FAQ

Q1: What air pressure charge should I have in my pressure tank?

A1: The rule of thumb is 2 PSI (15-20 KPA) lower than the pumps cut in pressure.  You must exhaust out all the water out of the tank before apply air to the tank.

Q2: My Pressure tank feels like it is water logged.

A2: The internal bladder of the pressure tank has spilt.  The tank will need to be replaced

Q3. My water supply pump keeps cycling when no apparent water is being used.

A3: There could be numerous problems associated to this question.

  1. If the pump has a pressure tank, the pressure tank could have a spilt bladder and become water logged or the tank has the incorrect air pressure charge.
  2. The pump's non return valve / foot valve has either failed or has debris stuck in it causing the valve not to seat properly.
  3. There could be a leak on the pumps suction line or discharge line. 

Q4. My pump is very noisy when running and has a high pitch squeal.

A4.  The motor bearings need replacing ASAP.

Q5. My pump is leaking between the pumps housing and the front plate on the motor and there is a pool of water forming around it

A5. The pumps mechanical seal is damaged or worn and needs replacing due to the pump running dry or general mechanical wear

Q6. My pump will not get up to pressure and switch off.

A6. There can be numerous problems here

  1. The pump could be getting staved of water.
  2. The pump impeller/s could be blocked or could have run dry at same stage and melted the vein of the impeller/s closed
  3. The pumps pressure switch / Flow controller could of failed
  4. You have a major water leak somewhere

Q7. My pump is making a humming noise and will not start.

A7.  There are a few problems associated with this

  1. The pumps motor start capacitor could of failed
  2. The pump has ran dry and melted the internals of the pump
  3. The motor bearings could of collapsed

Q8. How do I set the correct operating pressure of my pump

A.7 You should always refer back to the pumps specifications which will be available from the wholesaler

Q9. My  Pump does not prime or loses it prime after running for a short time

A9. There are a number of factors that can cause your pump not to prime

  1. Suction lift too great for the pump
  2. Suction inlet or strainer is blocked
  3. Suction line has an air leak
  4. Suction hose collapsed
  5. Mechanical seal has failed allowing air to be drawn into pump
  6. Obstruction in pumps impeller or casing

Q10. My pump is vibrating and or overheating

A10. There are a number of factors that can cause your pump to overheat or vibrate

  1. Obstruction in the pumps impeller / casing
  2. Impeller is damaged
  3. Cavitation due to excessive suction lift / friction loss

Q11. My submersible pump is not switching on or turning off

A11. The float switch on the pump is faulty

 Q12. What is the best brand of submersible pump

A12. There are a lot of pump manufactures in the market today.  They will all say they are the best.  The leading brands are.

  1. Tsurumi
  2. Grundfos
  3. Zenit
  4. Lowara
  5. Ultra Flow
  6. DAB

Q13. How long do motors last?

 A13. Motors typically last an average of eight years before needing either rebuilding or replacing. Noisy, screeching front and/ or rear bearings will let you know when you need to do something.

How do I know what Horsepower/ Kilowatt my pump motor is?  

The horsepower should be listed on the nameplate of the pump motor (in very tiny letters - hp). If the motor nameplate is burnt or worn off, sometimes a part number of the impeller can tell us which hp your pump motor is.  

If the existing pump has done you well, it is easiest to plumb and wire with the exact same pump. The heights and lengths are the same, which makes the job a bit simpler 

If you have any other question you would like to ask are expert staff please send use an enquiry to info@alphapms.com.au