How To Prevent Pump Burn Out
Your fountain pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment that helps your fountain to work efficiently while adding a beautiful water feature. So knowing how to take care of your pump to prevent burn out is good to know. Below we will explain exactly what pump burn out is and how to prevent it so you can enjoy all season long.
Pump burn out is when your pump doesn’t function at full capacity or prematurely dies out. This often happens when the pump is frequently turned on and off and there is improper care and installation. Make sure all electrical connections are working and that the pump is installed correctly. A pump can also burn out from having the pump run dry. Submersible pumps require water to keep cool and maintain the proper operating temperature. If the water level drops below the impeller, the motor will overheat and burn out. Make sure the pump is submersed in water at all times during warm weather and store it properly during winter weather to increase overall performance. If the fountain is outside, during months with freezing weather, remove the pump from the water prior to freezing as frozen water will expand and break the pump, or pump mechanisms. Buying a pump that has an automatic low water shut off feature is a great way to prevent the pump from running dry. TotalPond’s high-quality Fountain Pump with Low Water Shut-Off is quiet and efficient and has a sensor that shuts off the pump when the water reaches a certain level. This pump is ideal for small fountains and for large fountains we have the Fountain Pump with Low Water Shut-Off Feature and LED Light that not only prevents pump burn out but also creates a great nighttime ambiance.
Another common source of pumps dying out prematurely is from purchasing a low quality pump that is not built for longevity. Inferior models may have poor casing that will crack and cause water to seep in and damage the components. Buying cheap may mean spending more money in the long run when you have to keep buying new pumps. Buying a high quality and high performance pump, like TotalPond pumps is a good way to prevent this. A high quality pump will be able to withstand the elements that it will be exposed to and therefore increase its longevity.
Regular maintenance will help to keep your pump working at an optimal level. When using the pump for the first time be sure to turn it on and off several times to be sure that all the air is out of the discharge line. This process is known as "priming the pump." Air can get locked and debris can get caught in the impeller, which may cause the pump to hum and push very little water, shortening its life span. To make sure the pump isn’t air locked, tilt the pump while it’s in the pond to allow air to be released from the chamber or remove the pump from the pond, run it under a water faucet, and re-install, ensuring that the impeller chamber is flooded with water. Routine maintenance entails getting rid of any debris that has collected on the outside of the pump. You may need to scrub gently with a washcloth. You can also try using an old toothbrush, dish detergent, and warm water. You can use Algaecide, which safely and easily gets rid of stubborn string algae that forms in your fountain. You may need to disassemble the pump and clean inside of it where algae and mineral deposits build up. Pump disassembly is quick and easy. Most covers slide right off but you may need to move any tension clips that hold the unit together, but you most likely will not need tools. Most manufacturers include instructions, which discuss how to clean the inside under running water with a brush. A great way to keep your pump clean is by using a beneficial bacteria that break down waste and other pollutants to prevent clog and damage to your pump while keeping your fountain clean and beautiful.
General maintenance will ensure that your pump has a long life and you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your fountain!