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As temperatures drop the circulator pump becomes more and more important because it acts as the heart of hydronic heating systems: It circulates water in a closed circuit. Thus, if the circulator pump fails so does the heat, leaving you, literally, out in the cold. So, picking the right circulator becomes of paramount importance. When you’re picking circulator pumps one common quandary is whether to get a 3-piece in-line circulator pump or 1-piece cartridge circulator, commonly referred to as 1-3 speed circulator pump.

Now, a 1 piece circulator pump contains a volute and motor built into one piece. It is typically meant to be used until it breaks and then replaced completely.  While, a 3 piece circulator pump contains a volute, bearing assembly and motor built in a way that parts can be repaired or replaced rather than replacing the entire pump. Our most popular examples of a 1 piece circulator are the Taco 007-F5 of the 007 series and the Grundfos UPS15-58FC Super Brute. Meanwhile, our most popular examples of the 3-piece circulator are the Bell & Gossett 106189 and the Armstrong S25 174031-013. Each pump has its own benefits are suited better for different applications. With 1 piece circulator pumps the benefits are:

• They are typically smaller and take up less space
• Typically cost less relative to their 3 piece counterparts
• Lower energy usage meaning lowering energy costs.
• Is new and uses newer technology
• Most are maintenance free and self lubricating
• Come in 1 to 3 speeds

Albeit, a 3 piece circulator has its own benefits:

• Has interchangeable parts, making it easy to repair
• Cost effective to repair rather than replace
• Typically, has a longer life span 3-4 times higher because of easily replaceable parts
• Has been around for over 60 years and has proven itself
• More useful in larger heating systems for  increased volume

So, the bottom line is which pump is right for you? Once again, it all depends on the application- If you  are going to spend several hundred or even thousands of dollars on a pump it is more cost effective to buy a 3-piece, where parts are easily repairable, and you won’t have to buy an entire circulator pump. However, if space and energy costs are a major concern and repairing is out of the question than a 1 piece is the way to go. Check out our selection of circulator pumps and and repair parts at Pump Products.