Of course you won’t know how to repair a pump unless you’re completely aware of every single part of it and its function.When it comes to pump repair then you have to pay attention to the technical manual attached with it.

It does make sense when you follow the technical manual’s instructions carefully, you won’t have to perform periodic maintenance along short time intervals.

What would happen if your pump stopped suddenly? what would be your behavior to fix it? can you figure out which part of the pump is responsible for the problem? can you overcome it by yourself or you will call pump services to do all pump repairs for you.

Relax! after you read this article you will know waht a water pump actually is, pump parts, the most common used pumps , pump operation instructions and tips about its storage in cold weather and pump repair and maintenance basics

What is a water pump?

A water pump is a machine designed to raise water pressure so that water or another liquid can be moved from one place to another.Typically, electricity, gas, diesel, and solar energy are used to power it.Although there are many distinct kinds of water pumps, the fundamental idea never changes.

What does a water pump do?

First of all, it’s crucial to note that there are two primary types of water pumps: centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps.While both of these kinds of pumps are intended to transfer water constantly from one location to another, as we will see in more detail below, how they do so.

Every water pump’s principal objective is to transfer liquid from one location to another, usually water.This includes water exctraction during excavations, in the case of massive flooding, at sewage treatment facilities, or from wells.In order for fluid to move, the motor transforms kinetic energy into hydrodynamic energy.

Important common used pumps with typical uses

Centrifugal Pumps

To move the water within, a centrifugal water pump uses an impeller that rotates. The discharge flow is then pressurized.

High-speed centrifugal pumps push wastewater through the device and into the facility’s pipelines or other regions for release.

These pumps are rather straightforward and simple to maintain and use.Centrifugal water pumps come in a variety of designs, such as normal units and submersible models.

These types of pumps occasionally require liquid recirculation in order to avoid overheating issues that can be brought on by low flows.The pumped fluid should also be used to prime or fill the pump to ensure optimal operation.

Typical uses

When handling thin liquids, these pumps perform effectively.Centrifugal pumps can therefore move almost any form of liquid, including ones with low viscosities. They also provide very high flow rates.

Centrifugal pumps are used in many different applications for water systems, particularly in agriculture.Common uses for such pumps include moving water from a dam or bore, sending it to the pipes for storage, or using it for irrigation.

These pumps are additionally employed in dewatering, sewage pumping, and construction-related tasks.They are frequently employed to pump home wells and the water supplies in buildings.

Moreover, the pressure in the water intake lines is increased by using such pumps. Pneumatic systems are also compatible with the majority of centrifugal pumps.

Submersible pumps

As the name suggests, submersible pumps will be submerged in the fluid. They work on the basis of the electric submersible pumping principle.Lowering the flow pressure likewise lowers the pressure at the bottom.

Typically, submersible pumps are utilized in wastewater treatment plants to help drain away fluids.They are positioned directly in the slurry or water to increase pumping power and remove fluids from a specific location.

Typical uses

Due to the potential need for special electricity cables and the normally increased electric demand, such pumps can be extremely expensive.

They are utilized in applications where the motor can function under high pressures and temperatures, such as deep wells like oil wells.

Using sump pumps that sit inside a pit, they are also well adapted to dealing with groundwater flooding in basements to keep properties dry.

Diaphragm pumps

The diaphragm is either made from rubber, thermoplastic or Teflon.Its reciprocating action combined with the proper valves on the sides will pump the liquid.

Diaphragm pumps use air or hydraulic fluid in a pressurized environment to force wastewater to move in a specific direction through a water treatment plant when the diaphragm is open and to stop flow when the diaphragm is closed.

Typical uses

When chemicals like acids, bleach, and caustics are involved, such pumps are typically used.They can also be used to transport concrete and other abrasive fluids.These pumps are also frequently used in the car and aerospace sectors.

Hit the following link to know more about different types of water pumps and thier application.

Different parts of a water pump with their functions

Casing: It acts as a shell to protect the internal components of the pump.

Impeller

The impeller is a rotating set of blades that is responsible for water movement through the pump. There are three categories to evaluate the performance of the pump that are size, shape and design.

Bearings

The bearings let the shaft rotate freely while transmitting power to other moving parts within the system.

Sealing

The seal help to keep the internal parts from being exposed to damage or overheating by stopping fluid to flow in the shaft housing area.

It shuts the pump tightly preventing any leaks to protect the pump from any contamination and failure . It plays an important role in keeping the water pump intact.

The corrosion has a great chance to take place as the bearings are made of metal balls that’s why bearings should be protected from any exposure to liquid.

Shaft

The shaft is another important pump part, as it transmits power from the motor to the moving parts inside the pump housing

Most pumps have either a simple straight shaft or an offset shaft in one form or another to optimize performance.

Suction nozzle

The suction nozzle is what draws water into the pump housing so that it can be pressurized and moved through the system.

Discharge Nozzle

It controls the velocity and the direction of the flowing pressurized water.

Couplings

It helps to ameliorate noise and vibration production and it is also useful in preventing slipping when the shaft and the driver rotate together.

Check valve

An important pump part, the Check Valve, is a special one-wave valve which is really important for its safety that prevents the water from flowing back into the pump housing after being discharged.

Strainer

The strainer is a device that retains solid particles which are present in the fluid before they can enter or harm pump parts.

Basics of pump repair

To be aware of pump repair basics it will save you more money, time and effort. Technical manuals helps a lot in pump repair process and troubleshooting complicated problems to fix them.

Also, don’t forget to use screwdrivers, sockets and wrenches because they’re all helpful in pump repair. Proper lubricants, grease guns and packing pullers are very important to save your time and money.

The pump owner should have a certain depth of experience to follow the instructions mentioned in the technical manual properly to achieve a high quality pump repair process. Absolutely, there is a certain reason for you pump failure which often extend behind the failed item.

Pump repair part 1: packing

When you check packing gland try to find out if there is any extreme leakage and repack if required. The maintenance operator should tighten the packing gland.

It is obligatory to know that you should not stop the leakage completely but try to allow about 20 drops per minute around the shaft, as water acts as a coolant for the packing in the stuffing box.

If the follower cannot be adjusted well anymore, the pump needs to be repacked with another proper packing

When choosing a packing, you should consider the pressure and shaft speed.

Pump repair part 2: Repacking

Follow all safety precautions and make sure to isolate the driver and the pump safely. Remove all old packing and the lantern ring before you add the new one. After the old packing had been removed , clean out the stuffing box and inspect the shaft sleeve for unusual wear

Use proper tools for repacking and don’t use a screwdriver so as not to negatively affect the stuffing box or shaft sleeve

1st piece of packing and the 2nd piece of packing must equal 90 degrees and make sure the new packing fits around the shaft without any gaps at the joints

Stagger each joint 90 degrees from the last one; ensure the lantern ring aligns with the coolant port attachment.This method stops water from escaping through the joints. Keep it up until the stuffing box is full.

Put the packing gland on top of the packing and tighten down the followers. Adjust the followers one flat or ¾ of a turn every 30 minutes or until the leakage is controlled.

Check if the packing gland is overheated but be careful of the rotating shaft because if the gland is too hot it will result in damage of the shaft itself.

Friction is the main reason for overheated glands due to lack of lubrication All fittings and grease cups must be well cleaned before greasing to remove any dirt.

Note that extra grease above the recommended amount causes the bearing to overheat.

Before you start to grease a bearing, remove all relief plugs to allow the old grease to pump out as the new grease is now pumped into the housing.

Pump repair part 3: Couplings

When you apply maintenance and lubrications procedures on couplings make sure that safety procedures are followed.

Remove the coupling guard to uncover the flexible grid . take the grid off, then check it for damage.

When metal fragments are detected, look for misalignment. Check the grease right away for any metal fragments.

Clean all components to make sure there is no debris or grit on the grid or coupling halves once it has been decided if the coupling may be reused or whether a new one is required.

The grid is attached to the driven end of the pump and the motor’s drive end during assembly. Put the connections bolt in place and remove the relief plug.

Pump fresh grease into the grease fitting until it comes out of the relief port.Avoid over-greasing the coupling to avoid damaging the rubber seal on the coupling’s two sides.

Pump repair part 4: Inspection

Inspections play a vital role in a preventive maintenance program.Inspections are established to know the operation circumstances of pumps and attached equipment and help expect what corrective or preventive maintenance will be required to keep serious problems away.

Inspection can’t be ignored, it should become your daily or even weekly routine for your pump maintenance.You should pay attention for noise or vibration or anything uncommon when conducting a visual inspection.

Vibration is related to pump operation and must be addressed at once before serious problems occur and the pump failure takes place.Noisy bearings can be caused by vibration from loose bearings on the shaft or a failed shaft coupling.

I strongly advise maintenance operators to have a copy of previous inspection data to be able to make a comparison between old and new findings .

Maintenance staff will be able to see any new issues and identify trends in the regular operations thanks to this.

Equipment starting and stopping conditions might not be perfect during operation. Before the tnext coming inspection cycle, though, an inspection is badly required.

After inspections, maintenance technicians and supervisors must have a meeting to discuss any issues identified.Supervisors must be able to schedule preventative and corrective maintenance while prioritising issues.

Corrective maintenance can be reduced with proper operation and preventative maintenance practises, despite the fact that problems vary.

Pump repair and maintenance plan

1.After turning the pump on, it will need to be checked at specific time intervals to make sure that your pump is operating properly and not making strange noises: every (10 min / 1 hour / 10 hours / 1day / 1 week / 1 month)

2. Check the packing seal each month to make sure if it needs to be adjusted.

3.Also don’t forget to check the ball bearings every month regarding wear or noise and if it is overheated it is better to put a new one it to avoid any explosion hazards.

4.Lubricate the ball bearings every 3 months.

5.Change the quench liquid in the quench reservoir every 3 months.

6.Cleaning the pump and the motor should be every 6 months.

7.If the leakage along the packing is excessive, tighten the nuts of the eye bolts gradually.

WARNING: Do not over tight the gland nuts. During operation, liquid must leak through the packing for lubricating and cooling.

8.If this loss is dangerous due to corrosion or fire, the pump must be equipped with a mechanical seal or a magnetic coupling.

WARNING: Never tighten up the packing gland so that it is skewed. This would create the risk of the shaft coming into contact with the packing gland and sparking occurring during pump operation.

9.When you replace of packing rings loosen the screws and push the packing gland to the rear.

10.Remove the old packing and polish the packing space.

11.Check the surface of the shaft with regard to wear and if required replace it.

12.Insert new packing rings one by one, and pre-seal them with the cut ends offset by 180°.

WARNING: Use only original Victor Pumps packing rings as incorrect materials may increase the packing temperature.

13.Slide in the packing gland and screw in the screws by hand.

14.Start-up the pump like a first time to run the new packing seal correctly.

Five tips for pump storage in winter

1.Choose a proper location to store your pump

When you select a proper location for industrial pumps storage during cold weather, it’s important to put many factors in your consideration . First, the storage area must be dry, not dirty, and moisture-free.

The pump’s components rust or corrode due to moisture leading to damage.Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources as the pump’s parts to expand and contract due to heat fluctuations leading to damage.

Industrial pumps are very expensive equipment and it must be protected from theft or damage .So, the storage area should be safe and accessible only to authorized personnel.

The storage area should be enough to accommodate the pump size and there shuold be enough space to move around the pump during storage.

Store the pump on a stand to prevent it from sitting directly on the ground, which can bring damage to pump’s base.

2.Preparations for pump storage

Well organized pump preparation before storage is important to prevent damage in winter. Follow these steps to prepare your pump for storage.

Draining the Pump:Open all the drain plugs to let the liquid flow. Any liquid left in the pump can freeze in low temperatures , damaging the pump’s components.

Cleaning the Pump: polish the pump using a new cloth to remove debris or dirt. In addition, any residual liquid must be wiped off using a newcloth.

Drying the Pump:Now, it’s crucial to dry it as any moisture left in the pump will result in corrosion or rust, damaging the pump’s components. You can use a compressed air blower to get rid of moisture on the pump’s surface.

Removing Non-Essential Parts:It’s better to remove any unimportant parts, like gaskets, seals, or hoses, from the pump before storage. These parts will be damaged along storage period and may require replacement when the pump is put back into service.

Protective Coating: Applying a protective coating to the pump’s outer surfaces is essential after cleaning and drying the pump.The coating will provide the pump a high protection from corrosion and rust during storage.

A silicone spray or a light layer of oil can be applied to the pump’s surface to protect it from moisture and rust.

3.Regular inspections of the industrial pump during storage

Inspecting the industrial pump regularly guarantees that your pump will remain in good condition during storage.

The following are some essential steps to examine the industrial pump during storage

Visual Inspection: Regularly check your industrial pump components(surface, motor, and all) for early signs of damage or corrosion. Address any noticed damage immediately before things get worst especially if you found rust or corrosion.

Visual Inspection : Regularly check your industrial pump components(surface, motor, and all) for early signs of damage or corrosion. Address any noticed damage immediately before things get worst especially if you found rust or corrosion.

Operational Inspection: make sure if the pump’s internal components are in a good condition. Turn on the pump for a few minutes to make sure if it’s still working correctly. If not , then pump maintenance is required before getting it back into service.

Moisture Inspection: Check the pump regularly for the presence of moisture or condensation. If you notice any moisture, use a clean cloth to dry it immediately as it will cause rust and corrosion. You can provide the storage area with a sump to swallow any water to keep the storage environment dry.

Storage environment : be careful to always make sure that the storage area is clean enough, dry and free of moisture or debris all the time.

4.Pump preparation and maintenance for use

Cleaning and inspection: Clean the pump completely, then look for any signs of damage.

Look for any indications of rust or corrosion on the inside and outside of the pump. Before utilising the pump, replace any broken or rusted parts.

Reassembly and testing: The pump should be tested and reassembled to guarantee proper operation.

To make sure the pump is operating correctly, turn it on and let it run for a while.

Before being put into service, the pump can need maintenance if it isn’t operating properly.

Fluid replacement:Before utilizing the pump, replace the liquid within with brand-new juice. For best results, use the suggested fluid from the manufacturer.

Oil and grease replacement: Examine the oil and grease levels in the pump and replace them as necessary. For optimum performance, use the oil and lubricant that the manufacturer suggests.

Safety inspection: Check the operation of the pump’s safety components, such as the pressure gauges, relief valves, and safety switches. Before utilizing the pump, repair any broken safety components.

Proper maintenance and preparation of the pump are crucial to ensure it’s ready for use after cold weather.Cleaning and inspection, reassembly and testing, fluid replacement, oil and grease replacement, and safety inspection are all essential steps in preparing the pump.By following these steps, you can ensure that the pump remains in good condition and is ready for help.

5-Choosing the right storage solution

Your pump needs the right storage solution, which is essential to preventing cold-weather damage to it. When choosing the best storage option, keep the following things in mind:

Temperature control:To safeguard the pump against extremely cold or hot temperatures, the storage solution should have temperature control.

For ideal storage conditions, the temperature should be maintained within a certain range.

Dry environment:In order to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to corrosion and rust, the storage solution should be dry.

Security: In order to prevent theft, unauthorized access, or damage to the pump, the storage solution should be secure.

Accessability: Authorized workers should have an easy access to the storage solution for routine checks, maintenance, and pump testing.

Space: The storage option needs to provide enough room for the pump to be stored without being crammed, which could cause damage or mishaps.

Choosing the proper storage solution is essential in protecting the pump from cold weather damage.Temperature control, a dry environment, security, accessibility, and space are all critical factors when choosing the proper storage solution. By following these steps, you can ensure that the pump remains in good condition during cold weather and is ready for use.

Pump safety equals better functioning

Industrial pumps must be carefully prepared and stored during cold weather.The pump must be kept during the cold season by selecting a suitable storage site, prepping the pump for storage, applying the protective coating and lubrication, correctly storing the pump, and performing routine inspections.

The pump may be kept in good shape and protected from damage by being stored properly.You can make sure that your industrial pump stays in outstanding condition during cold weather by following the advice in this article.

What type of water pump do you need?

There are too many types of water pumps but wchich one that you should choose.You should put the following factors in consideration when you choose your pump:

1.The flow rate

2.The horsepower

3.The motor type

4.The fuel needed, e.g. electricity, diesel, gas, hydraulic

5.The material it’s made from as in case of exposed applications it is important to opt for a pump made from weather-resistant materials.

6.Total head discharge or maximum pump power to make sure that it is sufficient for the particular application.

7.The operation’s site and size, as well as the distance involved.

General safety informations

In the end, it is the operator’s obligation to ensure safe assembly, installation, and operation.Before using, carefully read and comprehend ALL operating and safety instructions.Using a pump carelessly puts you at great risk for harm.

Read and comprehend these operating instructions before using the pump.
The operator should dress in appropriate safety clothing, including gloves, an apron, a face mask, safety shield or goggles, and safety shoes.
Before using, make sure the pump’s “wetted components” can handle the materials being pumped.
All local, state, and federal safety regulations must be complied with.
Make sure the motor voltage matches the appropriate electrical supply.
Ensure that the motor switch is in the OFF position before connecting the motor to the power supply. Before connecting an air line to an air motor, make sure the intake valve is closed.
Ensure that all pump connections are correctly tightened before starting up.
Pump clean water first to get a feel for how the pump works, including the flow rate, discharge pressure, and motor speed.
To avoid splashing, make sure the discharge hose is firmly connected to the receiving vessel before turning on the pump.
Never leave a pump running while unattended.
Avoid immersing the motor in liquid.
After operating the pump, flush it out by pumping water or a suitable cleaning agent. Avoid using combustible or flammable cleaning agents.
Never move a motor while it is connected to power.
Pumps should never be kept in a container or drum. Always fully rinse the pump before hanging it on a wall bracket or making sure the pump tubing is kept upright and vertically stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Have centrifugal pumps variable speed?

The majority of centrifugal pumps lack variable speed motors. However, a valve can be used to adjust flow rate at the discharge.

2.What exactly is a positive displacement pump?

During each motor revolution, a positive displacement pump discharges a predetermined volume of fluid.Positive displacement pumps include bellows, double-diaphragm, flexible impeller, gear, oscillating, piston, progressive cavity, rotary lobe, rotary vane, and peristaltic pumps.

3.Which pumps can I run dry?

Any period of time can be used to run dry peristaltic, ceramic-head piston pumps, bellows pumps, and diaphragm pumps.

The only exception is if the gear or impeller is constructed of a self-lubricating material, such as RYTON, in which case the pump can be driven for a short time while priming. Centrifugal, rotary vane, and gear pumps shouldn’t be run dry.

4.What pumps do you carry that will handle particulates?

Peristaltic pumps, bellows pumps, and diaphragm pumps all function effectively.Chemical compatibility and wear resistance should be taken into account when selecting materials.To prevent clogging as quickly, use a pump with wider fittings.

5.I need gentle pumping action, what do you recommend?

a peristaltic pump that operates slowly. A diaphragm pump can also be used, but only at low speed.Pumps with high shear rates and high speeds, such as centrifugal and gear pumps, should be avoided.

6.When do you need to perform maintenance on pumps?

This is dependent on the application and the pump.Diaphragms on metering pumps often last between 6 and 12 months, gears on gear pumps typically last between 3 and 6 months, while motors typically last for years.

DC motors need their brushes to be changed on occasion.It’s crucial to keep an eye on brush wear; typically, brushes need to be changed every six months.

7.How does viscosity affect a pump?

Centrifugal pumps are more impacted by viscosity than PD pumps are. First off, viscosity is a measurement of how much a fluid resists flowing.Molasses has an incredibly high value while water has a relatively low viscosity.