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How to Troubleshoot a Lawn Pump

A lawn pump is a small piece of equipment that is part of an overall inground lawn sprinkler system. Lawn sprinklers are usually used for larger residential properties, golf courses and commercial areas. A lawn pump helps regulate the flow of water through the system to the sprinkler heads. You can often troubleshoot smaller pump issues by yourself without having to call for service.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stop the motor of the pump, remove the pipe plug, and fill the case up with water if the pump won’t prime. Check all of the pump connections for leaks, and check that the impeller isn’t plugged.

    • 2

      Submerge the suction pipe at least three feet below the level of the water and check all of the connections for leaks if the pump loses its prime shortly after you start it.

    • 3

      Inspect the impeller for clogs, check the motor bearing for wear or consider getting a stronger pump if your water source is too deep for the pump’s capacity and the pump is noisy during operation.

    • 4

      Tighten any loose wires at the motor, ensure the disconnect switch is on and check for a blown fuse if the pump won’t run at all.

    • 5

      Check for water in the priming hole if the pump runs hot and the overload kicks off during use. Match the voltage through the wires to the pump requirements to ensure it is high enough.

    • 6

      Check for water in the priming hole, leaks, sufficient water level, a plugged impeller or frozen pipes if the motor is running but water is not being delivered.