Don’t Overlook Pump Maintenance as You Prepare Your Buildings for Winter

The heating season in New York City is from October 1st through May 31st, during which property owners must maintain indoor temperatures of between 62° F and 68° F, depending on the time of day. Beyond adequate heat, landlords must also ensure adequate water pressure and temperature throughout the year.

Pumps are pivotal in heating and water delivery; thus, pump maintenance is essential to providing a healthy and functional environment. Discover the importance of maintenance on specific pumps and critical points of inspection.

The Importance of Pump Maintenance

Pressure Booster Pumps

NYC depends on a gravity-fed water supply; because of this, highrise buildings require booster pumps to ensure upper levels receive adequate water pressure. The pumps push water from lower levels and help maintain even pressure throughout a property.

Booster pump failure is dangerous and is often the result of poor maintenance or missed inspections. Without working pumps, tenants may not have access to water, opening landlords up to fines, lawsuits, and possible criminal action.

Steam Condensate Pumps

Steam boilers use steam condensate pumps to cycle condensate from a closed heating system back to the heating unit. The condensate that returns to the unit limits the need for additional and colder fill water, helping maintain boiler efficiency.

When a steam condensate pump fails and you ignore maintenance, liquid remains in the system. Condensation in the lines can cause noises, primarily banging or water hammering. Also, the system must use more cold fill water when warm condensate does not return to the boiler. Heating the fill water to the proper temperature takes time and is more work on the boiler than necessary.

Submersible Pumps

NYC properties may have two types of submersible pumps: sewage ejector pumps and sump pumps. Sewage ejector pumps are necessary buildings in low-lying areas where gravity does not offer enough assistance to flush waste from the property.

Sump pumps are flood prevention tools. Typically, the pump is in the basement of a property and sits in a well. The mechanism is automatic when working correctly, turning on to remove excess water.

Avoiding routine maintenance or missing scheduled inspections for submersible pumps can cause significant property issues, including water damage or sewage backups. Also, missed inspections can result in fines from the city.

Fire Suppression Pumps

Local Law 26 requires all residential properties 40 ft or taller have commercial fire suppression or sprinkler systems. Pump maintenance is not optional on fire suppression systems; depending on the system, NYC requires monthly, quarterly, and annual inspections.

Fire pumps are critical to suppression system performance. The tools ensure correct water pressure and delivery to the sprinklers throughout the building. Fire pumps are essential in high-rise structures.

The Critical Points for Inspection

1. Electrical Components

Regular inspection of pumps is vital to the function of NYC buildings. Pumps contribute to various operational roles, such as heating, water distribution, stormwater removal, and fire suppression. If any of the pumps contributing to major systems breaks down, it can be devastating.

The tools needed depend on a number of moving parts, all powered by electric motors. Inspections and regular maintenance can ensure the electrical components remain in working order, helping landlords avoid costly repairs through early intervention.

2. Seals and Gaskets

Every connection point between a pump and its lines uses a seal, gasket, or O-ring. The parts create a water-tight seal, reducing the risk of leaks or connection failures.

Seals and gaskets have limited lifespans. Many seals last three years before requiring replacement and pump maintenance, but some only manage a year. The service life depends on use and wear, but it may also depend on the environment.

As seals and gaskets age, they become dry and brittle. The more damaged the seal, the more a leak or system failure is imminent.

3. Pipes and Parts

Pumps have several parts that are susceptible to wear, including casings, pipes, bolts, and various metal components. The materials are sensitive to environmental conditions, especially temperature fluctuations. Freezing temperatures can cause uninsulated pipes to split or break. Too much humidity in a location can cause rust or corrosion.

Regular visual inspections can alert landlords to possible equipment problems. Professional inspections are necessary to examine internal mechanisms and perform more thorough checks on pipes and parts.

4. Mounting and Balance

As mechanical devices, pumps produce some level of vibration when running. Over time the vibrations can loosen mounting straps and brackets. Without proper maintenance and routine inspections, pumps may separate from mounts, damaging systems and posing safety risks.

Vibrations can also throw pumps out of balance. An unbalanced pump is loud and inefficient. Antler Pumps can perform dynamic balancing when necessary, and with an annual service contract, technicians can help property owners stick to pump maintenance and service schedules.

5. Feed Water Quality

Feed water is essential to the operation of a steam boiler. Property owners should ensure a building’s feed water supply is clean or filtered. Unclean water can damage the boiler and system pumps.

Scale and sediment are the enemies of pump operations. The pollutants contaminate the components of the device, causing premature corrosion and aging. Too much contamination can interfere with moving parts, such as impellers, and reduce the output of pumps.

If properties have hard water, owners should consider installing whole-building filtration. If owners don’t find the investment worthwhile, they should consider water treatments and tests to limit damage to vital systems, including pumps.

Professional Inspections and Pump Maintenance

Schedule Pump Maintenance and Inspections With Antler Pumps

As summer fades and gives way to fall and winter, NYC property owners must consider the health of their heating and water supply systems. Some of the most crucial components of winter building operations are pumps.

Whether boosters, steam condensate, submersible, or another type of pump, they all require routine maintenance and inspections. Contact Antler Pumps at 212-534-2500 to schedule pump maintenance and discuss annual service contracts. If you have not yet completed your NYC inspection requirements for fire pumps or other pump equipment, now’s the time to get it done.

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