Foot valve is stuck open
Remove intake screen from foot valve, remove debris in valve
Improve screening of the water to reduce future problems
Leak in the intake pipe
Look for slow water leak when pump is stopped
Leak in the pump
Inspect for leakage at the gasket and the shaft seal
– IF pump loses prime while running
Tiny leak in the intake pipe is allowing air to be sucked in
Look for slight water leak when pump is stopped. If the leak is not
not visible, tighten threaded pipe joints or apply a hardening sealant
around the joints.
IF polyethylene (flexible black) pipe is used
Hose clamp connections are a frequent cause of intake leakage.
Install two clamps at each joint. Tighten them with a wrench. If
problem persists, pour hot water over the joint and tighten it more.
Vortex (whirlpool) forms at the intake, drawing air down from the surface
Increase submergence of the intake to eliminate the vortex
– IF suction lift is greater than 10 vertical feet (3 m)
Excessive suction releases vapor and dissolved gasses from water. The
resulting bubbles reduce the pump’s suction capacity. This is called “cavitation”.
Lower the pump closer to the water source, if possible
Reduce friction in the intake pipe by using larger pipe and/or
eliminating sharp 90 degree elbows. (See “Intake Piping”)
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Pump is jammed, hard to turn, or has mechanical noise
The exposed shaft between the motor and the pump should be free enough to turn by hand.
It will offer resistance, but you should be able to turn it with two fingers.
– IF shaft will not turn a full rotation, or feels very hard to turn
Pump jammed by dirt or fibrous debris
Shaft coupling is loose
Check shaft set–screws. If tight, leave them be. If loose, align the holes
with the grooves in the motor shaft. Turn screws very tight.
– IF the pump is NEW and there is a soft rubbing noise
The impeller is rubbing slightly. Ignore it. It will wear away in a short time.
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Water leaks from the pump shaft
– IF the pump is new or was just repaired
Shaft seal is installed backwards
– IF the pump is old
Shaft seal is worn from abrasive silt
– IF the pump has run dry
Shaft seal is damaged (burned) –– See “Maintenance”
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Technical support, parts and service
Before calling for help or ordering parts, please have the following
information:
– Pump model number and serial number
– Is it a High Temperature (HT) model?
