Pump problems

[Monica]

One of my pumps keeps loosing prime.  The water is high enough and there is nothing blocking it so I know that's not it so what could be causing it to loose prime?  I'm afraid my pump is going to burn up if this keeps happening.

[Sunbeam56]

Check for air bubbles? air leaks?

[Julles]

Can you take the pump apart?  Most have screws where you can take off the front housing, and reveal the impeller and rotor thing.  If there is any gunk in there, you can remove it.  You can also replace the impeller, if it's worn.

Don't know if that has to do with keeping it primed, but clean is always a good way to run.

[Rick]

If it is not working that well I think you should get a new pump. My friend who just bought fish from me had a pump breakdown and 30 of her fish died.... Bummer

[Julles]

Oh, I know someone on here who's going to pop up and say, "You should ALWAYS keep a back-up pump!" 

[-Greg-]

Monica, check the following, if you can see air bubbles inside of the leaf basket, or if you can see any air bubbles coming out of any of your returns:


1. Check for cracks in the o-ring on the leaf basket, if the lid is not sealed properly the pump will suck air and not prime well.
2. If possible, check any of the joints in the suction side line (elbows, unions, bulkhead fittings, etc.) any hairline cracks will also allow for air to enter the system.


If there are no visible bubbles, let us know what kind of pump you have and we can go from there..


Greg

[Jerry]

I did order a back up pump.

[tenuki]

I would like to add to the question.  If the priming pot/filter basket shows no air bubbles, doesn't that mean it is not sucking air from the "in" line?  Could it be sucking air from the connection from the priming pot to the pump?

[Rocmon]

Yes, but they should show up on the outflow side.

[Rick]

I think it is time for a new pump...

[karen J]

What Greg said.

Also, if you have a check valve before the pump, it's possible that a rock or something hard has gotten in the pipe and is preventing the valve from opening all the way.

[miguynmkoi]

Most of my pump problems have been from clogs along the line.  Recently found snail hostel in an old spare pump, once prime pump, for fountain.  Lost power until I opened it, cleaned out all the snails from every accessible crook and cranny.  Works like new now.  I have to say that now I have 2 back up pumps 

[Monica]

I just bought the pump last year in I think July so I know I don't need a new pump.  I had to replace both of my pumps last year.  I'll have to check it to see if it is clogged.  Plus I do have a backup pump.

[Rick]

Ok, see if it is clogged.. updates soon!!!

[Monica]

Ok now it won't even prime.  I don't know what could be causing it.  DH thinks if we had a priming pot we wouldn't have this problem.  The pump runs but no water, i think it is clogged but he says he has no way to check it on the one end.  Does anyone have an idea of how I could check to see if the line is clogged?

[miguynmkoi]

Take it apart as best as you can.  It may be clogged with plants or snail, etc.  This happened to me very often until I got a prefilter.  Also check the hose for blockage.

[Mikey]

Do you have an air compressor to blow air through the line to check for blockage?  Perhaps a garden hose taped to the tube will do the same?

[miguynmkoi]

Good idea Mike!  I don't enjoy the after affects of blowing out my cheeks and lungs!   

[Monica]

We got it to finally prime tonight so  Iam going to order a priming pot for it and see if that helps, but good ideas.