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 (Also check point 3
immediately above)
Pump delivers water but does
not shut off or pump cycles too
frequently
Air spurts from faucets
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
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 in existing installation has lost prime
through:
1. Air leaks
2. Water level below suction pipe inlet
Foot valve or strainer is plugged
Nozzle or 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
Water level is too low for shallow well
setup to deliver water
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
Venturi, nozzle or 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
Leak in suction side of pump
Well is gaseous
Intermittent over-pumping of well. (Water
drawn down below foot valve.)
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.
Hazardous voltage. 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.
Refer to instructions on wiring.
Check with power company. Install heavier wiring if wire size is too small (See
Electrical / Wiring Chart).
See section below on too frequent cycling.
In new installation:
1. Re-prime according to instructions.
2. Check all connections on suction line and AVC with 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 Nozzle or 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.
A deep well jet will be needed if your well is more than 25' (7.6M) depth
to water.
Replace with plastic pipe where possible, otherwise with new steel pipe.
Use larger piping.
DISCONNECT POWER; adjust or replace pressure switch.
Close faucets.
Clean venturi, nozzle or 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.
Suction pipe is sucking air. Check joints for leaks with shaving cream.
Consult factory about installing a sleeve in the well.
Lower foot valve if possible, otherwise restrict pump discharge.
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