Have you ever wondered why pumps fail? Whether you’re dealing with a submersible pump or another kind of groundwater pump, various problems can cause them to malfunction or stop working altogether. Let’s break down the causes of pump failure and provide ways you can prevent it from happening in the future.
Common Causes Of Pump Failure
When a pump fails, it can be costly and disruptive to your operation. Understanding why pumps fail is the first step to preventing future failures.
The most common cause of pump failure is wear. Parts that are subject to wear include bearings, seals, and impellers. Other causes of pump failure include cavitation, corrosion, and overheating. Wear is caused by the moving parts of the pump coming into contact with each other or with the fluid being pumped. This can happen when the parts are not properly lubricated or when they are made of materials that are not compatible with the fluid being pumped. Seals can also fail due to wear.
Cavitation is another common cause of pump failure. Cavitation occurs when there is a decrease in pressure in the pump, causing bubbles to form in the substance being pumped. These bubbles can collapse, causing damage to the pump or other parts of the system.
Corrosion can also lead to pump failure. Corrosion occurs when the material of the pump comes into contact with a substance that is corrosive to that material. This can happen when pumping acidic or salty fluids or when using stainless steel pumps in environments with high exposure to chlorine.
Overheating is another common cause of pump failure. Overheating can occur due to friction between moving parts or because of an increase in the temperature of the fluid being pumped. If overheating occurs, it can damage bearings, seals, and other parts of the
Getting To The Root Cause Of Why Pumps Fail
There are many reasons why a pump might fail, but some causes are more common than others. One of the most common reasons for pump failure is cavitation. This occurs when there is not enough liquid in the pump to keep the impeller fully submerged, and can cause damage to the impeller as well as to the bearings and seals. Another common cause of pump failure is foreign matter in the fluid being pumped. This can be anything from small particles of dirt or sand to large pieces of metal or other debris. If this foreign matter gets caught in the impeller it can damage it, or if it gets into the bearings it can cause them to wear out prematurely.
Diagnosing the Problem
There are a few different ways to diagnose the problem with your pump. The first step is to check the power supply. If the power supply is not working, then the pump will not be able to function. Another way to diagnose the problem is to check the connections between the pump and the rest of the system. If there are any loose connections, then the pump will not be able to function properly. Finally, you can check the level of fluid in the system. If the level of fluid is low, then it could be causing the pump to fail.
Why Submersible Pumps Fail More Often Than Others
Submersible pumps are designed to operate underwater, so it’s no surprise that they are often the cause of failure in a water well system. There are many reasons why submersible pumps fail, but the most common culprit is corrosion.
Corrosion is a natural process that occurs when metals are exposed to oxygen and moisture. Over time, the metal will slowly break down and weaken. This process is accelerated in water wells because of the high concentration of minerals in the water.
As the pump corrodes, it will eventually become too weak to operate properly. The impeller may become clogged with sediment or debris, or the motor may seize up. In any case, the pump will be unable to perform its job and will need to be replaced.
However, it should be noted that pump failures can be prevented by regularly inspecting and maintaining your submersible pump. If you notice any signs of corrosion, have a professional inspect and repair your pump as soon as possible.
Chemical and Physical Damage to Pumps
Pumps are exposed to a variety of chemicals and physical forces that can damage them. Chemicals can corrode or eat away at pump components, while physical forces can damage or break pump parts.
Corrosion is one of the most common forms of chemical damage to pumps. Corrosion can be caused by a variety of chemicals, including acids, bases, and oxidizing agents. In some cases, corrosion can be caused by the interaction of two different metals in the presence of an electrolyte (such as water).
Physical damage to pumps can be caused by several factors, including vibration, impact, and thermal stress. Vibration can cause wear and tear on pump components, as well as fatigue cracking. Impact damages can occur when pump parts collide with each other or with foreign objects. Thermal stress occurs when pump components are exposed to extreme temperatures (either hot or cold).
Failure To Maintain Pumps
Pumps are one of the most important pieces of equipment in any industry, and their proper maintenance is essential to ensuring their longevity. Without proper maintenance, pumps will perform poorly and wear out very quickly. There are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to maintaining pumps:
- Regular inspection and cleaning are crucial to keeping them in good working order
- Replacing worn or damaged parts as soon as possible will help prevent further damage and extend the life of the pump;
- Properly storing pumps when they’re not in use will help protect them from corrosion and other damage.
If You Have A Pump Failure—CALL US!
There’s nothing you can do to prevent a pump from ever failing, eventually, they will— no matter what. So when that time comes, and your pump does indeed fail, there is one call you should make, and that is to Gulf Coast Pump & Supply.
When you’re in dire need of a particular pump, we ship fast, and often the same day if possible. Contact us for all your pump and supply needs!