Troubleshooting 15
SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Motor will not run
Disconnect switch is off
Be sure switch is on.
Fuse is blown or circuit breaker tripped
Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker.
Wires at motor are loose,
DISCONNECT POWER; check and tighten all wiring.
disconnected, or wired incorrectly
Pressure switch contacts are dirty
DISCONNECT POWER and clean the electrical contacts.
Motor runs hot and
Voltage is too low
Check with power company. Install heavier wiring if wire size is too small.
overload kicks off
Pump cycles too frequently
See section below on too frequent cycling.
Motor runs but no
Pump in new installation did
In new installation:
water is delivered*
not pick up prime through:
1. Improper priming
1. Re-prime according to instructions.
2. Air leaks
2. Check all connections on suction line with
shaving cream.
3. Leaking foot valve or check valve
3. Replace foot valve or check valve.
Pump has lost prime through:
In installation already in use:
1. Air leaks
1. Check all connections on suction line and well seal.
2. Water level below suction pipe inlet
2. Lower suction line into water and re-prime. If receding water level
in well exceeds 16’ (5M), a deep well pump is needed.
Foot valve or strainer is plugged
Clean foot valve or strainer.
Ejector or impeller is plugged
Clean ejector or impeller (See Repair Parts page).
Check valve or foot valve is stuck shut
Replace check valve or foot valve.
Pipes are frozen
Thaw pipes. Bury pipes below frost line. Heat pit or pump house.
Foot valve and/or strainer are
Raise foot valve and/or strainer above bottom of water source.
buried in sand or mud
Clean foot valve and strainer.
Water level is too low for shallow well
A deep well pump may be needed (over 16’ (5M) to water)
setup to deliver water
to deliver water.
Pump does not
Water level in well is lower than
A deep well jet will be needed if your well is more than 16’ (5M)
deliver water to full
estimated
depth to water.
capacity
Steel piping (if used) is corroded or
Replace with plastic pipe where possible, otherwise with new steel pipe.
limed, causing excess friction
Piping is too small in size
Use larger piping.
Pump delivers water but
Pressure switch is out of adjustment or
DISCONNECT POWER; adjust or replace pressure switch.
does not shut off or
contacts are welded together
pump cycles too
Faucets have been left open
Close faucets.
frequently
Standard pressure tank is waterlogged
Drain tank to air volume control port. Check AVC for defects. Check
and has no air cushion
all connections for air leaks.
Pipes leak
Check connections.
Foot valves leak
Replace foot valve.
Air charge too low in pre-charged tank
DISCONNECT POWER and open faucets until all pressure is relieved.
Using tire pressure gauge, check air pressure in tank at valve stem
located on the tank. If necessary, adjust air pressure in tank to 1.5 Bars
(22 psi). Check air valve for leaks (use shaving cream) and replace core
if necessary.
Air spurts from faucets
Pump is picking up prime
When pump has picked up prime, it should pump solid water with no air.
Leak in suction side of pump
Suction pipe is sucking air. Check joints for leaks with shaving cream.
Well is gaseous
Consult factory about installing a sleeve in the well.
Intermittent over-pumping of well
Lower foot valve if possible, otherwise restrict pump discharge.
(Water drawn down below foot valve)
* (Note: Stop pump;
then check prime
before looking
for other causes.
Unscrew priming
plug and see if water
is in priming hole).
