13
TROUBLESHOOTING CHART
SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
CORRECTIVE ACTION
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. Check and tighten all wiring.
disconnected, or wired incorrectly
5. Pressure switch contacts are dirty
5. Clean by sliding pieces 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 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 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
b. Lower suction line into water and re-prime. If receding water level
of pump
in well 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 (over 20 ft. to water)
deliver water to full
estimated
capacity (Also
2. Steel piping (if used) is corroded or
2. Replace with plastic pipe where possible, otherwise with new steel pipe
check point 3
limed, causing excess friction
immediately 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
or contacts are “frozen”
off
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 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 volume control for
frequently
logged and has no air cushion
defects. Check for air leaks at any connection
2. Pipe 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. Replace pressure switch
6. Air charge too low in
6. Disconnect electrical power and open faucets until all pressure is
Captive Air
®
Tank
relieved. Using automobile tire pressure gauge, check air pressure in tank
Model 390.251181 requires 30
at the valve stem located at top of tank. If air pressure is lower, pump air
pounds and Models 390.251981
into tank from outside source until proper air pressure is reached. Check
and 390.252281 require 40
air valve for leaks, using soapy solution, and replace core if necessary.
pounds for proper operation
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
Continued on Page 14
