Whether you use water pumps for domestic or commercial purposes, preventing breakdowns before they can occur will save you a lot of headaches and money on costly repairs. But in order to do that, you need to be aware of the signs to watch out for. In this blog, we’ll discuss the common reasons for water pump failure and what preventative measures need to be taken.
Overheating
A water pump motor is cooled with fresh water that runs through its body. If the pump is no longer being cooled - for instance, if the source is empty - it may become overheated. Overheating can also occur if the pump has difficulty discharging water because the hose or tube being used is too narrow, which results in too much backpressure.
Solutions
● Always switch off the pump in the event of potential overheating.
● For sump pumps, choose a system with a float that gauges the water level. The pump activates when the float reaches a certain level, and is deactivated when the water reaches a desirable level again.
● For self-priming pumps, connect a pump controller, such as a dry running protection system, to the pump. This type of system warns the pump when water levels run low and switches off automatically.
● Choose appropriate pump dimensions.
Type of Water
Pumps are often used to discharge dirty water when they aren’t suitable for this task. Self-priming and borehole pumps, for example, are only designed to pump relatively clean water. Water that contains solid matter, such as mud or gravel, can pose damage to the pump if it’s not the right type.
Solutions
● It’s advised to fit self-priming pumps with a pre-filter if it’s used to process ditch water.
● When choosing a sump pump, always check beforehand whether the water being processed is clear or contains solid substances. Also be used to select the correct particle passage size, which is specified in the product information.
● When a macerator is used for draining toilet water, do not throw anything other than toilet paper into the toilet to avoid blockages.
Freezing Temperatures
When ice forms inside a water pump it can cause serious damage due to the expanding that takes place. This can cause cracks to form on the pump, after which it will soon stop working.
Solutions
● Before freezing occurs, remove all water from the pump, hoses and pipes. Store the water pump securely in a dry location, such as a shed or garage.
● Make sure that all components are stored free of frost. If necessary, use insulation material to protect the pump and accessories from the cold.
Need Help with a Damaged Water Pump?
If you’re struggling with a failed water pump, H2O Flowtech is the team to contact. We can perform skilled and efficient water pump repairs to have your system up and running again in no time. Based in Bury, we cover Manchester and the North West of England. Get in touch with us for more information.