Operation ∙ Troubleshooting
Operation
Risk of electric shock. Can shock, burn or
kill. Do not handle a pump or pump motor with wet
hands or when standing on wet or damp surface, or in
water.
1. Shaft seal depends on water for lubrication. Do not
operate pump unless it is submerged in water as seal
may be damaged if allowed to run dry.
2. Motor is equipped with automatic reset thermal
protector. If temperature in motor should rise, switch
will cut off all power before damage can be done
to motor. When motor has cooled, switch will reset
Troubleshooting
Symptom
Possible Cause(s)
Pump is not plugged in.
Blown fuse.
Low line voltage
Pump won't start
or run.
Defective motor.
Defective float switch.
Impeller
Float obstructed
Backflow of water from piping Install or replace check-valve.
Pump starts and
stops too often.
Faulty float switch
Defective float switch
Restricted discharge (obstacle
or ice in piping)
Pump won't shut
off
Float obstructed
Restricted intake screen
Low line voltage
Something caught in impeller
Worn or defective parts or
plugged impeller
Pump operates
but delivers little
or no water
Check valve installed without
vent hole.
Restricted intake screen
Check valve is installed either
backward or upside down
automatically and restart motor. If protector trips
repeatedly, pump should be removed and checked.
Low voltage, long extension cords, clogged impeller,
very low head or lift, or a plugged or frozen discharge
pipe, etc., could cause protector to trip.
3. Pump will not remove all water. If operating a pump
manually and suddenly no water comes out of the
discharge hose, shut off the unit immediately. The unit
has broken prime due to a very low water level.
Risk of electric shock. Can shock, burn or
kill. Before attempting to check why unit has stopped
operating, disconnect power from unit.
Corrective Action
Check and see if pump is plugged into a proper outlet.
If blown, replace with fuse of proper size.
If voltage under recommended minimum, check size
of wiring from main switch on property. If OK, contact
power company or hydro authority.
Replace pump.
Replace float switch.
If impeller won't turn, remove lower pump body and
locate source of binding.
Remove obstruction.
Replace float switch.
Replace float switch.
Remove pump and clean pump and piping.
Remove obstruction.
Remove the pump and clean the intake screen and the
impeller.
If voltage under recommended minimum, check size
of wiring from main switch on property. If OK, contact
power company or hydro authority.
Remove the pump and clean out the impeller.
Clean impeller if plugged; otherwise replace pump.
Drill a 1/16" - 1/8" (1.6mm-3.2mm) dia. hole between
pump discharge & check valve (1-2" above where the
discharge pipe screws into the pump discharge and
below the waterline).
Remove the pump and clean out the intake screen.
Be sure check valve is installed correctly.
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