| These pumps typically provide trouble-free use but if you need help and this troubleshooting guide doesn't help you, call us toll free for help (877 266 3532). |
| PROBLEM |
PROBABLY CAUSES |
CORRECTIVE ACTION |
| Pump will not shut off |
Plugged vent tube in power cord |
Clear vent tube of any obstruction |
| Sediment lodged between retainer ring and rubber diaphragm in on/off switch |
Clean area around rubber diaphragm |
| The pump is plugged directly into the outlet |
The pump comes with two power cords. One for the pump and one for the switch. For manual use, you simply plug the plug into the outlet. For automatic use, plug the switch into the outlet and then plug the pump into the back of the switch's plug (in a piggyback fashion), the switch will then automatically connect/disconnect power to.from the pump as required. |
| Defective switch |
Operate pump manually. Replace switch if necessary. Disconnect switch and check with an ohm-meter. Open = Infinitive Resistance. Closed = Zero. With no water present the switch should be open. If it reads as Zero with no water present, replace the switch. |
| Weak rubber diaphragm in switch |
Replace diaphragm |
| Pump is air locked |
Shut power off for approx. 1 minute then restart pump. Repeat this procedure several times to clear air from the system. If your installation included a check valve, make sure a 3/16th inch hole was drilled into the discharge pipe to stop air locks from happening. |
| Liquid inflow matches or exceeds pump performance capacity |
If this happens on a regular basis and your installation uses a garden hose, the hose is probably causing too much "friction" which in turn limits the performance of the pump. You can remove the garden hose and install a 1 inch flexible PVC discharge pipe to almost quadruple the performance of the pump. If you already have a PVC discharge pipe installed, you might require a second pump. |
| Frozen water in discharge pipe |
Thaw or replace the discharge hose |
| Pump runs but does not discharge liquid |
The check-valve is installed backwards (NOTE: The check-valve was not included with your pump.) |
The check-valve will only allow water to flow in one direction - check the flow-indicating arrow on the check-valve to make sure it's installed in the correct direction. |
| The check-valve is stuck, jammed or plugged |
Remove check-valve and check it for correct operation - check-valve could need cleaning or replacing. |
| Lift too high for the pump |
If you are trying to pump the water (via the discharge pipe) upwards to a drainage area you could be asking too much of the pump. Relocate the discharge pipe/hose to a lower level. |
| Inlet to impeller plugged |
Pull pump from cover and clean it |
| Pump is air locked |
Shut power off for approx. 1 minute then restart pump. Repeat this procedure several times to clear air from the system. If your installation included a check valve, make sure a 3/16th inch hole was drilled into the discharge pipe to stop air locks from happening. |
| Frozen water in discharge pipe |
Thaw or replace the discharge hose |
| Pump does not deliver rated performance |
Lift too high for the pump |
If you are trying to pump the water (via the discharge pipe) upwards to a drainage area you could be asking too much of the pump. Relocate the discharge pipe/hose to a lower level. |
| Incorrect (low) voltage |
Check electrical outlet. If running pump via multiple extension cords, replace cheaper/thinner extension cords with heavier duty cords for increase electical performance. |
| Impeller or discharge pips is plugged |
Pull pump from cover and clean it - check discharge pipe/hose for scale or corrosion |
| Impeller is worn from abrasives (small stones/solid materials mixed with rain water) |
Replace the worn impeller |
| Pump cycles on/off continuously |
No check valve is installed in a long discharge pipe allowing water to drain back onto the pool cover |
Install a check valve into the discharge pipe/hose |
| Check-valve is leaking |
Inspect check-valve for correct operation |
| Pump will not run |
Blow fuse |
Replace fuse |
| Check breaker |
Remove pump from outlet, plug in a known working lamp or fan and see if the outlet is working. If the working fan/lamp does not work in the pump's outlet flick the fuse at the breaker box |
| Switch failed |
Disconnect pump power cord from back of switch power cord and plug the pump's cord directly into the outlet. If pump operates replace diaphragm switch. |
| Volute clogged |
Pull pump from cover and clean it |
| Breather tube clogged |
Clear vent tube of any obstruction |
| Diaphragm passage clogged |
Clear diaphragm passage of any obstruction |
| Motor Failure |
Have pump serviced |
| Thermal protector activated |
If the pump feels rather hot to the touch, the pump has shut itself down to protect itself from being damaged by the heat build-up. Allow the pump to cool. |
| GFCI device has activated |
If you have a GFCI device onthe outlect you have the pump plugged into, check that it hasn't tripped. |
