that it operates well so just because it is old doesn't mean needs replacing? I've stressed myself out all day - hence resorting to forum for help. All views welcome but please keep simple as I'm a woman! Thank you all.

 

[ecowarm]

Hi Anne send him a letter, put the problems in writing and keep a copy, if no reply go and see a laywer

 

[splinterdream]

Annneedshelp I'm afraid you are going to have to call out an engineer out to diagnose the problem. Just because the components were working before the install it doesn't mean they're going to work after it. The draining down, chemicals and general disturbance of the whole process may have caused your old components to break down. When we quote you for a new boiler we wont always quote you for new components as we want to keep price cheap however it is always advisable to get these things changed, especially if its components as old as yours

 

[Dannypipe]

Where in the country are you. Could be a simple fault but its going to be tricky to fix over the internet unless you can give us photos and more info.

 

[doitmyself]

However, after boiler switched off, the pump continued to run so I switch off at mains but now cannot get the boiler/pump to run.

How long did it run for before you switched off at the mains? Your new boiler has "pump overrun", which means that the pump will continue to run for several minutes after the boiler has stopped. It does this to prevent the boiler overheating.

I have looked at the pump and can see Grundfos UPS Model 916. It has a central groove and another sort of grey little 'box' on the left.

We need to check if the pump has stuck.

You will need:
A torch
Some rags (just in case a little water escapes)

Turn the power off
In the centre of the pump there is a silver screw (about half inch across). Use a screwdriver to remove this; you may get a slight water leak. (This is where the rags will come in handy.)
Shine your torch into the hole and you will see a black shaft with a screw driver slot across the end.
Use a screw driver in the slot and see if you can turn the shaft.

If it turns OK, the pump is probably OK and the fault is due to an electrical fault. But if the pump will not turn or is very stiff to turn, it's time for a new pump. (After 27 years!!)

 

[stevetheplumber]

amazes me why you would use an installer who is known for not answering his phone could it be his cheap?

 

[royston]

amazes me why you would use an installer who is known for not answering his phone could it be his cheap?

What i was thinking, unless Ann found out the hard way after job was done.

 

[AnnNeedsHelp]

Thank you for the most helpful advice - the most sensible on here thus far! You guys might be installing boilers etc everyday but people like me it's a huge thing and quite stressful when there are snags. Some of the flippant comments people make - surely using these forums for the wrong purpose?

 

[IDCHAPPY]

Thank you for the most helpful advice - the most sensible on here thus far! You guys might be installing boilers etc everyday but people like me it's a huge thing and quite stressful when there are snags. Some of the flippant comments people make - surely using these forums for the wrong purpose?

It's just people opinions Ann, everyones allowed them.
If you don't want to touch the pump and cant get in touch with the installer, then it sounds like you may have to call in another engineer.

 

[AnnNeedsHelp]

Well Steve, I did get several quotes...!! The chosen one was the most realistic with a very detailed excel spreadsheet itemising everything in the minutiae. Compared this to majority to only gave verbal quotes for total job; a guy turning up with his tatoos and Calvin Kleins on full show who was willing to travel 60 miles to quote!; another working for a Midlands company (some 100 miles away) - he used traditional paper/carbon handwritten quote and did not fill me with any confidence as I seemd to know more than him! I'm happy with the work done.... the pump developed afterwards. Yes it's very annoying... but at least I know where he lives!

 

[AnnNeedsHelp]

Hi - thanks Chappy. Yes - I might call somebody else but it's not good. This is a 'recognized installer' on one of the big boiler manufacturers so I guess he gets a good deal from them and will cover the guarantee! Fingers crossed nothing goes wrong with the boiler itself. Deep breath!

 

[AnnNeedsHelp]

Have resolved issue. It appears the pump was originally wired differently (and went off with the boiler) however the new boiler it stayed on (not reading any message about switching off). Bizarre... but resolved. Thank you kind souls!

 

[mylesy]

if the boiler was hot when you turned the power off the heat build up could have tripped the limit stat. but it really could be anything. but when it is all up and running the pump may need to be set to suit your system, with its speed. so you get correct flow and return temps.