If your boiler pump fails, then it’s possible to check whether or not there is a problem with your impellor, using your boiler pump multitool.
What is an impellor?
An impellor is a rotating cylinder with angled slats on both its flat and curved surfaces..
These angled slats draw water into the cylinder as it spins and push it back out through the sides, causing water to circulate around your central heating system.
How to find out if your boiler pump has failed because of the impellor
Step 1 – Turn off power
The impellor is one of the components of your boiler that could have broken down if your pump is no longer working.
First, turn off all electrical power to the boiler and make sure it cannot be accidentally restored.
Step 2 – Protect against water damage
Use the gate valves either side of your boiler pump to cut off the water supply using grips or pliers.
Put down towels to protect flooring or electrics.
Step 3 – Detach bleed screw cover plate
Remove the bit that is currently in your multitool’s bit holder.
Using the long, flat bit located on the multitool’s handle, completely unfasten the bleed screw cover plate by twisting the tool anti-clockwise.
Step 4 – Check for water
Check to see if water pours out.
If water pours out…
If water pours out of your pump then the bearings have worn out and your pump will need to be replaced.
Replace the bleed screw cover plate and mop up any spillage.
If water does not pour out…
If only a small amount of water comes out of your pump, there’s still hope!
You’ll need to insert the 4mm flat screwdriver bit into your multitool’s bit holder.
You should be able to see a slot into which you can insert the multitool. Once inserted, gently turn the tool anti-clockwise.
If you cannot turn the impellor shaft anti-clockwise, or if it grinds when you turn it, you will need a new pump.
If it turns anti-clockwise freely, then you’re in the clear! The impellor was probably jammed with particles of limescale or other debris, which you have just dislodged by turning the shaft.
If the impellor shaft turns freely when you test it, but the pump will still not run when you replace the cover plate and switch it back on, you may have an electrical problem with your boiler or a more serious problem with your impellor. Your pump will need to be replaced.