In wastewater management systems, submersible sewage pumps are effective in transporting waste and sewage from lower elevations to higher elevations. Pumps require regular maintenance and periodic repairs to maintain performance and extend their service life.

Visual Inspection

The most important phase in any submersible sewage pumps fix process is a careful visual review. This underlying evaluation can uncover an abundance of data about the pump's condition and likely issues. To get started, take a close look at the pump's exterior and the area around it. Examine the pump for any obvious signs of damage, such as corrosion, loose components, or cracks in the housing.

Because the impeller and volute of the pump are particularly susceptible to wear and damage from the abrasive materials in the sewage, pay close attention to these components. Examine the pump mechanism for any debris or foreign objects that may have become entangled. Plastics, rags, and other non-biodegradable materials that frequently enter sewage systems are examples of this.

Examine each gasket and seal for evidence of deterioration or leakage. If not fixed, even minor leaks can result in significant issues. Around joints and connections, look for water stains or mineral deposits because these can be signs of slow leaks that may not be obvious right away.

Examine the pump's electrical components, including any external controls and the power cable. Examine the pump for any indications of fraying, cuts, or exposed wires that could result in pump failure or a safety hazard. Verify that all electrical connections are corrosion-free and secure.

Finally, check the pump's mounting hardware and any associated piping for damage. Check to see that the pump is securely fastened and that there are no signs of wear or damage to any of the pipes or fittings.

Monitor Performance

Subsequent to finishing the visual investigation, the following stage is to screen the pump's exhibition. This entails keeping an eye on the pump while it is running to look for any unusual behavior. Begin by checking the pump's stream rate. A clogged impeller, worn internal components, or motor issues are all possible causes of a drop in flow rate.

Keep an eye on the amount of sewage in the tank or pit where the pump is installed. If the level is always higher than normal, it could mean that the pump isn't keeping up with how much sewage is coming in. This could be the result of a faulty float switch, a partial blockage, or an inadequate pump capacity.

Listen cautiously to the pump during activity. Internal issues can be identified by unusual sounds like grinding, rattling, or excessive vibration. A rattling or grinding sound could indicate loose components or bearings, or it could indicate that debris has gotten stuck in the impeller.

Pay attention to the pump's on-and-off frequency. Short cycling, or rapid cycling, can indicate issues with the check valve or float switch. On the other hand, a stuck float switch or an overloaded system could be the cause of the pump running indefinitely without stopping.

Using an ammeter, measure the pump motor's amp draw. Compare the reading to the specifications provided by the manufacturer. An abnormally high amp draw may indicate pump obstruction or motor issues.

Check The Motor

Any submersible sewage pump's motor is its heart, and its proper operation is crucial to the pump's overall performance. To begin, look for indications of overheating. A burning odor or a motor casing that is unusually hot can indicate serious issues that call for immediate attention. Overheating can be brought about by different variables, including insufficient cooling, exorbitant burden, or electrical issues.

Examine the cooling system for the motor. The motor of many submersible pumps is cooled by the surrounding liquid. Check to see that the pump is sufficiently submerged and that nothing is obstructing the cooling process.

Analyze all electrical associations with the engine. Corrosion, broken connections, and damaged insulation are all things to look for. Eroded or free associations can increment electrical opposition, prompting overheating and decreased productivity. Utilize a multimeter to really take a look at the obstruction of the engine windings, contrasting the readings with the producer's details.

Use a megohmmeter to determine the insulation resistance of the motor if at all possible. Short circuits and motor failure can be caused by deterioration in the motor's insulation, which can be detected with this test.

Manually rotate the shaft to check the bearings of the motor (if it is accessible). The shaft should turn without binding or grinding. Bearings that are worn or damaged and need to be replaced tend to cause rough or noisy operation.

Check the gaskets and seals on the motor. Damaged seals can allow water to enter the engine, causing electrical shorts and corrosion. Inside the motor housing, watch for signs of water infiltration, such as mineral deposits or rust.

Evaluate The Float Switch

The float switch of a submersible sump pump system controls the activation and deactivation of the pump based on the sump water level. First, visually inspect the float switch for any signs of wear or damage. Inspect the float body for broken, worn links or any debris that could impede its progress.

Carefully lift and lower the float switch to manually test it. The switch should have no binding or resistance throughout its range of motion. As you move the float, listen for a distinct click, indicating that the switch is activating or deactivating.

Check that the float switch is properly positioned in the pit or tank. Improper positioning can cause the pump to start prematurely or not start when needed. For optimal positioning, check the manufacturer's instructions and make any necessary adjustments.

Check the electrical connections to the float switch. Make sure all wires are securely connected and not drawing power. Test the switch for continuity in both the on and off positions with a multimeter.

If the pump system includes multiple float switches (for example, to determine level warnings), test each switch individually to ensure legitimate operation. Check that they are set at the correct level so that you can adequately control the pump and prevent overflow.

Consider the age of the float switch. Float switches have a limited lifespan and may need to be replaced after a few years of use to prevent unexpected failures, even if they appear to be working properly.

Check For Leaks

A leaking submersible sewage pump can cause a number of problems, such as reduced performance, motor damage, and contamination of the surrounding area. Start by carefully inspecting all seams and joints in the pump housing for signs of water infiltration. Mineral deposits, water stains, and rust are all signs of a slow leak. Begin your leak inspection by carefully inspecting all seams and joints in the pump housing for evidence of water seepage. Mineral deposits, water stains, and rust are all signs of slow leaks.

The shaft seal is a common point of failure for submersible pumps, so pay close attention to it. Around the seal, look for evidence of oil leakage, which may indicate a damaged seal that needs to be replaced.

Review all line associations and fittings related with the pump. Check for deteriorated gaskets, damaged threads, or loose connections. Indeed, even little holes at these focuses can prompt critical water misfortune and diminished pump productivity over the long haul.

Look for evidence of excessive moisture or water accumulation in the vicinity of the pump. Puddles, wet soil, or unusual vegetation growth may all be signs of underground leaks.

Perform a pressure test on the pump and its piping if possible. This involves applying pressure to the system and keeping an eye out for drops in pressure, which could indicate leaks. However, only trained personnel with the necessary tools should carry out this.

Examine the condition of any system expansion joints or flexible connectors. Over time, these parts may deteriorate and become leaky sources.

Submersible Sewage Pump For Sale

Our sump pumps are backed by Kairun’s comprehensive warranty, giving customers peace of mind. Our warranty covers manufacturing failures and guarantees short-term assistance and repairs. If you need help selecting a submersible sump pump manufacturer, feel free to contact us at catherine@kairunpump.com.

References:

1. Grundfos. (2021). Submersible Pumps for Wastewater. 

2. Flygt, a Xylem brand. (2022). Submersible Pump Maintenance. 

3. Zoeller Pump Company. (2020). Sewage Pump Troubleshooting Guide. 

4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2019). Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: Sewers, Conventional Gravity.