Where and How to Install a Pump for an Outdoor Wood Stove System?
Are you wondering how will you properly install your boiler pump for your outdoor wood stove system?
Well, you are not the only one who has this question in mind. We get this question pretty often. Aside from getting the correct size of your boiler pump, you also want to hook up your pump properly to avoid more problems in the future.
But why is a pump important for an outdoor wood boiler system?
An outdoor wood stove system is an excellent way to heat your home and save on your energy bills. These systems provide efficient and effective heat transfer by using a circulating pump to move water between the stove and your home's heating system. However, for the system to operate well, the pump installation must be done appropriately. We'll go through where and how to build a pump for an outdoor wood stove system in this article.
Where should I install the pump?
The first step in installing a pump for your outdoor wood stove system is to determine where to place it. The pump should be located as close to the stove as possible and mounted vertically. This means the best location is at the back of your outdoor wood furnace. Why? Because this will ensure that the pump can easily move water from the stove to your home's heating system.
Many pumps come with weather-resistant casings, but it's still essential to keep them as dry as possible.
A pump that gets wet can quickly become damaged and fail, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
It's also essential to make sure that the pump is accessible. You will need to perform routine maintenance on the pump, so it should be in a location that is easy to reach. The pump should be mounted so that the pump shaft is level to prevent an airlock as follows:
How do I install the pump?
Remember that there are many ways to hook up the pump but it should always depend on how your supply and return ports at the back of your furnace are positioned.
Remember that there are many ways to hook up the pump but it should always depend on how your supply and return ports at the back of your furnace are positioned. Also, there are different types of fittings that you can use in installing your outdoor wood boiler system including the pump. But what we recommend are crimp fittings so the instructions below are using PEX crimp fittings.
1. Turn off the power. Before you begin installing the pump, make sure to turn off the power to the circuit where the pump will be connected.
2. Attach the End Cap. At the end part of your HEAT MIZER underground insulated PEX pipe, cut away the outer casing and insert the pex cap or end cap. You may remove some parts of the insulation for easy installation. Your PEX tubings have a color distinction that could help you determine the supply and return lines.
3. The pump should be mounted at the outlet or the supply ports.
4. Attach a nipple and depending on how your ports are positioned, you can attach a 90-degree elbow if needed. Then attach the upper isolation valve flange.
5. Before mounting the pump, make sure that the arrow is pointing down. This indicates the direction of the water flow. Then place the gasket O-ring on the grove of the circulator pump and then attach the flange. Mount it using the flange bolts.
6. Attach the other gasket O-ring between the bottom ports of the circulator pump and the bottom flange.
7. Fittings. Attach a 45-degree street elbow if needed and then the PEX crimp MPT fitting.
8. Proceed to the inlet or return ports of your boiler. These steps again depend on how your boiler ports are positioned. On the inlet or the return ports of your boiler, attach a 45-degree street elbow if needed then a ball valve. You may attach another 45-degree elbow if needed before attaching the PEX crimp MPT.
9. Connect your Insulated PEX pipe. In connecting your PEX pipe, you may cut the PEX tubing to the appropriate length and then push and insert it into the PEX crimp MPT. The red PEX tubing (supply line) should be connected to the line where you hook up the pump. The blue line (return line) should be connected to the other line or the inlet port. Lock it with the crimp ring by pressing it using a crimp tool.
10. Insulate the PEX tubing. If you remove the insulation on the end part of the PEX tubings upon installing the pump, we recommend reinsulating them to further prevent heat loss.
11. Connect the electrical wires. Connect the electrical wires from the pump to the appropriate terminals on the circuit breaker. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for wiring.
12. Turn on the power. Once you have connected the electrical wires, turn on the power to the circuit and test the pump to ensure it is working correctly.
A back of the boiler fittings kit is available at our online store with a diagram for your installation guide.
Pump Maintenance
1. Keep the pump clean. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the pump periodically, removing any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.
2. Keep the pump dry. Make sure that the pump is protected from the elements and does not get wet.
3. Check whether your pump is running. Your pump IS WORKING if you have the following conditions:
- Hot Tubing - If the outdoor wood burner is hot, then feel the PEX tubing in your basement.
- Warm Enough - If you are getting enough heat and hot water then there is no problem. But if your PEX pipes are warm, and you are NOT getting enough heat, then you should first try to turn up the setting on the pump.
- Water Flow in Filter - Clean your filter. Once you complete this and open the valves to allow water to circulate back through the filter (and close the bypass), you should see water flowing through the filter.
- Shaft Spinning - On our strong “Brute” pump, there is a silver button on the front nameplate. REMOVE that button with a flathead screwdriver. A small amount of water will dribble out – that is normal. (If there is no water, then you may have an airlock or a ball valve closed preventing the pump to do its job. Do NOT allow this to happen!) Now using a Philips head screwdriver, touch the pump shaft. If the pump is running, you will hear and feel the vibration of the shaft spinning.
4. Keep the pump on all summer. Pumps last a long time if they are run continuously. Read our blog article “Outdoor Furnace Pumps - Should I Keep My Pump ON All Summer?” to get more info.
5. Always have a spare pump. Remember that all Outdoor Boilers are designed to outlast their electronics. That is why we highly recommend always having a spare pump. We don’t want you to suffer from the cold because your pump failed and you still have to order a replacement and wait for it to arrive. Imagine the frustration it could cause to your family if that happens!
We have set up an “Emergency Preparedness Kit” for you!
The standard "Emergency Preparedness Kit" contains four items:
- Pump
- outdoor wood boiler blower fan
- Solenoid
- High Limit Switch
The blower fan must be the correct size to match your boiler.
Conclusion
Installing a pump for your outdoor wood stove system is a critical step in ensuring that your home is heated efficiently and effectively. By following the guidelines above, you can ensure that your pump is installed correctly and maintained properly, ensuring many years of trouble-free service.
Contact OutdoorBoiler.com for more outdoor wood furnace parts and supplies.
