When it comes to pumps, unfortunately it’s not as simple as turning them on and letting them run without any issues. They do require a certain amount of maintenance in order to keep them plugging away at their optimum – in addition to that, you also need to ensure that you’ve picked up the right pump for the job. When you need bore pumps, drainage, sewage, pond or pool, make sure that you’re 100% sure of the fact that they are suitable for what you need them for before going ahead and having them installed. The last thing you want is to have to fork out on a new pump entirely!
In this post, we are going to explore some of the most common reasons for pumps failing, so if you’re having any trouble with yours, have a read and see if any of these factors might apply.
1 – Dust Particles
You’d think a great big pump chugging away would be able to stand up to a bit of dust, though after a certain length of time, they can cause a lot of damage when inside the motor. Depending on where the pump is situated and the size of the foreign particles that are working their way inside the motor, they pump can be affected in different ways. For example, sand particles can wear down various electrical components, whereas dust will stifle the air flow in vents, causing the motor to overheat – So, when choosing a motor, choose one with an appropriate level of ‘Ingress Protection’.
2 – Overheating
Naturally, an electric pump working overtime is going to generate an awful lot of heat, however there are certain factors which can cause it to create excessive heat (like dust build up in vents as listed above) – as a rule of thumb, for every excessive 10 degrees of heat, the lifespan of a pump is cut in half! A staggering amount when you think about it, so be sure to monitor your temperatures properly.
3 – Power Supply Problems
This is the big one as it’s something that can not only affect your motors lifespan, though it can also become a health & safety risk as well, affective other electrical appliances plugged in to a linked power supply. It’s not as simple and straightforward as just plugging the pump in and being off to the races; there can be anomalies in your power supply which can cause distortion and overheating, thus causing your pump to break down prematurely.
4 – Not Enough Lubrication
Lubricating your motor is no simple task, as there is such a thing as too little and too much. In addition to that, it is also possible for lubricants to become contaminated with dust or other foreign particles which can cause issues with your pump’s motor. Be certain to purchase the appropriate lubrication and apply it to industry standard specification.
5 – Moisture & Humidity
Over time, moisture in the air can have a terribly detrimental affect on the way that your motor functions, cutting its life down significantly. Again, be certain that your pump has the appropriate Ingress Protection levels and do all that you can to keep humidity to a minimum to get the most out of your motor.
Feeling overwhelmed by it all? Understandably so, as it is quite a minefield when it comes to maintaining pumps properly. Reputable pump supplies can provide you with all the relevant advice and information that you need, depending on what you need to pump for. Don’t rush in and certainly don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice. You can save yourself a great deal of time, effort and stress if you get this right the first time.
