Irrigation pump problem? Teach you step by step preliminary investigation

Irrigation pump problem? Teach you step by step preliminary investigation

There is no need to panic when the irrigation pump suddenly strikes, produces abnormal water, or makes strange noises. By following these simple-to-complex, outside-in steps for initial troubleshooting, you'll likely be able to solve common minor problems yourself, or provide key information for professional repairs. Please remember: safety first, all operations must be performed after the power is turned off.

Step one: Stop the machine immediately and observe quickly

When an abnormality is discovered (such as abnormal noise, severe vibration, smoke, no water), press the stop button or disconnect the power supply as soon as possible. Then, perform a quick diagnosis by “looking, smelling, and asking”:

Look: Are there any obvious water or oil leaks? Are the cables damaged? Is the pump body tilted?

Smell: Is there a pungent smell of burning insulation material?

Ask (yourself): Were any operations performed before the abnormality occurred (such as switching valves, moving water pumps)? Are there any changes in the weather or water supply?

Step 2: Classify symptoms and conduct targeted investigation

According to the specific performance of the water pump, select the following inspection path.

[Common symptom 1: The water pump does not produce water at all or the water volume is extremely small]

Check the power supply: This is the first step. Check if the power switch is tripped? Is the plug inserted tightly? For three-phase electric water pumps, check to see if one of the wires is dead (missing a phase), which would cause the motor to "buzz" but be weak or unable to start.

Check the water source: Is the water source sufficient? Is the water inlet pipe completely immersed in water? Did the water level drop causing the vacuum? This is one of the most common reasons.

Check whether there is "water diversion" in the pump: For centrifugal pumps and self-priming pumps that need to be filled with water, check whether the pump cavity is filled with water? If there is no water or air, the pump will not work. Refill with water and vent.

Check the valve and filter: Is the water inlet valve fully open? Is the filter or bottom valve of the water suction port seriously blocked by weeds or silt? Clean up immediately.

[Common symptom 2: The water pump discharges intermittently, containing a large amount of air]

Focus on checking the water inlet pipe: this is almost certainly a leak in the water inlet pipe or joint. Carefully inspect every joint, flange, and pipe from the water source to the pump inlet for cracks, looseness, or loose seals. Especially the hose part.

Check the water level of the water source: Is the water level too low, causing the water inlet to be exposed to the water intermittently and suck in air?

[Common Symptom 3: Abnormal noise or severe vibration when running the water pump]

Check the fixing condition: Are the anchor bolts and pump body connecting bolts loose? This is the simple reason that is most easily overlooked.

Check whether there is "empty" or air intake (repeat the check for symptom 2).

Check the internal components: Turn the pump shaft manually (after powering off) and feel for sticking, friction or looseness. This could be a damaged bearing, a loose impeller, or something stuck.

[Common Symptom 4: Motor overheating or frequent automatic start and stop]

Check the heat dissipation: Are the motor vents blocked by debris or dust? Ensure there is adequate air circulation around the area.

Check the voltage: Is the voltage too low or too high? (Need to use a multimeter to measure)

Check overload: Is it overloaded for a long time?

Check the automatic control system: If it is an automatic water supply, check whether the air bag in the pressure tank is ruptured and whether the pressure switch setting is appropriate.

Step Three: Trial Repair and Judgment

Solve simple problems: such as cleaning filters, tightening bolts, replenishing water diversion, removing air from pipes, etc. After processing, you can cautiously conduct a short trial run to see if the problem is resolved.

Determine whether professional help is needed: If the problem involves the inside of the motor (burning smell, oil leakage, abnormal bearing noise), the pump body needs to be disassembled, or the problem persists after the above troubleshooting, do not investigate further or force operation. This could be a worn impeller, damaged mechanical seal, bent shaft, or motor winding failure that requires specialist tools and knowledge.

Important safety tips and records

Safety always comes first: any inspection, especially of electrical parts, must be carried out with complete power off. If you are not familiar with electrical, be sure to ask an electrician to assist.

Keep records: Before contacting the maintenance personnel, write down: ① The brand and model of the water pump; ② The specific fault phenomenon (when it started and how it manifested); ③ The inspections and attempts you have made; ④ The situation before the abnormality occurred. This information can greatly help maintenance personnel diagnose quickly.

In summary, when faced with a water pump failure, please stay calm and follow the following procedures:

1. Stop the machine immediately and safely → 2. Select the troubleshooting path based on the symptoms (no water, air, abnormal noise, overheating) → 3. Start with the simplest external causes such as power supply, water source, filter, pipeline, etc. → 4. Solve simple problems, or seek professional help after providing clear clues to complex problems.

Through such systematic preliminary troubleshooting, you can not only effectively deal with many minor faults, but also become a knowledgeable equipment owner.