Troubleshooting 12
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE CAUSE(S) CORRECTIVE ACTION
Motor will not run Disconnect switch is off Be sure switch is on.
Fuse is blown or circuit breaker tripped Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker.
Starting switch is defective DISCONNECT POWER; Replace starting switch.
Wires at motor are loose, Refer to instructions on wiring (Page 7). DISCONNECT POWER; check and
disconnected, or wired incorrectly tighten all wiring.
Capacitor voltage may be hazardous. To discharge
capacitor, hold insulated handle screwdriver BY THE HANDLE and
short capacitor terminals together. Do not touch metal screwdriver
blade or capacitor terminals. If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
Pressure switch contacts are dirty DISCONNECT POWER and file contacts with emery board or nail file.
Motor runs hot and Motor is wired incorrectly Refer to instructions on wiring.
overload kicks off
Voltage is too low Check with power company. Install heavier wiring if wire size is too small
(See Electrical / Wiring Chart).
Pump cycles too frequently See section below on too frequent cycling.
Motor runs but no Pump in new installation did In new installation:
water is delivered* not pick up prime through:
1. Improper priming 1. Re-prime according to instructions.
2. Air leaks 2. Check all connections on suction line, AVC, and ejector with
soapy water or shaving cream.
3. Leaking foot valve or check valve 3. Replace foot valve or check valve.
Pump has lost prime through: In installation already in use:
1. Air leaks 1. Check all connections on suction line and shaft seal.
2. Water level below suction pipe inlet 2. Lower suction line into water and re-prime. If receding water level
in well exceeds 25’ (7.6M), a deep well pump is needed.
Foot valve or strainer is plugged Clean foot valve or strainer.
Ejector or impeller is plugged Clean ejector or impeller.
Check valve or foot valve is stuck shut Replace check valve or foot valve.
Pipes are frozen Thaw pipes. Bury pipes below frost line. Heat pit or pump house.
Foot valve and/or strainer are Raise foot valve and/or strainer above bottom of water source.
buried in sand or mud Clean foot valve and strainer.
Water level is too low for shallow well A deep well jet package may be needed (over 25 ft. to water)
setup to deliver water to deliver water.
Pump does not Water level in well is lower than A deep well jet will be needed if your well is more than 25’ (7.6M)
deliver water to full estimated depth to water.
capacity
Steel piping (if used) is corroded or Replace with plastic pipe where possible, otherwise with new steel pipe.
limed, causing excess friction
Piping is too small in size Use larger piping.
Packed well point Backflush well point or sink new point.
Pump delivers water but
Pressure switch is out of adjustment or DISCONNECT POWER; adjust or replace pressure switch.
does not shut off or contacts are welded together
pump cycles too
Faucets have been left open Close faucets.
frequently
Venturi, nozzle or impeller is clogged Clean venturi, nozzle or impeller.
Standard pressure tank is waterlogged Drain tank to air volume control port. Check AVC for defects. Check
and has no air cushion all connections for air leaks.
Pipes leak Check connections.
Foot valve leaks Replace foot valve.
Air charge too low in pre-charged tank DISCONNECT POWER and open faucets until all pressure is relieved.
Using tire pressure gauge, check air pressure in tank at valve stem
located on the tank. If less than pressure switch cut-in setting (30-50
PSI), pump air into tank from outside source until air pressure is 2 PSI
less than cut-in setting of switch. Check air valve for leaks (use soapy
solution) and replace core if necessary.
Air spurts from faucets Pump is picking up prime When pump has picked up prime, it should pump solid water with no air.
Leak in suction side of pump Suction pipe is sucking air. Check joints for leaks with soapy water.
Well is gaseous Consult factory about installing a sleeve in the well
Intermittent over-pumping of well. Lower foot valve if possible, otherwise restrict pump discharge
(Water drawn down below foot valve.)
* (Note: Stop pump;
then check prime
before looking
for
other causes.
Unscrew
priming
plug and see if water
is in priming hole).