TROUBLESHOOTING CHECKLIST (Caution: shut off power to pump)
PROBLEMS
PUMP DOES NOT RUN
AND MAKES HUMMING
SOUND
PUMP RUNS BUT DOES
NOT DELIVER WATER
PUMP RUNS AND
PUMPS
OUT SUMP, BUT DOES
NOT STOP
PUMP RUNS BUT ONLY
DELIVERS A SMALL
AMOUNT OF WATER
FUSE BLOWS OR
CIRCUIT BREAKER
TRIPS WHEN
PUMP STARTS
MOTOR RUNS FOR A
SHORT TIME, THEN
STOPS
POSSIBLE CAUSES/SOLUTIONS
• Line circuit breaker is off, or fuse is blown or loose
• Water level in sump has not reached turn-on level as indicated in
installation drawing.
• Pump cord is not making contact in receptacle.
• Float is stuck. It should operate freely in basin.
• If all of the above are OK, then the motor could be malfunctioning.
• Check if valve is installed backwards.
Arrow on valve should point direction of flow
• Discharge shut-off valve (if used) may be closed.
• Impeller or volute openings are fully or partially clogged.
Remove pump and clean.
• Pump is air-locked. Start and stop several times by plugging and
unplugging cord. Check for clogged vent hole in pump case.
• Inlet holes in pump base are clogged. Remove pump and clean the
openings.
• Vertical pumping distance is too high. Reduce distance or change the
discharge fittings of the pump.
• Float is stuck in up position. Be sure float operates freely in basin.
• Defective float switch. Replace float switch.
• Pump is air-locked. Start and stop several times by plugging in and
unplugging cord. Check for clogged vent hole in pump case.
• Vertical pumping distance is too high. Reduce distance or change the
discharge fitting of the pump. Inlet holes in pump base are clogged.
Remove pump and clean the strainer and openings.
• Impeller or volute openings are fully or partially clogged.
Remove pump and clean.
• Pump impeller is partially clogged with tar or paint, causing motor to
run slow and overload. Remove pump and clean.
• Pump impeller is partially clogged causing motor to run slow and
overload. Remove pump and clean.
• Motor stator may be defective.
• Fuse size or circuit breaker may be too small. (must be 15 amps).
• Impeller or volute opening are fully or partially clogged.
Remove pump and clean .
• Inlet holes in pump base are clogged. Remove pump and clean the
openings.
• Pump impeller is partially clogged causing motor to run slow and
overload. Remove pump and clean.
• Motor stator may be defective.
• Impeller or volute openings are fully or partially clogged.
Remove pump and clean. Also clean the strainer if one is installed.
6
ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS
Before servicing a pump, always shut off the main power breaker and
then unplug the pump. Make sure you are not standing in water and are
wearing insulated protective sole shoes, under flooded conditions. Contact your local electric
company or a qualified licensed electrician for disconnecting electrical service prior to pump
removal