Water pumps can develop problems over time. A malfunctioning pump can run continuously. In addition to affecting performance, unaddressed problems can cause serious damage, cutting short your pump’s useful life.
To prevent problems, invest in regular maintenance. Regular pump maintenance can save you money and headaches down the road. The purpose of preventive maintenance is to identify and address current issues and prevent potential problems before they occur.
Regular pump maintenance improves equipment reliability. A well-maintained pump costs less to run than a poorly maintained one.
Age can catch up to even well-maintained pumps. Age-related deterioration can affect your pump’s performance, transforming it into an energy guzzler. Pumps that are used more often than usual may have increased risk of developing problems.
Soil quality can affect pump performance. Your pump may develop problems even if you stay on top of maintenance due to the soil quality. If, for example, your soil has more chemicals than usual, your pump can deteriorate prematurely.
Do not ignore pump problems, as they can snowball into major issues and you may end up with an expensive repair, or worse, you may have to replace your pump sooner than you thought.
Water Pump Maintenance Tips
Why wait for a component to fail and then repair your pump when you can prevent problems from occurring in the first place with preventive maintenance. As the name suggests, preventive maintenance can prevent many avoidable problems. It reduces wear and tear on pump parts and can even reverse age-related deterioration to a certain extent.
Here are some simple yet effective ways to maintain your water pump.
Periodically Clean the Cooling Fans
Your cooling fans play an important role in reducing heat buildup to maintain an optimal temperature. Over time, dirt and dust can accumulate on fans, affecting their ability to cool properly.
Overheating is a recipe for disaster. It can cause long-term damage and force your pump to work harder and longer. Clean your fans at least once every three months. To prevent buildup, keep your pump clean, and get rid of dust and debris such as cobwebs and leaves.
Perform Visual Inspections
Periodically check your pump for cracks. Check the pump casing for signs of problems such as leaking water. Water dripping from your pump or other parts of your system could mean that a part is loose or has worn out and needs to be replaced.
Keep an eye out for water damage signs such as damp patches and mold. If you smell stale water or foul odors, there is a strong possibility that your pump isn’t sealed properly.
Visually inspect your water pump immediately after a storm. If you do not notice any signs of problems, do not automatically assume that everything’s alright and you have nothing to worry about. A branch that was uprooted during the storm may have struck your pump, causing major damage to its internal components. If you believe there could be a possibility that your pump sustained damage, have a technician look at your pump and make any necessary repairs.
Use Anti-corrosion Pump Parts
Over time, water can corrode the metallic components of your water pump. Replace regular pump parts with anti-corrosion parts. This is one of the most affordable and effective ways to protect pump parts against corrosion and increase their useful life.
Stay On Top of Professional Maintenance
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of regular professional maintenance. A professional is trained to diagnose problems that enthusiastic DIYers often overlook.
Have a Santa Rosa pump service provider inspect and maintain your water pump annually. During an annual maintenance, a pump contractor checks different parts for problems. They may perform different tests to check if pump components are working properly.
What’s Included in Professional Maintenance?
During annual checkup, your service provider will:
➢ Check the physical condition of the pump and make sure that it is secure and undamaged
➢ Inspect different parts such as the impeller, volute, valves and bearings for signs of excess wear and tear and damage
➢ Check the pipework for wear and damage
➢ Check all safeguards to see if they’re working properly. The professional will operate the alarm to see if the beacon and buzzwork are working the way they should
➢ Check sump and floats for cleanliness. The professional will remove any dirt that has accumulated on pump parts over time
➢ Inspect electrical components. They will check the bulbs and fuses to see if they’re working properly
After every maintenance session, remember to ask for your copy of the service record sheet. Maintain accurate records so you and your contractor have all the necessary information you will need to decide if you should repair or replace your pump when it starts acting up.
How to Decide If You Should Repair or Replace Your Pump?
With proper care and maintenance, pumps typically last between 8 and 15 years. If your pump is on its last legs, it is time to replace it.
If any damage is beyond normal wear and tear, you may have to replace your pump earlier than you thought. Because most of the wear and tear occurs on internal parts, you will need a technician to open your pump to check the status of its internal components.
Weeks Drilling & Pump Co. is a reputable water pump service in Sebastopol. We help businesses and households get the most out of their water systems. To learn more, call 707-823-3184.