Troubleshooting
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.
Starting switch is defective
DISCONNECT POWER; Replace starting switch.
Wires at motor are loose, disconnected, or
wired incorrectly
Refer to instructions on wiring (Page 9). DISCONNECT POWER; check and
tighten all wiring.
Risk of electric shock . Can shock, burn or kill. Capacitor
voltage may be hazardous. To discharge capacitor, hold insulated handle
screwdriver BY THE HANDLE and short capacitor terminals together. Do not
touch metal screwdriver blade or capacitor terminals. If in doubt, consult a
qualified electrician.
Motor runs hot and overload
kicks off
Motor is wired incorrectly
Refer to instructions on wiring.
Voltage is too low
Check with power company. Install heavier wiring if wire size is too small (See
Electrical / Wiring Chart).
Pump cycles too frequently
See section below on too frequent cycling.
Motor runs but no water is
delivered*
Pump in new installation did not pick up
prime through:
1. Improper priming
2. Air leaks
3. Leaking foot valve or check valve
In new installation:
1. Re-prime according to instructions.
2. Check all connections on suction line and AVC with shaving cream.
3. Replace foot valve or check valve.
Pump in existing installation has lost prime
through:
1. Air leaks
2. Water level below suction pipe inlet
In installation already in use:
1. Check all connections on suction line and shaft seal.
2. Lower suction line into water and re-prime. If receding water level in well
exceeds 25’ (7.6M), a deep well pump is needed.
Foot valve or strainer is plugged
Clean foot valve or strainer.
Nozzle or impeller is plugged
Clean Nozzle or impeller.
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 buried in
sand or mud
Raise foot valve and/or strainer above bottom of water source. Clean foot valve
and strainer.
Water level is too low for shallow well
setup to deliver water
A deep well jet will be needed if your well is more than 25’ (7.6M) depth to
water.
Pump does not deliver water to
full capacity (Also check point 3
immediately above)
Steel piping (if used) is corroded or limed,
causing excess friction
Replace with plastic pipe where possible, otherwise with new steel pipe.
Piping is too small in size
Use larger piping.
Pump delivers water but does
not shut off or pump cycles too
frequently
Pressure switch is out of adjustment or
contacts are welded together
DISCONNECT POWER; adjust or replace pressure switch.
Faucets have been left open
Close faucets.
Venturi, nozzle or impeller is clogged
Clean venturi, nozzle or impeller.
Standard pressure tank is waterlogged and
has no air cushion
Drain tank to air volume control port. Check AVC for defects. Check all
connections for air leaks.
Pipes leak
Check connections.
Foot valve leaks
Replace foot valve.
Pressure switch is out of adjustment
Adjust or replace pressure switch.
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 less than pressure switch cut-in setting (30-50 PSI), pump air into tank from
outside source until air pressure is 2 PSI less than cut-in setting of switch. Check
air valve for leaks (use soapy solution) 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. (Water
drawn down below foot valve.)
Lower foot valve if possible, otherwise restrict pump discharge.
* Stop pump; then check
prime before looking for
other causes. Unscrew
priming plug and see if
water is in priming hole.
