Industrial Water Pumps: 3 Common Issues

5 December 2016
 Categories: , Blog


Are you are using a water pump as part of your industrial operation? If so, it is vital that you know how to identify and respond to any issues which may occur. Below is a guide to some common problems which can affect industrial water pumps and tips on how you can resolve them.

The pump is operational but is not moving water

If your industrial water pump is fully operational but is not moving water through the pipes, you will first need to inspect the pump's impeller. The impeller is a pump component which transfers energy from the pump motor to the water, creates pressure and propels it through the pipes.

If the impeller becomes clogged with dirt or debris, the transfer of energy is impeded and less energy will be transferred to move the water through the pipes. You should inspect the impeller and remove any dirt and debris that has built up. If you are still experiencing problems, you should check the pipe for signs of leaks, which could be causing a drop in water pressure.

There are strange popping sounds

If your industrial water pump is producing strange popping sounds when it is in operation, this could be a result of cavitation. If the water inlet pipe becomes clogged, it can cause a drop in water pressure. When the water pressure drops, air bubbles can begin to form. The bubbles cause the pump to become inefficient and can create the strange popping sound as water passes through the air bubbles. To solve this problem, you should inspect the inlet pipe and clear it of any debris or dirt that is creating a blockage.

The circuit breaker keeps tripping

If the circuit breakers of the pump repeatedly trip, this could be caused by air pockets that have formed between the impeller eye and the suction pipe. These air pockets can inhibit the flow of water and cause the pump to overheat, causing the breaker to trip. Because of this overheating, you may notice a strange smell when the circuit breakers trip. You should take the pump out of operation and dismantle it while it is submerged in a vat of water. Doing so will cause the air to escape the pump as it is dismantled. You should also inspect the suction pipe for signs of leakage, as this is how air typically enters a water pump.

If you would like further advice about how to maintain and repair your industrial water pump, contact a contractor today.


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