Preventative Maintenance

It may be possible to extend the life of the pump and to prevent a pump down situation by implementing a preventative maintenance program. This may be done by periodically performing a list of activities and recording certain information to be able to spot potential problems before they become serious. It is recommended that these activities be performed after the filter cleaning procedure so that the information will be taken from the same baseline each time. All or part of the following activities could provide the foundation for a preventative maintenance program.

1.Record the time it takes for the pump to prime and come to a stable operating condition. Increased priming times can indicate a problem. See Section 7, Troubleshooting.

2.Observe the sound coming from the pump housing. A substantial change in sound from inside the pump is a clue that something in the circulation system has changed.

3.Observe the sound coming from the motor. Motor bearings rarely fail without first becoming noisy.

4.Observe the temperature of the motor. The motor is designed to carry the pump load without building up excessive heat. An increase in normal operating temperatures may indicate a potential problem. A thermocouple placed at the motor ventilation discharge opening may be used to monitor motor temperature. It normally takes about 1 hour for the motor temperature to stabilize. See Section 7, Troubleshooting.

5.Record any flow and pressure readings on the circulation system meters and gages. See Section 7, Troubleshooting.

6.Record supply voltage and amps. Supply voltage can change throughout the day depending on other electrical loads in the area. Changes in supply voltage will affect the amp draw and water output of the pump.

7.Inspect the floor around the pump to ensure there are no indications of leaks. Address leaks immediately. A mechanical seal leak is indicated by water dripping between the motor and the motor adaptor. A mechanical seal leak can result in a failed motor bearing.

8.Inspect the exterior pump components for any sign of a structural failure. Most structural failures will start with a hairline crack that originates from a corner where two different shapes intersect.

9.Verify that the support brackets or hangars for the suction and discharge piping are continuing to fully support the weight of the piping.

EQ Series Pump Installation and User’s Guide