Plumbing in a pump

[bpirger]

This is a completely new installation. I know that circulators should be mounted such that the shaft is horizontal. I know where in the plumbing to install the pump (pumping away). How does one actually install the plumbing around a pump? Do I bolt the pump to the flanges (with the o-rings) and then install it as a unit already bolted? Obviously the spacing between the flanges has to be right. It seems like I don't want to tighten the bolts after the plumbing is installed and apply the torque on the plumbing forever, though the require movement ought to be very slight.

Thanks for any comments!

 

[in hot water]

I like the B&G brand of isoflanges best, although the Webstone with the purge port are nice also. Be sure to use plated bolts and nuts. I think everyone but Taco sends plated bolts.

It takes a metric allen wrench, but removing the pump from the volute assures you get solder balls and debris flushed out. It takes some weight out of the package also.

The pump can be in a vertical line just not mounted with the shaft straight up as it traps air at the motor bearing when mounted up.

hr

 

[heaterman]

This is a completely new installation. I know that circulators should be mounted such that the shaft is horizontal. I know where in the plumbing to install the pump (pumping away). How does one actually install the plumbing around a pump? Do I bolt the pump to the flanges (with the o-rings) and then install it as a unit already bolted? Obviously the spacing between the flanges has to be right. It seems like I don't want to tighten the bolts after the plumbing is installed and apply the torque on the plumbing forever, though the require movement ought to be very slight.

Thanks for any comments!

We will typically install the first flange, then bolt on the circ (not tightly) and then attach the other flange and pipe from there. It depends of the installation. The trick is to leave enough flex or give in the piping to allow for later removal and reinstallation for service or replacement. That's the reason for not initially bolting the flanges tight.
Webstone's latest version of their rotating flange has a spring tension ring that keeps everything held in place while you fit it up. You don't have to try and hold the flange, the circ, the bolt and the nut all at one time while assembling.