
5
CHALLENGER
®
Centrifugal Pump Installation and User’s Guide
MAINTENANCE
This section describes how to maintain the Challenger
®
Centrifugal Pump.
Cleaning the Pump Strainer Basket
The strainer basket in the pump should be visually inspected at least once a week. Remove the clear lid and
the basket and clean debris from basket. Inspect the lid o-ring; if damaged replace. The pump seal requires no
lubrication.
DO NOT open the strainer pot if pump fails to prime or if pump has been operating without water in the
strainer pot. Pumps operated in these circumstances may experience a build up of vapor pressure and
may contain scalding hot water. Opening the pump may cause serious personal injury. In order to avoid
the possibility of personal injury, make sure the suction and discharge valves are open and strainer pot
temperature is cool to touch, then open with extreme caution.
To prevent damage to the pump and filter and for proper operation of the system, clean pump strainer
and skimmer baskets regularly.
1. Turn off the pump at the breaker.
2. Close the inlet and discharge valves.
3. Relieve pressure in the system.
4. Turn the strainer lid in a counter-clockwise direction to remove the
lid and remove the basket from the pump.
5. Remove the debris from the strainer basket and rinse out the basket.
Replace the basket if it is cracked.
6. Replace the basket.
7. Fill the pump strainer pot and volute up to the suction/inlet port with
water.
8. Clean the lid, O-ring, and sealing surface of the strainer pot.
Note:
It is important that the O-Ring be kept clean and well lubricated.
9. Reinstall the lid by placing the lid back onto the strainer pot and
turning the lid clockwise.
Note:
Be sure the lid O-ring is properly placed around the entire
sealing surface of the strainer pot.
10. Open the inlet and discharge valves.
11. Turn the power “ON” at the circuit breaker.
12. Open the manual air relief valve on top of the filter.
13. Stand clear of the filter. Start the pump.
14. Bleed air from the filter until a steady stream of water comes out. Close the manual air relief valve.
THIS SYSTEM OPERATES UNDER HIGH PRESSURE.
When any part of the circulating system (e.g., Lock
Ring, Pump, Filter, Valves, etc.) is serviced, air can
enter the system and become pressurized. Pressurized
air can cause the lid to separate off which can result in
serious injury, death, or property damage. To avoid this
potential hazard, follow these instructions.
Strainer
Basket
O-Ring
Strainer
Lid
Drain Plug
Figure 2
Strainer
Pot