The following diagnostic guide applies when your centrifugal pump motor is running but water problems exist.

For any bore pump problems call us on 9246 0111 seven days a week for telephone advice or to book a service  Perth metro-wide. You can also visit our main website here.

(If pump is not starting at all then an electrical problem exists not covered in this guide. Call to book  a visit from one of our water bore / pump specialist electricians who have all the necessary tools for diagnosis or repair of pump electrical problems. More info covered here .)

Pump runs but no water?

• Priming –  suction pipe not completely filled with water.
• The check valve has failed
• Discharge head too much – depth to water beyond pump range.
• Suction lift too high.  Suction pipe may be too small or long, causing excessive friction loss.
• The Impeller is blocked.
• Suction pipe/screen/strainer completely blocked.
• Pump motor running in reverse (check direction).
• Air pocket in suction line.
• Air leaks in suction line and/or shaft seal, gland packing.
• Discharge line closed off, solenoid valve not opening or gate valve closed.

Poor flow?

• Priming – casing and suction pipe not completely filled with liquid.
• Discharge head higher than anticipated.  Check friction loss in piping.
• Suction lift too high.  Suction pipe may be too small or long and causing excessive friction loss.
• Impeller partially plugged.
• Suction pipe/screen /strainer partially blocked.
• Pump motor running in reverse (check direction).
• Air pocket in suction line.
• Air leaks in suction line and/or shaft seal, gland packing.
• Foot valve too small.
• Suction pipe not into the  water enough after draw-down.
• Mechanical faults such as the Impeller damaged, gland-packing of shaft seal damaged or wear rings worn.

Water pumps OK then stops?

• Leak in suction line.
• Leakage of air into pump casing.
• Air pocket in suction line.
• Suction lift too high.
• Insufficient groundwater.

Not Enough Pressure?

• Speed to low.
• Air in water.
• Wrong impeller diameter.
• Mechanical fault – Wear rings worn. Impeller damaged. Shaft seal or gland-packing damaged.
• Wrong direction of rotation.

Water pumps OK then stops but pump still running

• Leak in suction line.
• Leakage of air into pump casing.
• Air pocket in suction line.
• Suction lift too high.

Pump is noisy.

• Hydraulic noise – cavitation,  too much suction head.
• Mechanical Faults including  – pump and drive unit out of alignment ,rotating elements binding, shaft bent, bearings worn.

Pump leaks .

• Gland Packing worn/loose. Shaft seal damaged.
• Packing incorrectly inserted or not properly run in.
• Shaft scored.
• Housing damaged.