8 Tricks for Troubleshooting your Pond Pump
- Check water flow to the pump. This is, far and away, the most common pump problem that I’ve seen from customers. Your...
- Make sure the pump isn’t vapor locked. A vapor lock happens when the pump gets an air bubble trapped in the volute, the...
- Make sure the pump is getting electricity. Check the ground fault and circuit breaker...
Where can I buy a new pond pump?
Sump Pumps - Water Pumps - The Home Depot Get free shipping on qualified Sump Pumps or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Plumbing Department. Store Finder
What to do if your pond pump stops?
If your pond pump stopped working the first thing to do is try plugging it into a different GFI outlet using a extension cord. If that outlet also trips than you know the pump is broken and needs to be replaced. Many times the GFI outlets in outdoor situations will fail, this is a low cost item that can be found at a hardware store. ...
What is the best water pump for a pond?
- Completely sealed and do not require lubrication
- Because they do not contain oil, magnetic drive pumps are safer for ponds with fish as oil leaks do not occur
- Do not generate high head heights, meaning it is unable to lift pond water vertically, which you might need to supply water to a fountain
How to install a submersible pond pump?
Installing a Pond Pump and Filter
- Choose the Right Size. Often times, people building a pond in their backyard choose the wrong size pump for their needs. ...
- Construct Filter Box. Your filter is not going to go into the water, so it must be placed in some sort of attractive container or a constructed ...
- Install Pump. Run water into the pond until the bottom is covered. ...
- Add Plants and Fish. ...
Why has my pond pump stopped working?
Your pump can't push water if it doesn't have access to it. First, check to see if there is anything keeping water from getting to the pump, be it a large rock or debris, leaves, a clogged skimmer net or opening, a jammed skimmer flap, or just a skimmer mat that has gone too long between cleanings.
How long do pond pumps last?
Q: How long do pond pumps last? The pump's quality is a factor, but, in general, expect a submersible pond pump to last 3 to 5 years.
Can a pond pump burn out?
A pump can also burn out from having the pump run dry. Submersible pumps require water to keep cool and maintain the proper operating temperature. If the water level drops below the impeller, the motor will overheat and burn out.
How do I know if my pond pump impeller is broken?
A broken impeller will spin a full 360° - it should only turn 180°. If your impeller is spinning all the way around, replacement pond pump impellers can be found in our pond pump replacement parts section.
How long can pond fish survive without a pump?
The worst-case scenario is that you may see some fish die within 24 hours; though if you have an air pump (which is advised for all fishponds!)
Why is my pump not working?
Check Your Breaker Box Your well pump may have stopped working due to lack of power. Sometimes resetting a breaker or replacing a fuse affected by a power surge or brownout can fix this. If the well pump circuit breaker has tripped, the well pump itself may be failing.
Can a pond pump be repaired?
Pond pump repair: Easier than you think Swell returns manager Phil Cross tests and services any pond pumps that are sent back and for the most part, he can repair any issues in two minutes with a screwdriver and some paper towels. Pond pump repair often isn't actual repair - more like "pond pump spot maintenance."
Do pond pumps have a reset button?
Is your pond pump broken? The first thing you want to do is check the outlet that the pump is plugged into. If it has a GFI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) or reset button, push it. If it does not have a reset button, you may have to check your breaker box for a tripped switch.
How do you know if your well pump is burnt out?
How To Tell If Your Well Pump is Going Bad1) Decrease in Water Pressure. ... 2) Air Spitting From the Faucet. ... 3) Pumping Sand or Sediment. ... 5) Water Pump Cycles On and Off Constantly. ... 7) High Electric Bills.
Why is my impeller not spinning?
Pond pump impellers that have become faulty would suddenly stop spinning. One of the most common causes of this phenomenon is due to debris blockages and obstructions. Weeds, waste products, stones, and other materials may have prevented them from functioning.
How do you fix an impeller on a water pump?
3:265:12How To Change your Water Pump Impeller - PowerBoat TV - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen slide the impeller down the shaft over the key with the pump housing lubed simply press down onMoreThen slide the impeller down the shaft over the key with the pump housing lubed simply press down on it while turning the shaft clockwise. After gently installing the housings four bolts.
How do you unstick an impeller?
0:486:42How To Remove Stubborn Impellers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou would use something called a strap wrench. Yeah you can take a strap wrench. And you can tryMoreYou would use something called a strap wrench. Yeah you can take a strap wrench. And you can try that with your Peller you could wrap that around like that on the tip of your teller.
Should you leave pond pump on all the time?
A pond's pump should run 24 hours each day to ensure the pond's water circulates through the filter to keep the water clear.
Should pond pumps be turned off in winter?
Should I Leave My Pond Pump Running In Winter? Many guides will recommend that you completely shut down your pond pump over the winter to prevent the water from becoming super chilled; however, this isn't necessary for our climate.
How long do fountain pumps last?
3 to 5 yearsFirst of all, if you keep your fountains on all the time it prolongs the life of the pump because it is not being turned on and off. If cared for properly, your pump should last at least a year, if not 3 to 5 years. Keeping it running as much as possible will extend the life of your pump.
Do pond pumps use a lot of electricity?
Pond pumps have become much more efficient over the past twenty years, but a fair amount of power will always be required to move substantial volumes of water. As a guide, electric costs for: A small spouting frog ornament (9w) --- 4p per day. The very smallest in-pond filter/UV system (18w) --- 8p per day.
Pond pump repair: Easier than you think
Swell returns manager Phil Cross tests and services any pond pumps that are sent back and for the most part, he can repair any issues in two minutes with a screwdriver and some paper towels. Pond pump repair often isn't actual repair - more like "pond pump spot maintenance."
Pond pump repair: A simple guide
So how do you go about pond pump repair and maintenance? Phil let us into his workshop and explained. "You start at one end and work your way to the pump," he said.
How to get a pump out of a pond?
Remove whatever junk you find. While you have the pump out of the water, lay it on its side and plug it in. Make sure the impeller spins before you put it back in the pond. If it’s not spinning, use a screwdriver to give it a little push.
Why does my pond pump only work?
Pond pump only operates some of the time. Cause: You probably don’t have enough water in your pond or fountain. Fix: “Just add water” sounds too good to be true, but sometimes that’s all you need to do. Keep in mind that pumps must be submerged in water in order to work properly. Low water levels can activate a pump’s thermal shut-off.
What happens when pond pump is low?
Low water levels can activate a pump’s thermal shut-off. Once the pump has cooled down, the shut-off will deactivate and the pump will start running again. Keep enough water in your system to avoid this on-again, off-again drama. 3. Pond pump pushes only a small amount of water.
Why won't my pond pump run?
1. Pond pump doesn’t run. Cause: This can be caused by an interruption in the power supply. You might have a crummy electrical connection, a tripped breaker, or a blown fuse. Fix: Make sure your electrical connections are working and have been installed and tested by a qualified electrician.
Do fountains have to be low maintenance?
Ponds and fountains are low-maintenance additions to any landscape. But once in a while, even the most stalwart equipment can have issues. Learn how to troubleshoot your pump to keep your water feature in tip-top shape. At Good Earth Water Gardens, we see four common pump issues.
What to do if your pump doesn't work?
If the pump doesn’t operate, check the power cord for any snags, splits or breakages. Also check the wiring of plugs in case a connection has loosened because of mishandling or vibrations. If the power cord shows signs of physical damage, do not reuse it.
How to clean a pump with a filter?
Most pumps have a screw-on filter, while others have a filter you can access by unscrewing part of the outer casing. Remove the filter and wash it copiously under a hose or tap to remove debris. Underneath the filter lies a small impeller, which sucks water into the pump. Gently coax the impeller round with the end of a screwdriver.
What causes a pump to fail?
One of the major causes of pump failure is the clogging of tubes. Using a screwdriver, remove the hose clamp and release the tube. Carry out a visual check to identify any obstructions or impairments. You can blow out tubing with compressed air or rinse it with clean tap water.
Can you lift a water pump?
Never lift the pump from the water by lifting on the power cord. This can cause permanent damage to the wiring. The damage often remains unseen yet could result in a nasty jolt when you plug it back in. If you have trouble removing a pump by hand, tie rope around the handles for extra leverage.
Can you remove a submersible pond pump from water?
Removing the Pump from Water. For safety reasons, always unplug a submersible pond pump and remove it from water before carrying out any form of maintenance or visual check. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day. Never lift the pump from the water by lifting on the power cord.
What happens if a pond pump doesn't work?
If the pump still doesn’t respond or if the pump trips the ground fault, something is likely wrong with the pump. If the pump works fine at another outlet, then something is wrong with the electrical supply at your pond, and it’s again time for an electrician. Once you’ve run through these items with no joy, it’s time to get in touch with ...
What to do if your pump is not spinning?
If it isn’t spinning, go to the next item. If it is spinning at this point, re-install and try it again. If your impeller is spinning properly at this point and you’re still not getting water flow, then it’s time to check again to make sure that your pump is getting enough water and that your plumbing is clear.
How to get water out of a skimmer?
The easiest way to do this is to disconnect the fitting above the check valve, letting water flow out of the system and back into the skimmer box, bringing any possible clogs with it. Pull your pump out to inspect it. Check the intake on your pump for any debris that has lodged in it.
How to make sure a pump is getting electricity?
Make sure the pump is getting electricity. Check the ground fault and circuit breaker to make sure that neither has been tripped. You may also want to try plugging a different compatible appliance into the outlet your pump usually uses to make sure that power is getting to the outlet.
Why won't my pump move water?
The impeller will spin, but it won’t be able to move water because of that air bubble.
Does a waterfall pump drop water level?
It may seem like the skimmer box is plenty full when the pump is disconnected, but once it starts it the box runs dry or nearly dry. Make sure the pump isn’t vapor locked.
Is a pond pump reliable?
Recently made pond pumps are extremely reliable and energy-efficient, and getting more and more so every few years. As with any mechanical device, though, there are things that can go wrong. Fortunately, problems with pond pumps are fairly predictable, and checking on just a few things can solve the majority of pump failures.
