WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR PUMP OR MOTOR STOPS WORKING

Motorised water pumps can be a valuable asset for your home or business. They make it easy to pump water from one location to another, which is helpful if you need to transport large amounts of clean water or remove dirty water from places like basements or swimming pools.

But pumps only work when they're in good condition —and sometimes, malfunctions can occur. If this happens, you'll want to know what steps you can take to get your pump back up and running again as quickly as possible.

Join us as we cover some simple steps to return your pump to working condition. For expert support, contact our team at A1 Pumps & Motors today! 

FIRST, ASSESS THE SITUATION

While you could try fixing this yourself, most people prefer the convenience of calling a professional to get the job done. That said, there are a few, simple checks you could do to get your pump up and running again. First, don't touch any wires or electrical components, even if the power has been turned off for some time. Make sure you also don't use a wet cloth to clean the motor or any other part of your system; this could put you at risk of injury.

LOOK FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

If you're not sure where to start, try checking your circuit breaker first. Then move on to fuses and finally the power supply itself (or the power grid). Here are some things to look for along the way:

• Circuit breakers—check them with a non-contact tester (available at any hardware store). If they're tripped, flip them back on and see if that helps restart your motor or pump. Remember that these will trip if there's an overload of current passing through them, so make sure not to overload too much.
• Fuses—assess their condition; some may have blown out even though others seem fine. Replace any damaged fuses with new ones from a hardware store and try again.

INVESTIGATE YOUR POWER SUPPLY

Before you replace your pump or motor, check the power supply.

• Check the voltage. A low-voltage reading means that the circuit is overloaded and needs to be shut off immediately. If this is the case, it's best to call an electrician right away.
• Check the amperage (amps). You'll need at least 10 amps of power for most pumps and motors, though you may need more if your pump or motor requires high pressure (for example, a fire sprinkler system with multiple heads). If you have too little current going through your circuit, try turning up its breaker in order to increase its output; however, keep in mind that this could also lead to overload problems if there aren't any other ways for you to adjust how much electricity makes it through each wire first before connecting another device

INVESTIGATE YOUR POWER SUPPLY

Before you replace your pump or motor, check the power supply.

• Check the voltage. A low-voltage reading means that the circuit is overloaded and needs to be shut off immediately. If this is the case, it's best to call an electrician right away.
• Check the amperage (amps). You'll need at least 10 amps of power for most pumps and motors, though you may need more if your pump or motor requires high pressure (for example, a fire sprinkler system with multiple heads). If you have too little current going through your circuit, try turning up its breaker in order to increase its output; however, keep in mind that this could also lead to overload problems if there aren't any other ways for you to adjust how much electricity makes it through each wire first before connecting another device

CHECK THE GENERAL CONDITION OF YOUR PUMP

The first step in checking your mechanics is to check for alignment. If the pump is not correctly aligned, it will not work. Make sure that the pump is in good condition and aligned correctly before beginning to troubleshoot any other issues you may be experiencing with your pump. You should also check for damage. If your pump has been damaged or broken in any way, it will stop working properly or completely fail. 

LOOK INTO FLUID-RELATED ISSUES

This is another common cause for breakdowns. If it is, here's what you need to do.

• Check for leaks. Is there any water or antifreeze leaking from anywhere, such as a loose fitting or a crack? If so, you'll need to replace the part that's damaged.
• Check for clogs. Are there any blockages in the system (for example, air bubbles) that could be interfering with the flow of fluid through your pump/motor? Clogged parts can often be cleared with an air compressor; if that doesn't work, you may need to replace them entirely.
• Check pipes and connections periodically during winter months so that you can fix any issues before they become bigger problems down the road.

CHECK YOUR FILTERS, SCREENS, AND VALVES

Filters are generally located in the water supply line and can be cleaned or replaced as needed. You should also check any strainers attached to your hoses periodically, as they may need to be cleaned or replaced as well.

In addition to cleaning out debris from both inside and outside of these items, make sure that any valves you have installed are open when they should be open (and closed when necessary). If you find that a valve has been left open for too long during this process, close it off immediately and then turn on your pump again after waiting 10 minutes before trying again.

EXAMINE YOUR IMPELLER AND SHAFT FOR WEAR AND TEAR

If there are any cracks in the impeller, or if it's been damaged in any way, you'll need to replace it. You may also need to replace a motor if it's been damaged due to corrosion or use over time.

TO AVOID COSTLY REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENTS, MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGULARLY CHECKING YOUR PUMPS

Regular maintenance is important for all pumps. In the case of submersible pumps, you’ll want to check them every couple of weeks depending on how often they are used and how much debris may be present in the water. If you notice anything out of the ordinary with your pump or motor, we recommend calling a professional immediately as this can help prevent costly repairs or replacements in the future.

CALL A1 PUMPS FOR ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT TO GET YOUR PUMP UP AND RUNNING

If you’re having issues with your pump or motor, it’s important to check the basics first. If the problem persists, then you may need to do some more in-depth troubleshooting. This can help you pinpoint the cause of your issue quickly and efficiently. If you need further support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at A1 Pumps & Motors!

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