What Are Some Common Problems People Encounter With Pumps?

Problem #1: Pump Is Hard to Prime or Loses Prime

There is no water in the pump. Fill and reprime.
The pool water level is low. Raise water level to half way on the skimmer opening.
A valve is closed. Open all valves in the circulation system.
A line is plugged. Check the strainer basket, skimmer basket and pump. Clean if needed.
The strainer pot cover is not sealed. Examine the pot lid and “O” ring or gasket. Repair if needed.
There is an air leak in the influent line. Tighten all pipes and fittings on the line. Do a pressure check to locate the leak and repair as necessary.
There is a vertical suction lift of more than 25 feet from the return inlet in the pool up to the pump. The pump will have to be moved.
The seal flange is positioned incorrectly. Correct the alignment.
The pump seal is worn. Check the seal and replace if necessary.
The impeller is out of alignment. Align the impeller using an impeller gauge.
The impeller is plugged or jammed. Examine the impeller and remove any obstruction.

Problem #2: Leaking Pump

Problem #3: Low Water Flow

Refuse caught in strainer basket or skimmer basket. Empty and clean baskets.
Dirty pool filter. Check filter pressure gauge and backwash or clean if indicated.
Reverse rotation of impeller. Check rotation direction.
Impeller or diffuser is worn. Replace.
Pump output is weak. Open-face impeller needs adjustment either by shim or shaft adjustment. Adjust to a few thousandths of an inch away from volute surface.
Pump is too small. Consult a sizing chart and replace as indicated.
Vertical suction lift is more than 15 feet from the suction fitting in the pool to the pump. Move pump vertically closer to the water source.

Problem #4: Noisy Pump/Cavitation

Influent piping is undersized. Compare the pump size to the pipe size on the manufacturer’s chart. Replace with correct size pipe.
Obstruction in influent lines or pump strainer basket is full. Check lines and basket removing the obstruction

Problem #5: Noisy Pump and Air Bubbles In Return Inlets

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