Troubleshooting
11
* (Note:
Stop pump;
then check prime
before looking for
other causes.
Unscrew priming
plug and see if water
is in priming hole).
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,
Refer to instructions on wiring (Pages 7 and 8). DISCONNECT POWER;
disconnected, or wired incorrectly
check and tighten all wiring.
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.
Pressure switch contacts are dirty
DISCONNECT POWER and file contacts with emery board or nail file.
Motor runs hot and
Motor is wired incorrectly
Refer to instructions on wiring.
overload kicks off
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
Pump in new installation did
In new installation:
water is delivered*
not pick up prime through:
1. Improper priming
1. Re-prime according to instructions.
2. Air leaks
2. Check all connections on suction line, AVC, and ejector with
soapy water or shaving cream.
3. Leaking foot valve or check valve
3. Replace foot valve or check valve.
Pump has lost prime through:
In installation already in use:
1. Air leaks
1. Check all connections on suction line and shaft seal.
2. Water level below suction pipe inlet
2. Lower suction line into water and re-prime. If receding water level
in well exceeds 20’ (6.1M), a deep well pump is needed.
Foot valve or strainer is plugged
Clean foot valve or strainer.
Ejector or impeller is plugged
Clean ejector 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
Raise foot valve and/or strainer above bottom of water source.
buried in sand or mud
Clean foot valve and strainer.
Water level is too low for shallow
A deep well jet will be needed if your well is more than 20’ (6.1M)
well setup to deliver water
depth to water.
Pump does not
Water level in well is lower than
A new nozzle and venturi combination may be needed.
deliver water to full
estimated
capacity
Steel piping (if used) is corroded or
Replace with plastic pipe where possible, otherwise with new steel pipe.
(Also check point
limed, causing excess friction
3 immediately above)
Piping is too small in size
Use larger piping.
Pump delivers water but
Pressure switch is out of adjustment or
DISCONNECT POWER; adjust or replace pressure switch.
does not shut off or
contacts are welded together
pump cycles too
Faucets have been left open
Close faucets.
frequently
Venturi, nozzle or impeller is clogged
Clean venturi, nozzle or impeller.
Standard pressure tank is waterlogged
Drain tank to air volume control port. Check AVC for defects. Check
and has no air cushion
all connections for air leaks.
Pipes leak
Check connections.
Foot valves leak
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 soapy water.
Well is gaseous
Consult factory about installing a sleeve in the well.
Intermittent over-pumping of well.
Lower foot valve if possible, otherwise restrict pump discharge.
(Water drawn down below foot valve.)
For parts or assistance, call SHUR-DRI Customer Service at
1-800-535-4950
