The argument can be made that pumps don’t fail, they just function less efficiently. If the bearings are completely seized and refuse to turn, then the failure argument is valid — otherwise, the pump keeps on pumping in most cases. Poor design, like operating too far to the left or right on the pump curve, can cause problems, and misapplications can bring about premature failure, but the pump still pumps.
Designed to do their job without wavering, hydronic pumps do require maintenance to optimize their performance — even the maintenance-free ones. According to Ben Needham, field applications engineer, Taco Comfort Solutions, there are two general types of pump maintenance to consider as a technician — mechanical maintenance and pump assessment.