--- title: Best Installation Practices for All HVAC Pump Styles description: You can purchase the best pump in all the world for your commercial HVAC system but if it is installed improperly, it will mean additional costs in replacement parts, labor expenses and equipment down time. image: https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hubfs/Blog_images/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-18%20at%2010.55.46%20AM.png --- [![HTS_Logo_RGB_and_White](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HTS_Logo_RGB_and_White.png?width=270&height=81&name=HTS_Logo_RGB_and_White.png "HTS_Logo_RGB_and_White")](http://www.heattransfersales.com) - [Home](https://heattransfersales.com/) - [Products](https://heattransfersales.com/products) - [Manufacturers Represented](https://heattransfersales.com/products) - [Packaged Systems](https://heattransfersales.com/products) - [Customer Service](https://heattransfersales.com/customer-service) - [Parts](https://heattransfersales.com/parts) - [Pump Repair](https://heattransfersales.com/pump-repair) - [Service](https://heattransfersales.com/service) - [Pump'nFlo](https://heattransfersales.com/pump-nflo) - [Resources](https://heattransfersales.com/resources) - [Training](https://heattransfersales.com/training) - [Sustainable System Concepts](https://heattransfersales.com/sustainable-system-concepts) - [Airside HVAC](https://heattransfersales.com/hvac-equipment) - [Plumbing Equipment](https://heattransfersales.com/plumbing-equipment) - [Building Automation](https://heattransfersales.com/building-automation) - [Blog](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog) - [Careers](https://heattransfersales.com/careers) - [About Us](https://heattransfersales.com/about-us) - [History](https://heattransfersales.com/history) - [Privacy Policy](https://324b4bc7-5729-4ace-b8c0-bc77b425b76e.filesusr.com/ugd/ff46b9_f6100e8b535d465f9fb060f60f8049cc.pdf) - [Terms of Use](https://324b4bc7-5729-4ace-b8c0-bc77b425b76e.filesusr.com/ugd/ff46b9_8a108a4c73734c8ca00866bdecf7cb60.pdf) - [Contact](https://heattransfersales.com/contact) ### Topics - Select a Topic ### Stay up to date SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG ### Stay up to date [Pumps](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/pumps) [General Knowledge](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/general-knowledge) [Design Engineer Tips](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/design-engineer-tips) # Best Installation Practices for All HVAC Pump Styles ![Picture of Joe Britt, PE](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hubfs/Blog_images/Joe_Britt_blog_avatar.jpg) By [Joe Britt, PE](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/author/joe-britt-pe) on March, 20 2018 [mailto:?body=https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/best-installation-practices-for-all-hvac-pump-styles-0](mailto:?body=https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/best-installation-practices-for-all-hvac-pump-styles-0) ![Screen Shot 2016-11-18 at 10.55.46 AM.png](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hubfs/Blog_images/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-18%20at%2010.55.46%20AM.png) You can purchase the best pump in all the world for your commercial HVAC system but, if it is installed improperly, it will mean additional costs in replacement parts, labor expenses and equipment down time. If you want to keep commercial pumps running for the long haul, you need to insure that best practices are followed, starting with the initial installation. - **Don’t add additional stress to your pumps.** Be sure to include flexible connectors to prevent external piping loads. Additionally, ensure that adjacent piping hangers are properly installed!   - **Mechanical Seals.** When seals go bad, it’s often due to other issues, the majority of which are caused by improper installation. First of all, be sure to select the correct seal for the application. Also, NEVER run the pump dry and never operate at a “dead head” (at shut-off condition) for more than a couple minutes. For flexible coupled pumps, ensure that the pump shaft is properly aligned during installation and again during startup. - Most **bearing failures** are caused by misaligned pump shafts (have we stressed alignment enough yet?), excessive heat (usually from OVER-lubrication), and dirt or moisture contamination. - **Keep your balance.** Base mounted end pumps must be properly aligned to maintain balance and decrease pump vibration. For other pumps, be sure that the impellers are appropriately balanced prior to startup. You don’t want that impeller wobbling around like a ceiling fan in the old saloon! - **Proper pressure gauge installation.** A lot of people think that if one pressure gauge is good, then two is better. However, installing two gauges will not be accurate for pump performance. Install only one gauge according to the O&M manual. ***![Screen Shot 2016-11-18 at 10.54.31 AM.png](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_images/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-18%20at%2010.54.31%20AM.png?width=483&name=Screen%20Shot%202016-11-18%20at%2010.54.31%20AM.png)*** - Install external seal flush lines. An [external flush](https://blog.craneengineering.net/selecting-a-seal-flush-piping-plan-for-your-single-mechanical-seal) will keep damaging solids away from the seal, isolate the seal from pumped fluid, cool the seal and carry away seal generated heat. Adding a sediment separator on the seal flush line will also significantly boost the life expectancy of your mechanical seals. ***![Screen Shot 2016-11-18 at 10.55.46 AM.png](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_images/Screen%20Shot%202016-11-18%20at%2010.55.46%20AM.png?width=232&height=286&name=Screen%20Shot%202016-11-18%20at%2010.55.46%20AM.png)*** - **Bleed the air from the volute.** Air has no business there. - **Drain pans.** Always use drain pans for chilled water condensation and for all pumps to catch water any time you have to open up the volute. Piping the drain pan to a floor drain will help keep your mechanical room clean and safe from stray puddles! - **Protect the pump from foreign debris.** Utilize a suction strainer or some other form of solid/sediment separator to clean your system and keep trash from ruining your impellers and mechanical seals. And don’t forget that suction diffusers have fine mesh temporary screens that should ALWAYS be removed after initial startup and system flush. Hang it on the inlet valve handle so everyone knows it’s done! We’ve all seen those HVAC pumps that have lasted 30+ years, yet we are seeing more and more replacement requests for pumps much younger. It’s not that pumps aren’t manufactured with the same quality but that they aren’t ***installed*** with the care they once were. Pumps are built to last a long time if you follow proper installation procedures and adhere to maintenance routines. Always consult the manufacturer’s O&M manual prior to and during installation and for the maintenance schedule after startup. And, as always, don’t hesitate to contact your manufacturer’s rep with any questions or concerns.   **Join us for this free lunch and learn next week at our headquarters in Greensboro!  Learn more about HVAC pump selection and installation.  Click below for additional details and to register.** [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/715354/4582636b-3bdb-4e2f-ab6a-17da8bb9223f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/715354/4582636b-3bdb-4e2f-ab6a-17da8bb9223f)     ###### About The Author [More from this author](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/author/joe-britt-pe) ![](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_images/Joe_Britt_blog_avatar.jpg?height=100&name=Joe_Britt_blog_avatar.jpg) ###### Joe Britt, PE Joe Britt, PE is the President of Heat Transfer Sales and interested in educating everyone about hydronic systems. #### Recommended Articles [![Taco Comfort Solutions: The Ideal Pressure Boosting Solution](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hubfs/Taco%20Comfort%20Solutions%20The%20Ideal%20Pressure%20Boosting%20Solution%20.png)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/taco-comfort-solutions-the-ideal-pressure-boosting-solution) ###### [Taco Comfort Solutions: The Ideal Pressure Boosting Solution](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/taco-comfort-solutions-the-ideal-pressure-boosting-solution) - July 29, 2021 [![9 Tips to Replace Pump Mechanical Seals](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hubfs/Commercial%20Boiler%20Tips%20Is%20Your%20Boiler%20System%20Oversized%20(1).png)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/replacing-hvac-pump-mechanical-seal) ###### [9 Tips to Replace Pump Mechanical Seals](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/replacing-hvac-pump-mechanical-seal) - June 30, 2021 [![Advantage of Vertical Inline Split Coupled Pumps](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hubfs/Advantage%20of%20Vertical%20Inline%20Split%20Coupled%20Pumps.png)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/vertical-inline-split-coupled-pumps-advantages) ###### [Advantage of Vertical Inline Split Coupled Pumps](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/vertical-inline-split-coupled-pumps-advantages) - June 30, 2021 #### Recommended Articles #### Recommended Articles Search Article ### Popular Posts ### Stay up to date ### Recent Post ### Recent Posts [A Look at Why the Riello Array Has Won So Many Awards](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/a-look-at-why-the-riello-array-has-won-so-many-awards) - 20 March, 2018 [Replacing Outdated Boilers to Meet New DOE Standards](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/replacing-outdated-boilers-to-meet-new-doe-standards) - 20 March, 2018 [3 “NEED TO KNOWS” ABOUT DHW SYSTEMS](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/3-need-to-knows-about-dhw-systems) - 20 March, 2018 [4 Benefits of Switching to a Hydronic HVAC System](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/4-benefits-of-switching-to-a-hydronic-hvac-system) - 20 March, 2018 [Why Prefabricated Pumping Systems Ease System Design](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/why-prefabricated-pumping-systems-ease-system-design) - 20 March, 2018 ###### ABOUT THE COMPANY ![HTS_Symbol_RGB](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hubfs/HTS_Symbol_RGB.png) ### Heat Transfer Sales, LLC We are proponents of sustainable and efficient hydronic heating and cooling building solutions, which are at the heart of commercial green building. - - - - ### Topics - [Design Engineer Tips (109)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/design-engineer-tips) - [General Knowledge (95)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/general-knowledge) - [Building Owner Tips (70)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/building-owner-tips) - [Pumps (56)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/pumps) - [Manufacturer Information (46)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/manufacturer-information) - [Boilers and Water Heaters (40)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/boilers-and-water-heaters) - [Efficiency (22)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/efficiency) - [Training (22)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/training) - [Webinars (18)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/webinars) - [Customer Service (17)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/customer-service) - [Energy Savings (14)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/energy-savings) - [Air Curtains (13)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/air-curtains) - [HVAC (12)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/hvac) - [Metraflex (12)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/metraflex) - [infrared Heating (12)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/infrared-heating) - [Products (10)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/products) - [HVAC Design Tools (9)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/hvac-design-tools) - [PDH Credits (9)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/pdh-credits) - [Parts (9)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/parts) - [Hydronic (8)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/hydronic) - [Filtration (7)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/filtration) - [Boilers (6)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/boilers) - [Taco (6)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/taco) - [Piping (4)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/piping) - [Raypak (4)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/raypak) - [Schwank (4)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/schwank) - [Valves (4)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/valves) - [Variable Frequency Drives (4)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/variable-frequency-drives) - [Water (4)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/water) - [Water Purification (4)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/water-purification) - [Burners (3)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/burners) - [Commercial Boiler (3)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/commercial-boiler) - [Cooling Towers (3)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/cooling-towers) - [Green Building Design and Equipment (3)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/green-building-design-and-equipment) - [Pump'nFlo (3)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/pumpnflo) - [Riello (3)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/riello) - [About us (2)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/about-us) - [Expansion Joints (2)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/expansion-joints) - [Outdoor Dining (2)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/outdoor-dining) - [Pump Selection (2)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/pump-selection) - [Technician Tips (2)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/technician-tips) - [humidification (2)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/humidification) - [pure humidifier (2)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/pure-humidifier) - [AERCO (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/aerco) - [Air Release Valve (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/air-release-valve) - [Anchor Load Calculations (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/anchor-load-calculations) - [Chillers (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/chillers) - [Closed-Coupled Design (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/closed-coupled-design) - [Commercial HVAC (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/commercial-hvac) - [Commercial Range (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/commercial-range) - [Compensator (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/compensator) - [Cooling (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/cooling) - [Delegated Design (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/delegated-design) - [Digital Gas Heater (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/digital-gas-heater) - [Expansion Tanks (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/expansion-tanks) - [Externally Pressurized Joint (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/externally-pressurized-joint) - [Guide Spacing Requirements (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/guide-spacing-requirements) - [Heaters (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/heaters) - [Hospitals (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/hospitals) - [LEED (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/leed) - [LPD Strainer (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/lpd-strainer) - [Make-up Water (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/make-up-water) - [Metal Expansion Joints (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/metal-expansion-joints) - [MetraPak (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/metrapak) - [Metraloop (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/metraloop) - [New Product (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/new-product) - [PAX Series (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/pax-series) - [Pipe Penetration Seal (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/pipe-penetration-seal) - [Potable Water Systems (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/potable-water-systems) - [Project Files (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/project-files) - [Pump collector (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/pump-collector) - [Quiz (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/quiz) - [Refrigerant (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/refrigerant) - [Restaurant Patios (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/restaurant-patios) - [Riser Anchor Clamp (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/riser-anchor-clamp) - [SST Series (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/sst-series) - [Steam (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/steam) - [SuctionDiffuserFlex (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/suctiondiffuserflex) - [System Feed Units (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/system-feed-units) - [VRF (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/vrf) - [VaneFlex (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/vaneflex) - [Vertical Inline (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/vertical-inline) - [Y-Strainer (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/y-strainer) - [YANMAR (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/yanmar) - [seismic breakaway hanger (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/seismic-breakaway-hanger) - [superTube (1)](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog/topic/supertube) see all [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/715354/d9a35e17-d3c8-44b5-91e0-47a3bcfea5f0.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/715354/d9a35e17-d3c8-44b5-91e0-47a3bcfea5f0) #### Submit a Comment ### Get latest articles directly in your inbox, stay up to date SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG **Our Location** Headquarters 4101 Beechwood Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410 [Get Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4101+Beechwood+Dr,+Greensboro,+NC+27410/@36.0544034,-79.9484879,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8853051e63c99b6d:0x24b2c5a3927d7634!8m2!3d36.0544034!4d-79.9462992) **Contact Us** 336.294.3838 [info@heattransfersales.com](mailto:info@heattransfersales.com) [![Untitled design - 2020-11-19T112748.776](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-11-19T112748.776.png?width=24&name=Untitled%20design%20-%202020-11-19T112748.776.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/heat-transfer-sales-of-the-carolinas-inc) [![Untitled design - 2020-11-19T112815.271](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-11-19T112815.271.png?width=24&name=Untitled%20design%20-%202020-11-19T112815.271.png)](https://www.facebook.com/HeatTransferSales/) [![Untitled design - 2020-11-19T112835.473](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-11-19T112835.473.png?width=24&name=Untitled%20design%20-%202020-11-19T112835.473.png)](https://twitter.com/htscarolinas) [![Untitled design - 2020-11-19T112859.003](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-11-19T112859.003.png?width=24&name=Untitled%20design%20-%202020-11-19T112859.003.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX51QZbsuqCtu2PxtW9jMEg) - [Home](https://heattransfersales.com/) - [Products](https://heattransfersales.com/products) - [Manufacturers Represented](https://heattransfersales.com/products) - [Packaged Systems](https://heattransfersales.com/products) - [Customer Service](https://heattransfersales.com/customer-service) - [Parts](https://heattransfersales.com/parts) - [Pump Repair](https://heattransfersales.com/pump-repair) - [Service](https://heattransfersales.com/service) - [Pump'nFlo](https://heattransfersales.com/pump-nflo) - [Resources](https://heattransfersales.com/resources) - [Training](https://heattransfersales.com/training) - [Sustainable System Concepts](https://heattransfersales.com/sustainable-system-concepts) - [Airside HVAC](https://heattransfersales.com/hvac-equipment) - [Plumbing Equipment](https://heattransfersales.com/plumbing-equipment) - [Building Automation](https://heattransfersales.com/building-automation) - [Blog](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/blog) - [Careers](https://heattransfersales.com/careers) - [About Us](https://heattransfersales.com/about-us) - [History](https://heattransfersales.com/history) - [Privacy Policy](https://324b4bc7-5729-4ace-b8c0-bc77b425b76e.filesusr.com/ugd/ff46b9_f6100e8b535d465f9fb060f60f8049cc.pdf) - [Terms of Use](https://324b4bc7-5729-4ace-b8c0-bc77b425b76e.filesusr.com/ugd/ff46b9_8a108a4c73734c8ca00866bdecf7cb60.pdf) - [Contact](https://heattransfersales.com/contact) ![HTS_Logo_Symbol_White_CMYK](https://blogs.heattransfersales.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HTS_Logo_Symbol_White_CMYK.png?width=52&height=52&name=HTS_Logo_Symbol_White_CMYK.png "HTS_Logo_Symbol_White_CMYK") All content © 2020, Heat Transfer Sales