Troubleshooting Strategies for Common Problems in Agricultural Irrigation

Troubleshooting Strategies for Common Problems in Agricultural Irrigation

During agricultural irrigation, various problems can inevitably arise with equipment or systems. Understanding how to identify common problems and implement basic troubleshooting strategies will help you quickly restore irrigation, minimize losses, and prevent minor malfunctions from escalating. Before addressing any problem, always remember to turn off the water pump and disconnect the power supply to ensure safety before inspection and operation.

The most common problem is "the water pump is not pumping water or the water flow is severely insufficient." In this case, first check the water source and power supply. Confirm that the water level in the water source (such as a well or pond) is sufficient, and that the inlet filter or foot valve is not blocked by debris. Check if the water pump is starting normally: is the power connected, and has the switch tripped? For diesel engine water pumps, check if there is enough fuel. If the water pump is running but not pumping water, the problem is usually in the suction process. Carefully inspect the entire suction pipeline from the water source to the pump, ensuring that all connections are tightened and the pipes are free of cracks, as air leaks are the most common cause of failure to draw water. For self-priming pumps, ensure that the pump is filled with priming water. If the water pump makes a dull sound and vibrates, the impeller may be jammed by foreign objects; you need to disconnect the power, open the pump cover, and inspect and clean it.

When "the system is pumping water, but the irrigation effect is poor," the problem is usually in the field. If some sprinklers are not spraying water, rotating weakly, or spraying unevenly, it is usually because the sprinkler or its branch pipe is blocked by mud, weeds, or other debris. You can shut down the system, remove the problematic sprinkler for cleaning, and check its internal filter. If the water pressure is low in an entire area, it may be because the branch pipe valve in that area is not fully open, or the branch pipe itself has a crack or a large leak, requiring inspection along the line. If using furrow or border irrigation, and the water flow is too slow or cannot reach the end, it may be due to uneven land surface or unreasonable furrow/border specifications, requiring land leveling or adjustment of the slope and length of the furrows/borders.

When facing "equipment malfunction or leakage," proceed with caution. If the water pump or motor vibrates violently or makes unusual noises during operation, stop the machine immediately and check if the mounting bolts are loose. If the vibration persists, the internal bearings or impeller may be damaged, and it is recommended to contact a professional for repair. Slight dripping at the pump shaft seal (where the pump shaft extends) is normal, but if there is a stream of water leaking, it indicates that the seal is damaged and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will damage the bearings and waste a large amount of water. For leaks at pipe connections, it is usually due to aging seals or loose connections; try replacing the seals or tightening the connections. When encountering mechanical or electrical faults that you cannot resolve yourself, the safest strategy is to shut down the equipment and have it inspected by a professional. Do not attempt to disassemble it yourself, as this may cause further damage or safety hazards. Regular maintenance is the fundamental way to prevent most problems.