Bradford White
Circulator Pump Mechanical Failure
Boiler is very noisy, with loud humming or grinding from the circulator area.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Worn pump bearings, Debris in impeller, Air-locked circulator, Incorrect pump speed setting
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off power and allow the boiler and piping to cool before touching the pump.
- Step 1 – Bleed air from pump: Some circulators have a bleed screw on the front. With the system off and cool, place a towel under the screw and open it slightly to release trapped air until water flows steadily.
- Step 2 – Check for debris: If the pump has a removable cartridge, isolate the boiler, drain down, and remove the pump head. Inspect the impeller for debris and clean carefully.
- Step 3 – Verify speed setting: On multi-speed pumps, ensure the speed is set according to system design. Excessive speed can cause noise and erosion.
- Step 4 – Replace pump if worn: If the pump shaft has excessive play or the motor is noisy even after bleeding, replace the circulator with a Bradford White-approved model.
- Step 5 – Refill and purge: After any pump work, refill the system and purge air from all zones.
Note: Running a circulator dry or air-locked can quickly damage bearings.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
System Circulator Pump
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