Pond Waterfall Pump Not Working

From time to time you may notice your pond pump acts different than normal-- making a different kind of noise or not working to the same capacity. On average, pond pumps last about 5 years if it is taken care of seasonally and routinely. Obviously if you don't service your pump (unclog it when necessary, clean out the sponges on Ultra Pumps, don't let it freeze solid during winter, restricting flow with small fittings etc) you may see a shorter life span due to the unnecessary stress put on the pump. Aquascape Inc. pumps are the brand that we, at Dreamscapes Watergardens, install and sell as a retailer because we've seen the best quality come from them. Bonus: they're backed with a 3 year warranty.

Generally speaking, pumps either work or they don't work at all. If you're seeing something weird going on with your pump, there's a good chance the issue is listed below. Follow along to see if your pump issue is fixable!

Circuit Breaker Trips

• Circuit is operating at amperage limit. Remove any other high draw devices and reset the breaker.
• GFCI box or extension cord* is wet. Try pump on a different GFCI or replace extension cord with a new dry extension cord. Let box/extension cord dry out for 24-48 hours. During this time YOU MUST RUN A HIGH CAPACITY air pump.
  
• Water getting past pumps seals. Replace pump.

High Pitch Squeal or Rough Grinding Noise

• Bearings are worn. If the noise doesn't bother you, we recommend rolling with the pump until it's completely dead. A pump with bad bearings can run for another year or it could kick the bucket in 2 days. If the noise is loud and annoying enough-- just replace pump.
  

Pump Runs Intermittently

• Circuit is operating at amperage limit. Remove any other high draw devices and reset the breaker
• GFCI box or extension cord* is wet. Try pump on a different GFCI or replace extension cord with a new dry extension cord. Let box/extension cord dry out for 24-48 hours. During this time YOU MUST RUN A HIGH CAPACITY air pump if you have large.
• Water getting past pumps seals. Replace pump.
• Some pump brands have an automatic shut off if they get over heated. Check to make sure the skimmer has enough water.

Pump Does Not Pump or Make Noise

• Impeller is hung up.  UNPLUG the pump FIRST.  Then use a long handle screwdriver to spin the impeller. This is called a “kick start.”
• Circuit breaker may have tripped. Reset breaker.
• GFCI box may need to be replaced. Try pump on a different GFCI. If this resolves the issue, consider hiring an electrician to troubleshoot/replace the GFCI box.
• Pump has reached end of lifespan. Replace pump.

Pump Hums But Does Not Push Water

• Impeller is hung up. Use a long handle screwdriver to spin the impeller to “kick start” it.
  
• Flapper in check valve may have broken off. Detach the check valve at the threaded collar and give it a shake. If it rattles replace the check valve.
• Pump has reached end of lifespan. Replace pump.

Pump is Gurgling/Gulping

• Low water level:
         Pond: Fill water level to 1 screw below the top of the skimmer faceplate
         Pondless Waterfall: Fill water level above the fat part of the check valve.
  
• Clogged skimmer debris net or basket. Clean skimmer debris net or basket.

Reduced Flow

• Ultra filter sponge is clogged. Remove plastic intake screen/grate and clean sponge thoroughly.
• Aquasurge/Aquaforce intake screen is clogged. With the pump unplugged use your hand to clean the debris off the intake screen.
  
• Clogged skimmer debris net or basket. Clean skimmer debris net or basket.
• Flapper in check valve may have broken off. Detach the check valve at the threaded collar and give it a shake. If it rattles replace the check valve.
• Pump is nearing end of lifespan. Be prepared to replace the pump.

So What Now???

Dreamscapes carries a full line of pond supplies from water treatments and fish medications to pond pumps, heaters, fountains, plants and fish! Tadpoles and snails are also available at our Aquatic Retail Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania seasonally while supplies last from May-August.  If you think you need it, we have it!

Retail Hours:  April 5th-October 27th 2018:
                           Monday-Wednesday: By Appt
                           Thursday-Friday: 10am-5pm
                           Saturday: 9am-12pm
                     October 28th-April 2019: HOURS BY APPT


Contact Us
2155 State Route 343, Lebanon Pa | 717-272-6555 | info@dreamscapeswatergardens.com

Dreamscapes Watergardens services koi ponds and waterfalls in the city of Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Cleona, Cornwall, Fredericksburg, Indiantown Gap, Jonestown, Kleinfeltersville, Mount Gretna, Myerstown, Newmanstown Palmyra, Quentin, Reistville, Richland, Schaefferstown of Pennsylvania, PA

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