Wilo circulation pump for heating systems, instructions for the Wilo unit

Wilo is a well-known manufacturer of pumping equipment, the entire manufacturing and assembly cycle of which is carried out in Germany. He entered the world stage in 1928 with an innovative development at that time - a circulation pump.

Over almost a century of history, the company’s product range has expanded significantly, which allows you to choose a pump for any task. The only things that have remained unchanged are the principles on which production is based - professionalism, honesty and responsibility to consumers.

Briefly about the Vilo company

The WILO Group is the world's leading manufacturer of pumping equipment used in households, utilities and industry. The company was founded back in 1872, when its founder, Louis Uplander, began producing hardware.

WILO is currently a leader in digital innovation. The company compares favorably with its competitors with highly efficient and energy-saving solutions, which allows it to produce high-quality equipment according to German standards. Now the enterprises of this company are open all over the world, their number reaches 60.

The VILO RUS division, founded in 1997, operates on the domestic market. Now it includes 30 branches. In 2016, we opened our own service center, which specializes in repairing WILO equipment.

Features of WILO brand pumps

The company's main goal is to create equipment that will make users' lives more comfortable. It is for this reason that all manufactured devices are characterized by reliability. Pumps can have different designs, applications and functionality. The entire model range has the main advantage of energy efficiency, which allows you to save money on electricity.

Advantages

In modern heating systems, natural circulation is most often used. But there are situations when forced transportation of coolant is required. To achieve this task, you need to know how to choose the right pumping equipment. The choice is influenced by many factors, but the most important is the power indicator, the intensity of the water supply will depend on it.

WILO products are characterized by the following performance advantages:

Has no heat losses.
Corrosion-resistant materials are used to manufacture equipment components.
The system is controlled automatically. As a rule, models have a built-in thermostat, and an LCD display is provided to display all functions. If desired, you can switch to manual control, which is necessary to control the shaft speed.
Even if a high-power model is selected, it will work almost silently.
Compact sizes. This allows you to install the pump in the desired location without much difficulty.
It is connected using spring terminals, which does not take much effort and time.
The rotor and motor have a multi-stage protection system, which makes the unit immune to power surges.

The only disadvantage of modern pumping units is that they require electricity to operate fully. Therefore, it is not recommended to purchase them for areas where there are problems with the supply of electric current.

The devices are suitable for both heating systems and air conditioning. The model range includes dozens of different types that differ in characteristics and functionality. Therefore, choosing the right model for a specific task will not be difficult.

Prices for the range of WILO circulation pumps

circulation pumps WILO

Advantages of devices

Thanks to the special properties of the Wilo pump, the efficiency of the heating system increases significantly. In this case, thin pipes can be used, which, in turn, helps reduce material and fuel costs. Also, when using a pump, the volume of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere is reduced, and the daily consumption of electrical energy is no more than 250 W.

Of course, such a device is not cheap. You will have to pay a large amount for its purchase, but the cost will certainly pay off later when used due to energy savings and durability. The device will not require repair for a long time.

Vilo pumps have many positive properties.

During operation, the working part of the pump is constantly washed by the pumped liquid, so there is no need for regular maintenance of the unit

The most important of them are the following:

After water evaporates, there is no heat loss.
The operation of the system can be controlled automatically. The device has a liquid crystal screen, a built-in thermostat and other elements that allow control. You can also manually switch the speed of rotation of the working shaft.
Compared to many circulation pumps from other brands, Wilo devices are quite compact and therefore do not take up much space.
The motor and rotor have a multi-stage protection system that helps prevent failure due to sudden surges in voltage in the electrical network.
The motor operates silently, making it possible to install the device in residential buildings.

Wilo pumps are used in small rooms of several hundred square meters. The selection is carried out according to such parameters as power, volume of circulated water, room area and pressure height. The last parameter is the most important.

You can see how to distinguish an original pump from a fake in the following video:

Types of circulation equipment "VILO"

Many owners of suburban housing are faced with the problem of choosing equipment for efficient heating of a large area - up to several hundred square meters. The natural circulation created by a conventional heater is insufficient, because the pressure in such a system rarely exceeds 0.6 MPa.

This problem is solved in two ways:

A closed system of large-diameter communications is being constructed. Here you need to take into account that the materials will not be cheap.
A circulation pump is added to the system.

A more economical option is the second one. It will improve the circulation of coolant in the system, which will increase heating efficiency. Modern pumping units produced by the WILO brand come in two types, the features of which will be discussed below.

With dry rotor

Such devices are used in long-distance heating systems. Between the pump motor and the rotor there are sealing rings, the operation of which is designed for 3 years. During operation, the rotor does not come into contact with the coolant. Thanks to this, the device is reliably protected from corrosion and requires virtually no maintenance. The advantage of dry rotor pumps is their high level of efficiency, reaching 80%.

It should be borne in mind that this type of product is quite noisy, so they are installed in a specially designed room. It is important that there are no foreign particles in the liquid that could damage the O-rings.

With wet rotor

With the help of such models, country houses where heating systems are of short extent are heated. A distinctive feature is the presence of a rotor and impeller, which is necessary to accelerate the movement of the coolant. The rotor itself rotates in a liquid, which additionally serves as a coolant for the mechanism.

When installing such pumps, it is important that their shaft is located in a horizontal plane - only under such conditions will water always remain in the housing.

Glandless rotor pumps have the following advantages:

almost no noise during operation;
have a built-in mechanism for switching the rotor rotation speed;
are reliable;
characterized by a long service life;
do not require additional maintenance;
easy to set up and repair.

The efficiency of these installations does not exceed 50%.

Features of devices of this brand

The technical characteristics of the wilo pump, when included in the heating system, make it possible to increase its efficiency by increasing the heat transfer of the coolant. In addition, their participation in the operation of the system allows the use of pipes with a smaller cross-section, which leads to lower costs for materials and fuel and, accordingly, to a reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. And the amount of electricity consumed does not exceed 250 W per day.

Of course, the price of the device is quite high, but it more than pays off due to such savings, as well as the reliability and durability of the pump design. It was originally designed for continuous operation in difficult conditions: under high pressure and at any temperature of the circulating fluid.

Pump design

The device is easy to connect with your own hands thanks to a well-thought-out mechanism with spring-loaded terminals. There is no fan, so wet rotor pumps make virtually no noise during operation.

Vilo circulation pumps are used in heating systems of relatively small rooms ranging from 200 to 1000 sq.m. – in private houses, cottages, etc. They are selected according to parameters such as the volume of pumped liquid, power, heated area. But their main characteristic is the height of the pressure created.

System installation diagram

Types of pumps by number of speeds

The design of each pump provides a certain number of speeds. The performance of the equipment depends on this parameter. WILO products are available in single and multi-speed, allowing you to choose the product for your specific system.

Single speed

Such models are not regulated in terms of operating speed. If you turn them on, they will only work at maximum power. These products are the simplest from a technical point of view and affordable, since the design does not contain additional elements - regulators. This option is convenient in situations where the pump must operate at maximum power - as a rule, these are common cases, which is why such products are very popular.

Multi-speed

Thanks to the presence of several speeds, the user can choose the intensity of operation of the pumping equipment. For example, in some situations it is not necessary for the device to operate at full power, and a reduced speed is set. This leads to energy savings and less wear on the working mechanism.

Modern equipment can have 3 or even 4 speeds, so the user himself decides in which mode the pump will operate. More speeds are not found.

Design and principle of operation of Wilo circulation pumps

The most important function performed by circulation equipment is the creation and provision of conditions for the constant movement of coolant in the heating system. Thanks to well-established circulation, the surface of the water circuit warms up evenly, no matter how far away the boiler is. The Wilo circulation pump provides the required pressure and is suitable for connection to heating systems of any configuration.

More information about the types of circulation pumps can be found in this article

The German company Wilo is the founder of all modern circulation pumps. At the beginning of the 20th century, the company developed the first system for forced movement of liquid in pipes. It was the Vilo company that developed the first series of electronically controlled water heating pumps (1988).

Despite great competition, the company still holds a leading position in this area. A distinctive feature of the products is an integrated approach to solving problems such as heating, air conditioning/refrigeration.

The pumps are designed with a wet rotor. The impeller and all moving parts are completely immersed in the coolant. The principle by which the device operates is the contact of the impeller with the liquid medium.

The technical characteristics of the Wilo circulation pump meet the highest requirements:

Wide range of operating parameters - maximum pressure up to 16 bar, coolant temperature from -10°C to +110°C.
Thanks to the centrifugal wheel, radial movement of water is ensured, thereby reducing hydraulic resistance.
The control system is three-stage, with an extended switching interface or with automatic power control.

The design of Wilo pumps is very well thought out, it is characterized by high efficiency and productivity. The produced models are suitable for radiators, multi-circuit heating systems, as well as hot water supply and air conditioning.

Marking

For each model of manufactured equipment, in addition to the instructions, a special plate is attached, on which all the necessary technical designations are applied. If you know how to read them, it becomes clear for what purpose the pump is used, its performance characteristics and much more.

Several models of WILO pumps are currently available:

Star-RS (RSL, RSD) - heating systems, air conditioning, refrigeration;
Star-E - industrial heating models with electronic control;
Star-AC - refrigeration and air conditioning;
Star-Z - hot water supply;
Star-ST - solar thermal systems.

To make it clearer, let's look at an example.

WILO Star-XX 25/1-5 YY:

Star — equipment type;
eXX - for which systems it is suitable;
25 - indicator of the internal diameter of the pipe;
1–5 - possible pressure, measured in meters;
YY - single- or three-phase electric motor.

These are the basic parameters found in the device name.

What else is indicated in the labeling:

brand logo;
product number and production date;
model;
Class F - indicator of resistance to heating of the coolant;
IP - pump protection level;
PN - permissible operating pressure;
Tmax—maximum operating temperature level;
SV0 — availability of software (if additional functionality is connected, then this parameter is of great importance);
P1max, P1min - permissible temperature ranges;
Imax, Imin - current required for operation;
1–230 V - voltage.

These designations are the most common and, based only on them, you can already make the right choice of equipment. All other characteristics are indicated in the product passport.

Common labeling

When choosing a Wilo brand pump, you should pay attention to the letter and number designations that come after the main part of the name. Each of the letter designations indicates the type of product, and the numbers in the product labeling indicate its most important characteristics.

Using one speed switch, the pump is controlled

For example:

if the name of the device contains the word “Drain”, it means that it is intended for use in a drainage system;
devices whose markings contain the words “TWU” or “Sub TWU” are designed for use in wells;
if the name contains the word “Drainlift” or two capital letters “KH”, then the equipment is suitable for use in sewerage;
devices with the letter combinations “RS” and “RSD” are circulation devices, and they are used in heating systems.

Let’s say the circulation pump you just purchased says “Star-RS 25/7”. From this designation you can immediately understand that this is a device that is designed for connection to pipes with a width of 25 mm, and its pressure height is 7 m.

The most popular devices today are Wilo Star RS and Wilo TOP-S. Wilo TOP-S pumps can have a threaded or flanged connection. Each of them has several rotation speed options. They can be used not only in heating systems, but also in air conditioning systems.

As for the price of Wilo TOP-S pumps, it is not too high and not too low. The average cost of one such device is 40 thousand rubles. You can learn about the main parameters of each model from the markings.

A motor that is resistant to blocking currents ensures the reliability and safety of the pump.
For example, if the pump is labeled “Wilo TOP-S 40 10”, you can immediately understand from just one number that the technical characteristics of this Wilo heating circulation pump are:

the width of the pipes for connection to the system is 40 mm;
the lowest head height at zero flow is 10 m.

In the production of Wilo pumps, only materials that are particularly durable and can withstand corrosion and other negative influences are used. Most often, such materials are cast iron, metal graphite, steel with anti-corrosion properties, as well as modern polymers. Therefore, when purchasing one of these devices, you can rest assured that it will last a long time if used correctly.

As a rule, choose a pump

Many users do not know what equipment parameters to pay attention to when choosing.

Many factors affecting the operation of the heating system are taken into account:

Required amount of heat. There are many important conditions at play here: room area, ceiling height, number of storeys, number of windows and doors, as well as the material used to make them. The insulation factor of the basement and attic is also taken into account.
Climatic conditions of the area. When choosing, you should take into account the minimum air temperature, frequency of wind loads and other features.
Design of a heated structure. The thickness and material of the walls, floors and ceilings are taken into account. The presence of a ventilation system in the house is of no small importance.

In short, there are many criteria that should be taken into account when selecting effective equipment. If skills and knowledge are not enough, you should contact specialists.

Also taken into account: the number of installed batteries, boiler power, features of the water distribution scheme. Another important indicator is pressure. To determine it, they are based on the total hydraulic resistance of the system. As a rule, this parameter is indicated at the design stage of the house.

If the living area is small (less than 3000 m2), then this makes the choice easier:

200 m2 - WILO Star RS 25 2;
350 m2 - Star RS 25 4;
520 m2 - Star RS 25 6 or RSD 30 6;
700 m2 - Star RS 25 7 or 30 7.

All manufactured equipment operates almost silently and does not require maintenance. In addition, ease of control is achieved through built-in automation.

Characteristics of popular series

The most popular today are the pumps of the Wilo-TOP-S and Wilo Star RS series; we will tell you more about their characteristics.

Wilo-TOP-S

Wilo-TOP-S pumps with a wet rotor can be with a flanged or threaded connection, and have the ability to select speed stages. They are used not only in water heating systems, but also in air conditioning systems, industrial circulation plants, and closed cooling circuits.

For reference. Pumps in this series belong to the middle price segment - their cost reaches 40,000 rubles.

The main parameters of each model are indicated in the labeling.

For example, the wilo top s 40 10 pump has the following characteristics:

40 is the nominal internal diameter in mm of the pipes for connection to the system;
10 – nominal pressure or delivery height in meters at zero flow.

For example, the table shows the characteristics of the wilo top s 40 7 pump.

Operating temperature range	Bandwidth	Power consumption	Connector Diameter	Installation	Maximum head
0C	m3/h	W	inch	m
from -20 to +130	17	400	1,25	vertical	7

And the following picture graphically shows the main characteristics of all pumps in this series.

Dependence of pressure on supply

Wilo Star RS

These circulation pumps have only a threaded connection, as well as a wet rotor and three speed stages with which the power is regulated. The instructions allow their use in water heating systems, air conditioning, heated floors, cold water supply, as well as in circulating industrial installations.

For reference. Pumps of this series are more in demand among individual consumers, as they are much cheaper. Their price ranges from 5000-9000 rubles.

Here are the characteristics of the most popular devices:

Pump name	Operating temperature range	Bandwidth	Power consumption	Connector Diameter	Installation	Maximum head
0C	m3/h	W	inch	m
Pump wilo star rs 25 2 characteristics	from – 10 to +110	2,2	49	1	horizontal/vertical	2
Pump wilo star rs 25 6 characteristics	from – 10 to +110	3,9	85	1,5	horizontal/vertical	6
Pump wilo star rs 25 8 characteristics	from – 10 to +110	5,8	176	1,25	horizontal/vertical	8
Pump wilo star rs 30 6 characteristics	from – 10 to +110	3,5	99	1,25	horizontal/vertical	6
Pump wilo star rs 30 7 characteristics	from – 10 to +110	5	85	1,25	horizontal/vertical	7
Pump wilo star rs 30 8 characteristics	from – 10 to +110	6	39	1,25	horizontal/vertical	8

Technical characteristics in graphical form

Advice. Selecting the right unit is quite simple: you need to compare the characteristics specified in the technical data sheet with the required parameters. If it is difficult for you to do this, tell the consultant in the store the area of the heated room, the diameter of the pipes and other parameters, and he will select a pump for you.

Review of popular models and their costs

The WILO brand produces a wide range of pumping equipment for heating country houses. All models differ in many parameters: power, pressure, coolant temperature and other characteristics.

Star

The equipment in this line is used in domestic conditions and is suitable for organizing a heating system in a small house.

There are two series:

Star RS . This includes 12 models, labeled from 15-4 to 30-8. Heat-resistant cast iron is used to make the body. Parts that come into contact with the coolant during operation are made of stainless steel. Star RS adjustment is manual, and these pumps allow you to create pressure up to 10 bar. The maximum throughput is 6 m3 per hour.
Star RSD . These are more functional devices. With their help, you can increase the pressure in the system. Devices connected to such a pump can last longer. In addition, the module can be simultaneously connected to two circuits at once. The device is equipped with a special switch necessary for adjusting electric motors. The weight of the device is only 5 kg, but it is capable of providing the required pressure for a house with an area of 750 m2.

We should also highlight the model 15 WILO Star Z Nova, which is used for recirculation in hot water supply systems. The pressure and performance of each model vary. The price of these devices starts at 3,600 rubles.

Top

This category of pumps is used in heating systems of large cottages and apartment buildings. Thanks to their high performance, they can be connected to systems where the heating area does not exceed 1400 m2.

A distinctive feature is the presence of thermal insulation, so the device is suitable for outdoor installation. The maximum operating pressure is 10 bar.

The following models are produced:

R.L. and S. _ These are the most productive devices with a wet rotor, which are equipped with one or two motors. Connect to a single- or three-phase network. The three-speed pump is equipped with a mechanical switch.
Z. _ By purchasing this unit, you don’t have to worry about the quality of the coolant. Often the Z 15 TT 1 model is chosen, which is not afraid of calcium or magnesium deposits. There are no strict requirements in terms of installation location.
TOP . These are basic devices, the number of which is more than 50. They differ in flange size and performance.

In a word, if you need an appliance for a large home, you should pay attention to the Top series, where you will definitely find a suitable model. You can buy a circulation pump for heating WILO at a price of 15,150 rubles.

Stratos

This is a relatively new invention in the field of pumping equipment. The key feature is the built-in LCD display, which is used for control. The screen displays the necessary information about the operation of the device. The line was created taking into account the fact that the pumps will be installed in large heating systems. Connection to a boiler with a power of 25 kW or more is possible.

Main features:

power adjustment from 2 to 48 W;
the presence of a night mode, during which a minimum of electricity is consumed;
automatic adjustment of operating parameters, for which the controller must be connected to a room thermostat.

Among the list of models there are 2 interesting ones: one with a bronze body and increased productivity (16 bar). This line performs best in energy-saving systems. The cost starts from 10,485 rubles.

Yonos

These are models equipped with an electronic control unit and air protection. An additional function is to remove solid deposits from liquids. Switching modes is mechanical. If you need to achieve efficiency, the device is switched to automatic mode. The display panel displays operating information: what is the pressure in the system, how much electricity does the pump consume, and so on.

This series is one of the latest released by the company, therefore it has absorbed all the positive qualities of its predecessors. The price of these modern devices is from 8900 rubles.

Wilo pumps for heating systems

Circulation pumps "Vilo" Star RS series with wet rotor

"Star RS" is one of the most popular and popular classes of pumps built into heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
The leading design feature is the wet rotor. This means that the working part of the pump is constantly washed with liquid during operation and does not require periodic maintenance. All pumps with this marking can be manually adjusted, thanks to which you can choose one of 3 possible operating speeds. Each of them involves certain energy costs.

Features of the Wilo Star RS circulation pumps:

Suitable for vertical and horizontal installation;
selection of the position of the terminal box, which can be connected from 2 sides and disconnected from the cable entry;
3-stage shaft speed switch;
ease of operation and installation due to special turnkey moldings on the body;
wide temperature range of the pumped medium – from -10 to +110 0С;
suitability for the distillation of water without caustic chemical impurities and a water-glycol mixture in a 1:1 ratio;
cast iron body and plastic impeller, reinforced with fiberglass;
perforated stainless steel shaft;
cartridge equipped with a filter;
graphite bearings coated with a metal layer;
an engine that does not require additional thermal protection;
Possibility of electrical connection with spring terminals;
light weight.

Star RS pumps cover a number of models, which are grouped by indicators:

nominal internal diameter (in mm) - this figure comes first in the name;
water supply criterion (in m) is the second number in the pump marking.

For example, in the Wilo Star RS-25/2 model, the internal cross-section of the pipe is 25 mm, and the feed is 2 m.

The most popular options for such pumps on the domestic market are:

RS-25/2;
Star RS-25/4;
RS-25/6;
RS-25/7.

Technical characteristics of the Vilo Star RS-25/2, RS-25/4, RS-25/6 and RS-25/7 pumps:

Mounting base – 18 cm;
Pressure – 10 bar;
Pressure – 2/4/6/7 m;
Power consumption (in 3 modes) – 18, 30, 45/28, 38, 48/43, 61, 84/62, 92, 132 W;
Thread diameter – 1.5 inches;
Weight – 2.44/2.98/3.16/2.8 kg.

"Wilo" Top S-30/10

A circulation pump with a wet rotor, which is connected to a closed circuit thanks to a thread or flange. It has a reliable design and electrical circuit, protected from moisture penetration by an additional casing made of steel alloy.

Advantages:

equipped with a pre-cleaning filter that prevents dirt particles from passing to the impeller;
the ability to switch to an uninterrupted operation mode that is effective for production areas;
durable cast iron body and polypropylene impeller;
steel shaft;
carbon bearings;
adaptability to higher/lower t 0C water – within -20 +130 0.

Working properties:

Thread – 1.25 inches;
Effort – 180 W;
Head – 10 m;
Throughput – 17 m3/h;
Weight – 6.3 kg.

"Vilo" TOP-S 40/10

A circulation pump with a wet rotor, which is successfully used both in everyday life and in industry. Its power potential and design capabilities are sufficient for connection to heat mains, closed heating, air conditioning or cooling circuits.

Peculiarities:

large internal cross-section for insertion into the pipeline;
possibility of short-term work with boiling liquid (about +1400);
increased electrical safety of the device;
3-position motor shaft rotation mode, for which there is a control indicator;
built-in alarm system that triggers when a breakdown is detected;
Available with both 1-phase and 3-phase motors.

Technical parameters of "Vilo" Top-S40/10:

Productivity – 21 m3/h;
Head – 10 m;
Thread – 40 mm;
Dimensions – 25 x 23 x 30 cm;
Weight – 15.5 kg.

Wilo pumps Stratos series

They represent one of the company's latest developments with a wet rotor. They are distinguished by full automation of operation and economical energy consumption. Their installation is possible in private boiler houses for gas and solid fuel boilers for the purpose of accelerated distillation of hot water and saving gas consumption, in industrial refrigeration units, and in utility units.

Peculiarities:

equipped with an LCD monitor for visualization and monitoring of operating modes;
Ease of Management;
adjustment of power and rotation speed in “automatic” mode;
freeing the rotor cavity from air accumulation without operator participation;
motor part with emergency safety device;
easy start;
support for some formats of memory cards and IF modules;
connection to the network using a special connector.

Working properties:

Pressure – 4…10 m;
Capacity – 7…62 m3/h;
Power – 0.065…1.3 kW;
Pressure – 6/10 bar.

Star Z Nova

Unlike other Vilo circulation equipment, this pump is strictly designed for closed circuits and hot water supply. It is used both in everyday life and in industry, solving local problems of hot water supply.

Advantages:

production resource for 7 years of operation without breakdowns;
minimal energy costs;
brass body;
steel impeller and motor shaft4
carbon-ceramic bearings;
equipped with Vilo-Connector connector;
power supply from a household network with a voltage of 230 V;
half-inch pipes;
maintainability – repair and replacement of the engine or other spare parts is carried out in a short time;
Suitable for hot but not boiling water at temp. +65 0С.

Performance characteristics:

Productivity – 350 l/h;
Pressure height – 90 cm;
Power consumption – 2.5 W;
Outlet pipes – ½.

Installation features

Installation can be done using different methods.

There are 2 schemes:

Single-pipe. The coolant is constantly consumed, while temperature differences are insignificant.
Two-pipe. With high drops and variable flow rates.

Before starting installation work, study the instructions for the product in detail. It is also important to choose the installation location, namely, there must be access to the device for maintenance. Most often, equipment of this type is installed in front of the boiler. Installation on the supply is not relevant, since there is a possibility of creating a vacuum.

Installation steps:

The remaining liquid is drained from the system.
The pipeline is being cleaned.
The pump itself and auxiliary fittings are being installed.
Liquid is poured into the system, from which excess air is removed.

For proper installation, circuit preparation is required. Thanks to it, the device will be able to continue working even if the power is turned off. The diameter of the main pipe and the bypass must be different.

By following these recommendations, even a novice master can handle the installation:

To achieve maximum performance, the shaft of the device must be in a horizontal plane.
The terminal box is installed on top.
There should be a ball valve on each side of the pump, which is necessary for subsequent maintenance.
The system must have a filter that removes small particles from the coolant.
There should be a valve on top of the bypass line to remove air.
The presence of shut-off valves is necessary to prevent water from leaking.
An expansion tank is provided for an open heating system.
To improve performance, the connection points of the device must be properly sealed.

Proper installation in compliance with all rules and recommendations is the key to efficient operation of pumping equipment.

Recommendations for operation and maintenance

Various problems may arise during operation of the circulation pump. The design of WILO products is so simple that you can service them yourself, without the help of professionals.

Frequently encountered problems and ways to solve them:

The shaft stopped rotating. These pumps operate so quietly that it is impossible to immediately determine the cause of the breakdown. To identify a malfunction, a special shaft rotation tester is used. If the scale shows no movement, the device must be disconnected from the power supply. This situation sometimes occurs during long periods of inactivity or when a foreign object gets inside the camera. In any case, you will have to disassemble the pump and unscrew the shaft, and then remove foreign particles from it.
A creak appeared. Most often this happens when the system heats up. A squeaking sound is heard when the engine pulley begins to come into contact with the starter plug. To eliminate this problem, it is enough to install a gasket on the plug. If this does not help, then the part of the pulley that rubs against the bushing can be sawed off, but not more than 3 mm.
The pump stalls. Usually the reason lies in the formation of scale, which needs to be cleaned with a brush. If the system has a coarse filter, this problem practically does not arise.
Pump vibration. This indicates that the bearings need to be replaced. The appearance of vibration may also indicate a drop in pressure, which should be increased. Sometimes reducing the viscosity of the coolant helps.
Low water pressure. The problem indicates that the device is not connected correctly. This can happen if the filter is dirty, the water pipes are faulty, or there is a large amount of glycol in the coolant.

These emergency situations occur extremely rarely and are most often due to improper connection of equipment. In any case, they can be fixed simply and without the use of special tools.

Why do you need a circulation pump at all?

In some cases, you can completely do without this element when it comes to systems with natural circulation. In this case, the coolant moves through the pipes due to the pressure difference that occurs when water is heated in the boiler. When heated, the coolant expands, part of it is simply squeezed up the supply pipe, rising to the highest point, the water enters the radiators and, gradually cooling, moves back to the boiler (see also the article “Grundfos circulation pumps for home heating”).

The only advantage of such an organization of home heating is absolute independence from electricity. This is important, for example, when heating a country house or cottage in a hard-to-reach area. In addition, the absence of moving elements in the system extends its service life

But it is better to install a circulation pump for Vilo heating at the entrance to the boiler.

As for the advantages, installing such a device makes it possible to:

ensure stable circulation of coolant through the pipes. Modern models are able to reduce the speed themselves, making the heating of the house less intense. This quality is especially useful in terms of financial savings;
the pressure will not depend on the diameter of the pipe (in systems with natural circulation it is better not to use small diameters);
installing a pump does not reduce the durability of the system as a whole; modern models can last 20-30 years.

Characteristics of a number of Wilo models

The only disadvantages that can be noted are the small costs of electricity and noise. But the boiler is usually located in a separate room, and the price of electricity is not so high as to refuse the pump.

How to recognize a fake

WILO is a popular equipment, so now you can often stumble upon a fake. If the product is original, it is covered by a warranty. A separate category is the Chinese WILO pumps, whose service life is only 2–3 years, while the original can last up to 15 years.

How to visually identify a fake:

The original packaging has a cubic shape with high-quality glossy paint. Fakes are placed in a rectangular box.
A sticker is attached to the original device; for fakes, the article number, serial number and other data are printed.
The serial number is not stamped on the body of the counterfeit device.
On the original the arrow showing the direction of water movement is large, on Chinese products it is small.

In addition to visual qualities, you should also pay attention to the internal design.

Differences:

The rotor and stator are marked on their housings, indicating the serial number and date of manufacture.
In original models, the upper part of the device is detached from the rotor, which makes the device repairable.
Electronics must also be marked.

These are the key points by which you can distinguish the original from a Chinese fake.