Summer might mean longer days, warmer weather and, in our case so far, a lot less rain. But that doesn’t mean your pump gets to take the time off.
Whether you’re watering the garden, emptying a pool, keeping a site drained or running equipment that relies on a steady water supply, pumps can still run into problems. And usually, they pick the worst possible time to do it.
The good news? Many common pump problems are relatively easy to identify. Before you assume your pump has given up for good, here are five issues worth checking.
The pump is running… but nothing is coming out
One of the most frustrating pump problems: you can hear the motor running, but absolutely nothing is happening at the other end.
There are a few possible reasons for this.
If you’re using a centrifugal or surface pump, check whether it needs priming. A pump that has lost its prime may run without being able to move water properly. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct priming procedure and make sure there is enough water available at the suction point.
It’s also worth checking for blockages. Debris, dirt, leaves and other unwanted visitors can restrict the inlet or outlet and prevent the pump from achieving the required flow.
For suction applications, check the pipework and connections too. Air getting into the suction line can cause the pump to lose its ability to draw water effectively.
And if everything looks fine but the pump still isn’t delivering, the problem could be related to the pump itself or the way it has been selected for the application.
The pump keeps tripping
If your pump starts up and then trips the electrical supply, don’t just keep resetting it and hoping for the best.
Repeated tripping can indicate an electrical fault, but it can also be caused by the pump working outside its intended conditions.
A pump that is overloaded, blocked or struggling against excessive resistance can draw more current than expected. Mechanical problems, such as a jammed impeller or damaged components, can also put additional strain on the motor.
First, check for obvious blockages and make sure the pump isn’t being forced to operate against a closed valve or restricted discharge.
You should also check that the electrical supply is suitable for the pump and that any protection devices are correctly configured. Electrical checks should always be carried out by someone suitably qualified.
If the pump continues to trip, it’s time to stop resetting it and investigate the cause. Your pump may be trying to tell you something.
The pump is overheating
Pumps aren’t supposed to become miniature radiators.
Some heat during operation is normal, but excessive heat can be a sign that something isn’t right.
One common cause is dry running. Many pumps rely on the pumped liquid to help cool and lubricate internal components. Running without sufficient liquid can cause damage surprisingly quickly.
Restricted flow can also cause problems. If the pump isn’t operating within its intended operating range, it may be placed under unnecessary strain.
Blocked filters, valves or pipework can all affect how the pump operates. In some applications, a pump that is simply too large or too small for the job can also struggle to operate efficiently.
If your pump is getting noticeably hotter than usual, switch it off and investigate rather than waiting for it to fail completely.
A little investigation now could save you the cost and hassle of replacing the whole thing later.
The pump has suddenly lost pressure
Everything was working perfectly yesterday. Today? Not so much.
A sudden drop in pressure or flow is another common warning sign.
Start with the simple things. Check the suction and discharge pipework for blockages, restrictions or leaks. If you’re using a filter or strainer, check whether it needs cleaning.
For surface pumps, losing prime can also result in poor performance. Make sure there is sufficient water at the source and check the suction side for possible air leaks.
Wear can also play a part. Components such as impellers and mechanical seals can deteriorate over time, particularly when pumps are operating in demanding environments.
It’s also worth considering whether the application has changed. Has the pipework been altered? Has the pump been moved? Is it now pumping from a different level or over a greater distance?
A pump that was perfectly suited to an original installation may not perform in the same way if the system around it has changed.
The pump won’t start
Sometimes the problem is even simpler: nothing happens.
Before assuming the motor has packed in, check the power supply and any associated controls. If the pump is fitted with a float switch, for example, make sure the float is free to move and hasn’t become trapped.
For automatic drainage pumps, a stuck or obstructed float can prevent the pump from starting when the water level rises.
If the pump has thermal protection, it may also have shut down because of overheating. Give it time to cool and investigate why it overheated in the first place.
Again, don’t repeatedly reset or bypass safety devices. They’re there for a reason.
If the pump still won’t start after the obvious checks, there could be an electrical, control or motor fault that requires further investigation.
So, when is it time to replace the pump?
Not every pump problem means you need a brand-new pump.
Sometimes a clean-up, replacement part, service or simple adjustment is all that’s required. In other cases, particularly with older or heavily worn pumps, replacing the unit may make more sense than continuing to repair it.
The important thing is making sure the replacement is actually suitable for the job.
Flow rate, head, liquid type, temperature, pipework, connections and how frequently the pump will operate can all affect which pump you need. Simply buying another pump because it looks similar to the old one isn’t always enough.
And that’s where things can get a little more complicated.
Need a hand choosing the right pump?
At PSD, we stock pumps, spares and accessories for a wide range of applications. Whether your existing pump has started playing up or you’ve already accepted that it’s time for a replacement, we’re here to help you find the right option.
Because nobody wants to spend their summer standing next to a pump that isn’t working.
