General Pump System Diagnosis
Reasons a pump doesn't pump.
People feel the reason for pump failure is the pump alone. Unfortunately, thats jumping to conclusions. Next are reasons your pumping system may be failing.
Q: Does the pump motor run?
A: If the pump motor fails to run, there's many considerations for the motor to be failing to start up. First, voltage is very important that its above the minimum voltage requirements. This should be tested while attempting to start the pump to see it stays above minimum voltage requirements. A volt meter across the 2 line screws is where the voltage should be tested while the motor is attempting to start. Note that a single phase pump has 2 circuits, a start circuit and a run circuit. Like a car, the start circuit acts as the starter on your car to get your car engine running. Without a starter or start circuit, a car engine or an electric motor can't start. If it hums, gets warm to the touch and wont start, this indicates the start circuit of the electric motor is attempting to start the motor but the run circuit is failing to take over. A start switch, located at the rear of the motor may be responsible for this transitioning of those circuits. A failure of this switch can be the culprit and an inspection is required. An open run winding (open circuit) is also a possibility. The run circuit can be tested but gets a little harder and I won't get into that at this time. A locked motor armature due mechanical failure inside the pump or motor could also be the cause. Simply try to rotate the motor, at the rear, to see if the shaft is free, eliminates that possibility. If the armature is free and amperage remains high while the motor attemps to start tells you the start winding is working but not transitioning to run. Its more than likely an electrical issue. If the motor armature won't rotate, you will have to find what's binding the rotation. Call 866-960-9621 for advice on additional testing.
Q: Does the pump motor run but not pump?
A: Pumps can't suck air and begin pumping liquid. Water is the hydraulic that starts the water pumping operation. Is there's water in the pump body to be pumped (primed)? A failure to prime is certainly a reason for pumping failure. If the pump was primed and pumps only a few seconds, it's more than likely the pump has a suction leak on the suction side. Pumps can't continue to pump if it wont suck in new water to complete the cycle. Pumps don't suck water, the water being pump forward out the outlet, creates a vacuum rushing through the pipe, that draws additional water into the body. If it has any air leaks on the suction side, it will suck air, not the water. An air leak can be at the pumps mechanical seal, leaking pipe threads, connectors or a cracked/broken pipe could be creating the issue. Call 866-960-9621 for advice on additional testing.
Q: Is your jet pump not making as much pressure?
A: Is your jet pump not producing the pressure it used to? In the front, on shallow well jet pumps and deep well jet pumps with shallow well adapters (as seen in picture below pump), there is a 1/4" pipe plug located in the front center of the pump or shallow well adapter, where the center of impeller would line up (usually right below the suction pipe). Remove that 1/4" plug and make sure the jet is open and not plugged. This is a common occurrence, and by cleaning this jet from being restricted or plugged, can renew your jet pump pressure without the disassembly of the pump. Find an example in the pictures below.
