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WARNING: Before handling these pumps and controls, always disconnect the power first. Do not
smoke or use sparkable electrical devices or flames in a septic (gaseous) or possible septic basin.
The following is a list of common problems and possible solutions. Refer to Pump Installation and Service
Manual for any necessary adjusting, dismantling or repair work required on the pump.
Pump runs but does not pump down the basin with the selector switch on either Hand or Automatic
position.
1. Impeller may be clogged. Amperage higher than nameplate will indicate this.
2. Pump rotation may be wrong. Reversing any two line leads on three phase pumps will reverse the
rotation.
3. Discharge plug valve may be closed.
4. Plugging anywhere from impeller to sealing flange. This is evident if no water runs out of sealing
flange after raising the pump. Pull the pump from the basin to find the clog.
5. Plugging beyond the sealing flange. This is evident if water does run out when pump is operating
when disconnecting the sealing flange form the discharge elbow. Remove the check valve, clean out
cover and plug valve and other piping, if necessary, inside valve box to find clog. Reassemble all
valves and piping. If the basin is still not pumped down after the pump is lowered again and the
sealing flange is reconnected, proceed in a logical manner to locate and clear the plugging.
6. Discharge head may be too high. Check elevation against design point of pump.
7. Improper discharge flow. Check for correct impeller size and proper voltage.
8. Check for possible broken or clogged forced main.
Basin level is pumped down with selector switch on Hand position, but is not pumped down with
selector switch on Automatic position.
1. Floats are not hanging free in the basin or are covered with debris. Pump the level down with the
selector switch on hand, so that the floats can be observed. Relocate and clean all floats as
necessary.
2. If this is a new installation and original start-up, the floats may be miswired into the control panel.
Recheck the wiring diagrams and schematics in the panel. If the start and stop floats are hooked in
reverse, the pump will short cycle on and off and will not pump the level down.
3.
Floats or alternator are malfunctioning. Pull the floats out of the basin, clean them and lay then on the
ground. Lift up the stop (lower) float in the left hand, the start (upper) float in the right hand and with
the floats hanging free, turn selector switch to Automatic. Lower the left hand until the float hits the
ground and lies on its side. Nothing should happen. After lowering the right hand in the same manner,
the pump should start. When raising the right hand to suspend continue to run. The pump should stop
when raising the left hand to suspend the float. If this procedure does not cause the pump to operate
as described, either order new float switches or replace alternator relay.
PUMP TROUBLESHOOTING
