Troubleshooting
SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)
Motor will not run
Disconnect switch is off
Fuse is blown or circuit breaker tripped
Wires at motor are loose,
disconnected, or wired incorrectly
Pressure switch contacts are dirty
Motor runs hot and
Voltage is too low
overload kicks off
Pump cycles too frequently
Motor runs but no
Pump in new installation did
water is delivered*
not pick up prime through:
1. Improper priming
2. Air leaks
* (Note: Stop pump;
then check prime
3. Leaking foot valve or check valve
before looking
Pump has lost prime through:
for other causes.
1. Air leaks
Unscrew priming
2. Water level below suction pipe inlet
plug and see if water
is in priming hole).
Foot valve or strainer is plugged
Ejector or impeller is plugged
Check valve or foot valve is stuck shut
Pipes are frozen
Foot valve and/or strainer are
buried in sand or mud
Water level is too low for shallow well
setup to deliver water
Pump does not
Water level in well is lower than
deliver water to full
estimated
capacity
Steel piping (if used) is corroded or
limed, causing excess friction
Piping is too small in size
Pump delivers water but
Pressure switch is out of adjustment or
does not shut off or
contacts are welded together
pump cycles too
Faucets have been left open
frequently
Standard pressure tank is waterlogged
and has no air cushion
Pipes leak
Foot valves leak
Air charge too low in pre-charged tank
Air spurts from faucets
Pump is picking up prime
Leak in suction side of pump
Well is gaseous
Intermittent over-pumping of well
(Water drawn down below foot valve)
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Be sure switch is on.
Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker.
DISCONNECT POWER; check and tighten all wiring.
DISCONNECT POWER and clean the electrical contacts.
Check with power company. Install heavier wiring if wire size is too small.
See section below on too frequent cycling.
In new installation:
1. Re-prime according to instructions.
2. Check all connections on suction line with
shaving cream.
3. Replace foot valve or check valve.
In installation already in use:
1. Check all connections on suction line and well seal.
2. Lower suction line into water and re-prime. If receding water level
in well exceeds 16' (5M), a deep well pump is needed.
Clean foot valve or strainer.
Clean ejector or impeller (See Repair Parts page).
Replace check valve or foot valve.
Thaw pipes. Bury pipes below frost line. Heat pit or pump house.
Raise foot valve and/or strainer above bottom of water source.
Clean foot valve and strainer.
A deep well pump may be needed (over 16' (5M) to water)
to deliver water.
A deep well jet will be needed if your well is more than 16' (5M)
depth to water.
Replace with plastic pipe where possible, otherwise with new steel pipe.
Use larger piping.
DISCONNECT POWER; adjust or replace pressure switch.
Close faucets.
Drain tank to air volume control port. Check AVC for defects. Check
all connections for air leaks.
Check connections.
Replace foot valve.
DISCONNECT POWER and open faucets until all pressure is relieved.
Using tire pressure gauge, check air pressure in tank at valve stem
located on the tank. If necessary, adjust air pressure in tank to 1.5 Bars
(22 psi). Check air valve for leaks (use shaving cream) and replace core
if necessary.
When pump has picked up prime, it should pump solid water with no air.
Suction pipe is sucking air. Check joints for leaks with shaving cream.
Consult factory about installing a sleeve in the well.
Lower foot valve if possible, otherwise restrict pump discharge.
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