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If you have a family house or garden, spring brings not only other seasonal jobs but also recommissioning your pumps after the winter shutdown. However, they may have been damaged by frost, corrosion or deposits. That is why it is essential to inspect them carefully before start-up. This can help you avoid costly repairs. In this article, we have prepared an overview of the most common problems you may encounter during spring pump maintenance and how to resolve them.
If, during spring maintenance, you find that the submersible pump is not running, first check the electrical installation, circuit breakers and motor protection. Make sure no part is damaged and that the pump is installed correctly according to the submersible pump wiring diagram.
Next, check whether the impeller and non-return valve move freely. During winter, these moving parts can seize up due to dirt or limescale. Try moving them by hand if the design allows it.
If the problem still persists, it may be a more serious fault, such as burnt motor windings or a faulty pump capacitor.
A faulty capacitor can usually be identified by the fact that the motor hums slightly and may occasionally start. In such a case, replacing this component is sufficient, and in some cases you may be able to do it yourself. Get a new capacitor with the same specifications and switch off the power supply before replacing it. Connect the new capacitor according to the original wiring and test the pump.
In the case of a burnt-out motor, you may notice a smell or see darkened cables. The motor does not respond at all and may trip the circuit breakers. DIY pump repair is not recommended in this case. The solution is an authorised service centre or replacement of the pump.
Low flow rate or pressure usually indicates a blockage or faulty seal
The cause of poor flow rate or fluctuating pressure is usually a mechanical obstruction. In spring, a blocked suction strainer is a common problem, as all sorts of debris can get into it over the winter. Another possible cause is a faulty seal, which may deteriorate due to low temperatures, or a cracked pipe.
Therefore, check the suction strainer and filters and clean everything thoroughly. Mechanical impurities in the water can damage not only the pump but also cause faults in the domestic waterworks system. Check the pipework and pump seals and replace them if worn.
Why is the submersible pump not drawing water even though the motor is running? The cause may be airlock or a faulty non-return valve.
You can recognise an airlocked water pump by zero or weak flow, bubbling in the discharge pipework and low pressure. When bleeding the pump, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some types can be bled by first switching them off, immersing them in water in a horizontal position and tilting them with the suction inlet facing upwards. Once the bubbles stop coming out, you can reconnect the pump to the power supply and lower it back into the well or borehole.
In the case of a faulty non-return valve, the water flows back into the source, which you may hear as splashing in the borehole. Other signs of a faulty valve include a rapid pressure drop in the system after the pump is switched off, frequent cycling and a long wait for water. The cause may simply be that it has jammed, which can be resolved by moving it manually. If that does not help, consider having the submersible pump serviced.
The pump does not respond at all → burnt-out motor / faulty electrical installation
The motor hums but does not run → faulty capacitor / mechanical blockage of the impeller
The motor runs but does not pump water → airlock / blockage / faulty non-return valve
The pump pumps water but does not maintain pressure → leak / faulty non-return valve
Thanks to prevention and maintenance, your pump will not let you down at the least convenient moment
Prevention and proper winterisation of a water pump are always cheaper than servicing or buying a new one. Regular maintenance also minimises the risk of your pump failing at the worst possible time.
Before recommissioning the water pump, make sure there is a sufficient water level in the borehole and that the pump has functional dry-run protection.
Check the electrical connections and use surge protection.
Submersible pumps can be used all year round. However, if you do not use the water source in winter, winterise the pump. Disconnect it from the power supply, drain the water from it, clean all parts and store it in a frost-free place.
Pump clean water only. Before recommissioning the pump, remove sand and other unwanted material from the well.
After winter, make sure the entire system is properly vented.
Regularly clean the filters and suction components.
Continuously check the system pressure.
If faults still occur on the pump for a domestic waterworks system, consider whether servicing is worthwhile or whether it makes more sense to buy a new one straight away. If the pump is more than 10 years old or the repair would be expensive, it is usually more cost-effective to invest in a new one.
If you decide to buy a new submersible pump, you certainly will not be disappointed by the top-quality products from Grundfos and Wilo. These pumps are characterised by high reliability, efficiency and modern control units for trouble-free operation.
In the BOLA range, you will find the best pumps for boreholes and wells. Our specialists will be happy to help you choose exactly according to your needs.
Typical signs are that the pump does not respond at all, only hums, or runs without pumping water. Pressure fluctuations or weak flow may also occur. Sometimes there is frequent cycling or a pressure drop after switch-off. These symptoms usually indicate a problem with the electrical installation, airlock or a mechanical fault.
The most common cause is an airlock in the pump or a faulty non-return valve. There may be air in the system preventing proper water intake. Another reason may be a blockage in the suction section or a low water level in the source. Bleeding the pump and checking all system components may help.
The cause is usually a blocked suction strainer, dirty filters or a leak in the pipework. Dirt may settle during winter and restrict the flow of water. The problem may also be caused by a damaged seal or cracked pipework. The solution is thorough cleaning, checking the seals and replacing any damaged parts if necessary.
The basis is proper winterisation and regular maintenance of the water pump. Before winter, it is advisable to clean the pump, drain the water and store it in a frost-free environment. In spring, check the electrical installation, filters and seals, and verify that the water level is sufficient. Regular inspection of the system helps prevent costly repairs and equipment replacement.
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