3
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM
PROBABLE CAUSE
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Pump will not pump
The suction and/or discharge line(s) may be blocked
(4), or the valve(s) are closed, faulty, and/or blocked.
Check to see that the line and valves are in good
working order.
The end of the suction line is not submerged.
Increase its length, or move pump closer.
Total head is too high for the pump.
Reduce total head or use a higher-head pump.
Pump doesn't catch prime
No foot valve is being used.
Install a foot valve.
Excessive suction lift (1).
Move the pump closer to "pump from" source.
Engine speed is too low.
Increase the RPM.
Priming takes a long time
Suction line is quite long. No foot valve is being used.
Air pockets or leaks may exist in the suction line.
Refer to "Starting the Pump", paragraph 3, under
"Operation". Check the line for loose connections.
Pump does not perform as
well as it should
Flow is restricted due to:
a) debris build-up (4).
Clean the lines and fi ttings.
b) faulty or semi-open valve(s).
Check to see that the valves are in good working
order.
c) piping/hosing used is smaller than the thread sizes
on the pump.
Increase the size of hose/pipe to reduce friction
losses.
Insuffi cient submergence of the end of the suction
line.
The end of the suction line must be submerged.
Excessively worn impeller (2).
Replace impeller.
Seal is damaged (3). Liquid will be leaking through
the adapter.
Replace seal.
Air pockets or leaks in the suction line.
Check suction line.
Clogged impeller (4).
Remove casing to clean out.
Pump loses prime
Liquid level drops below the end of the suction line.
Foot valve is leaking - not holding water in suction
line.
Increase length of suction line or if using fl exible
hose, you may be able to move the pump closer to
the "pump from" source.
1)
Excessive suction lift. Consider the following:
a)
Size and length of pipe
b)
Density and temperature of liquid
c)
Pipe fi ttings
d)
Elevation above sea level
Including all of the above, we recommend the total suction
head not exceed 25 ft.
2)
An excessively worn impeller is mainly caused from cavitation,
which can be caused from a number of situations.
Examples:
a)
Restricted suction
b)
Excessive suction lift
3)
The seal may be damaged due to:
a)
Normal wear
b)
Overheating
c)
Pumping chemicals for which the seal was not
designed
4)
In a dewatering application, a foot valve is recommended on
the suction line.
