Simer Pumps Complete Simer Pump Troubleshooting for Efficient Operation

Troubleshooting		13
SYMPTOM	POSSIBLE CAUSE(S)	CORRECTIVE ACTION
Motor will not run	Disconnect switch is off	Be sure switch is on.
	Fuse is blown or circuit breaker tripped	Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker.
	Starting switch is defective	DISCONNECT POWER; Replace starting switch.
	Wires at motor are loose,	Refer to instructions on wiring (Page 9). DISCONNECT POWER; check and
	disconnected, or wired incorrectly	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.
	Pressure switch contacts are dirty	DISCONNECT POWER and file contacts with emery board or nail file.
Motor runs hot and	Motor is wired incorrectly	Refer to instructions on wiring.
overload kicks off	Voltage is too low	Check with power company. Install heavier wiring if wire size is too small
		(See Electrical / Wiring Chart).
	Pump cycles too frequently	See section below on too frequent cycling.
Motor runs but no	Pump in new installation did	In new installation:
water is delivered*	not pick up prime through:
	1. Improper priming	1. Re-prime according to instructions.
	2. Air leaks	2. Check all connections on suction line, AVC, and ejector with
			soapy water or shaving cream.
* (Note: Stop pump;	3. Leaking foot valve or check valve	3. Replace foot valve or check valve.
then check prime	Pump has lost prime through:	In installation already in use:
before looking for	1. Air leaks	1. Check all connections on suction line and shaft seal.
other causes.	2. Water level below suction pipe inlet	2. Lower suction line into water and re-prime. If receding water level
Unscrew priming			in well exceeds 25’ (7.6M), a deep well pump is needed.
plug and see if water	Foot valve or strainer is plugged	Clean foot valve or strainer.
is in priming hole).
	Ejector or impeller is plugged	Clean ejector or impeller.
	Check valve or foot valve is stuck shut	Replace check valve or foot valve.
	Pipes are frozen	Thaw pipes. Bury pipes below frost line. Heat pit or pump house.
	Foot valve and/or strainer are	Raise foot valve and/or strainer above bottom of water source.
	buried in sand or mud	Clean foot valve and strainer.
	Water level is too low for shallow	A deep well jet will be needed if your well is more than 25’ (7.6M)
	well setup to deliver water	depth to water.
Pump does not	Water level in well is lower than	A new nozzle and venturi combination may be needed.
deliver water to full	estimated
capacity	Steel piping (if used) is corroded or	Replace with plastic pipe where possible, otherwise with new steel pipe.
(Also check point
	limed, causing excess friction
3 immediately above)
	Piping is too small in size	Use larger piping.
Pump delivers water but	Pressure switch is out of adjustment or	DISCONNECT POWER; adjust or replace pressure switch.
does not shut off or	contacts are welded together
pump cycles too	Faucets have been left open	Close faucets.
frequently	Venturi, nozzle or impeller is clogged	Clean venturi, nozzle or impeller.
	Standard pressure tank is waterlogged	Drain tank to air volume control port. Check AVC for defects. Check
	and has no air cushion	all connections for air leaks.
	Pipes leak	Check connections.
	Foot valves leak	Replace foot valve.
	Pressure switch is out of adjustment	Adjust or replace pressure switch.
	Air charge too low in pre-charged tank	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.
Air spurts from faucets	Pump is picking up prime	When pump has picked up prime, it should pump solid water with no air.
	Leak in suction side of pump	Suction pipe is sucking air. Check joints for leaks with soapy water.
	Well is gaseous	Consult factory about installing a sleeve in the well.
	Intermittent over-pumping of well.	Lower foot valve if possible, otherwise restrict pump discharge.
	(Water drawn down below foot valve.)

For parts or assistance, call Simer Customer Service at 1-800-468-7867 /1-800-546-7867