9
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSES
REMEDIES
Motor will not run.
1. Disconnect switch is off.
1. Be sure switch is on.
2. Fuse is blown.
2. Replace fuse.
3. Starting switch is defective.
3. Replace starting switch.
4. Wires at motor are loose,
4. Refer to instructions on wiring.
disconnected, or wired incorrectly.
Check and tighten all wiring.
5. Pressure switch contacts are dirty.
5. Clean by sliding piece of plain paper between contacts.
Motor runs hot and
1. Motor is wired incorrectly.
1. Refer to instructions on wiring.
overload kicks off.
2. Voltage is too low.
2. Check with power company. Install heavier wiring
if wire size is too small. See wiring instructions.
3. Pump cycles too frequently.
3. See section below on too frequent cycling.
Motor runs but no
1. Pump in a new installation did
1. In new installation:
water is delivered.
not pick up prime through:
a. Improper priming.
a. Re-prime according to instructions.
b. Air leaks.
b. Check all connections on suction line, air volume
control, and jet.
c. Leaking foot valve.
c. Replace foot valve.
2. Pump has lost its prime through:
2. In installation already in use:
a. Air leaks.
a. Check all connections on suction line, air volume
control, jet and shaft seal.
b. Water level below suction of pump.
b. Lower suction line into water and re-prime. If receding
water level in a shallow well operation exceeds
suction lift, a deep well pump is needed.
3. Jet or impeller is plugged.
3. Clean jet or impeller according to instructions.
4. Check valve or foot valve is stuck
4. Replace check valve or foot valve.
in closed position.
5. Pipes are frozen.
5. Thaw pipes. Bury pipes below frost line. Heat pit or
pump house.
6. Foot valve and/or strainer are
6. Raise foot valve and/or strainer above well bottom.
buried in sand or mud.
Pump does not
1. Water level in well is lower than
1. A deep well jet pump may be needed
deliver water to full
estimated.
(over 20 ft. to water).
capacity (also check
2. Steel piping (if used) is corroded or
2. Replace with plastic pipe where possible, otherwise with
point 3 immediately
limed, causing excess friction.
new steel pipe.
above).
3. Offset piping is too small in size.
3. Use larger offset piping.
Pump pumps water
1. Pressure switch is out of adjustment
1. Adjust or replace pressure switch.
but does not shut off.
or contacts are “frozen”.
2. Faucets have been left open.
2. Close faucets.
3. Jet or impeller is clogged.
3. Clean jet or impeller.
4. Water level in well is lower than
4. Check for possibility of using a deep well jet pump.
estimated.
5. Motor is wired incorrectly.
5. Refer to instructions on wiring.
Pump cycles too
1. Standard pressure tank is water-
1. Drain tank to air volume control tapping. Check air
frequently.
logged and has no air cushion.
volume control for defects. Check for air leaks at any
connection.
2. Pipes leak.
2. Check connections.
3. Faucets or valves are open.
3. Close faucets or valves.
4. Foot valve leaks.
4. Replace foot valve.
5. Pressure switch is out of adjustment.
5. Adjust or replace pressure switch.
6. Air charge too low in Captive Air
®
6. Disconnect electrical power and open faucets until all
Tank. Model 390.251482
pressure is relieved. Using automobile tire pressure gauge,
and Model 390.251882 require
check air pressure in tank at the valve stem located at top
40 pounds for proper operation.
of tank. If air pressure is lower, pump air into tank from
outside source, until proper air pressure is reached.
Check air valve for leaks, using soapy solution, and
replace core if necessary.
Air spurts from
1. Pump is picking up prime.
1. As soon as pump picks up prime, all air will be ejected.
faucets.
2. Leak in suction side of pump.
2. Check suction piping.
3. Well is gaseous.
3. Change installation as described in manual.
4. Intermittent over-pumping of well.
4. Lower foot valve if possible, otherwise restrict discharge
side of pump.
Leaks at the metal
1. Loose clamps or O-Ring
1. Release all system pressure before working on clamp.
clamps.
not sealed.
2. Check that clamp is tight.
3. Tap around clamp with hammer on a wooden block.
Retighten clamp screw.
4. Check O-Ring for proper seating and/or dirt on
O-Ring or seat.
Release all pressure in system
before working on clamp.
