Troubleshooting
Symptom
Motor will not run.
Motor runs hot and overload
kicks off.
Motor runs but no water is
delivered*.
* Stop pump; then check
prime before looking for
other causes. Unscrew
priming plug and see if
water is in priming hole.
Pump does not deliver water to
full capacity.
Pump delivers water but does
not shut off or pump cycles too
frequently.
Air spurts from faucets.
Mechanical or noise problems.
Possible Cause(s)
Disconnect switch is off.
Fuse is blown or circuit breaker tripped.
Starting switch is defective.
Wires at motor are loose, disconnected, or
wired incorrectly.
Pressure switch contacts are dirty.
Motor is wired incorrectly.
Voltage is too low.
Pump cycles too frequently.
Pump in new installation did not pick up
prime through:
1. Improper priming.
2. Air leaks.
3. Leaking foot valve or check valve.
Pump has lost prime through:
1. Air leaks.
2. Water level below suction pipe inlet.
Foot valve or strainer is plugged.
Impeller is plugged.
Check valve or foot valve is stuck shut.
Pipes are frozen.
Foot valve and/or strainer are buried in
sand or mud.
Steel piping (if used) is corroded or limed,
causing excess friction.
Piping is too small in size.
Pressure switch is out of adjustment or
contacts are welded together.
Faucets have been left open.
Impeller is clogged.
Standard pressure tank is waterlogged and
has no air cushion.
Pipes leak.
Foot valve leaks.
Pressure switch is out of adjustment.
Air charge too low in pre-charged tank.
Pump is picking up prime.
Well is gaseous.
Intermittent over-pumping of well. (Water
drawn down below foot valve.)
Bent shaft and/or damaged bearings.
Suction and/or discharge piping not
properly supported and anchored.
Corrective Action
Be sure switch is on.
Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker.
DISCONNECT POWER; Replace starting switch.
Refer to instructions on wiring DISCONNECT POWER; check and tighten
all wiring.
Capacitor voltage may be hazardous . To discharge capacitor,
hold insulated handle screwdriver BY THE HANDLE and short capacitor
terminals together. Do not touch metal screwdriver blade or capacitor terminals.
If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
DISCONNECT POWER and file contacts with emery board or nail file.
Refer to instructions on wiring.
Check with power company. Install heavier wiring if wire size is too small
(See Table II).
See section below on too frequent cycling.
In new installation:
1. Re-prime according to instructions.
2. Check all connections on suction line, AVC, and ejector with soapy water or
shaving cream.
3. Replace foot valve or check valve.
In installation already in use:
1. Check all connections on suction line and shaft seal.
2. Lower suction line into water and re-prime. If receding water level in well
exceeds 25' (7.6M), a deep well pump is needed.
Clean foot valve or strainer.
Clean impeller.
Replace check valve or foot valve.
Thaw pipes. Bury pipes below frost line. Heat pit or pump house.
Raise foot valve and/or strainer above bottom of water source. Clean foot valve
and strainer.
Replace with plastic pipe where possible, otherwise with new steel pipe.
Use larger piping.
DISCONNECT POWER; adjust or replace pressure switch.
Close faucets.
Clean impeller.
Drain tank to air volume control port. Check AVC for defects. Check all
connections for air leaks.
Check connections.
Replace foot valve.
Adjust or replace pressure switch.
DISCONNECT POWER and open faucets until all pressure is relieved. Using
tire pressure gauge, check air pressure in tank at valve stem located on the tank.
If less than pressure switch cut-in setting (30-50 PSI), pump air into tank from
outside source until air pressure is 2 PSI less than cut-in setting of switch. Check
air valve for leaks (use soapy solution) and replace core if necessary.
When pump has picked up prime, it should pump solid water with no air.
Consult factory about installing a sleeve in the well.
Lower foot valve if possible, otherwise restrict pump discharge.
Take motor to authorized motor repair shop.
See that all piping is supported to relieve strain on pump assembly.
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