Overview
Circulator pumps are generally made of three materials. Depending on the application, a circulator pump made from one material might work better than a pump made from another. Circulator pumps are either made from cast iron, bronze, or stainless steel.
Cast Iron
Cast iron pump
Cast Iron circulator pumps are used for closed loop systems to circulate water throughout the system. Cast iron pumps can be used for a wide range of applicants but can’t be used for open loop applications because of the dangers of rusting. One of the main applications of cast iron circulator pump use is in residential applications where the water is circulated for heating and cooling. The cast iron in these circulator pumps make them much more heavy duty and longer lasting.
Bronze
Bronze pump
Unlike cast iron circulator pumps, bronze circulator pumps have no danger of rusting. This makes them applicable for use in open-water circulatory systems. This includes open-loop hydronic and radiant heating systems. Bronze pumps can also be used in closed circuits although all circulator pump materials can be used for closed circuits because there isn’t a danger of rusting in closed loop systems.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel pump
Stainless Steel circulator pumps have the luxury of not having to worry about rusting. This allows them to be used in open-loop water systems. These pumps can also be used for domestic water systems in both heating and cooling applications. You may also find circulator pumps that are a combination of stainless steel and bronze where the connection for the pump is bronze while the body is stainless steel.
