Whether draining wastewater or pumping water out of the basement at home, submersible pumps are ideal machines for these tasks. It is a machine that can be submerged in the water completely.
A submersible pump is a pump with an air-tight, sealed motor closely attached to the pump body. A pump generally helps fluids, gas, and slurries to move from one place to another through hydraulic pressure. And when it is a submersible pump, it is highly efficient and energy-saving.
Being a useful machine, a submersible pump is often used across industries. It is an indispensable part of many industrial tasks. Hence, paying attention to submersible pump maintenance is a must.
Submersible Slurry Pump
Otherwise, the pumps may cause trouble during your busy hours. Also, the quality of the machine may deteriorate within a little time from purchasing it.
So, if you’re using a submersible pump, you must know how to do submersible water pump maintenance. But how? Many times, common people have no clue about how to maintain submersible well pumps. You, too, might be in the same condition. Do not worry.
This article will discuss the best techniques for submersible pump maintenance. Besides, you will learn how submersible pumps work, how to use them safely, and other relevant details.
How does a Submersible Pump work?
Before we get into the details of how to maintain submersible pumps, let’s talk about how the pump works. It will help you understand the submersible well pump maintenance tips well.
As discussed before, such pumps are submerged in water, and the motor is closely attached to the pump body. Water is pulled into the pump first in the intake, where the impeller’s rotation pushes water through the diffuser.
Further, the water goes to the surface from there. The pump thus pushes water to the surface by converting energies. First, it converts rotating energy into kinetic energy and then the kinetic energy into pressure energy.
Submersible Pump Deployment
Anyways, some submersible pumps are for solids. Some are ideal only for dealing with liquids. All types of submersible pumps are run on electricity. The pumps comprise downhole and surface components. Downhole components include:
- motor
- seal
- cable
- pump
And surface components are:
- wellhead
- transformers
- junction box
- motor controllers
Other additional components can be added as per requirements.
Why is submersible pump maintenance needed?
We have discussed so far how a submersible pump works. From there, you know that the work process of these pumps is not complicated, yet it asks for attention. Regular maintenance ensures a smooth work process for these pumps.
Anyways, the reasons why submersible pumps maintenance is a must are:
- It increases efficiency.
- You can repair damaged parts at the earliest.
- It enhances durability.
Overall, regular maintenance ensures the quality performance of submersible well pumps. Well, high-quality submersible slurry pumps often require less maintenance than others. So, you must opt for them.
Now, without any delay, let’s talk about the best practices of submersible pump maintenance.
EDDY Submersible Pump
Best practices for submersible pumps maintenance
Maintenance is of two types. One is through which you rectify the problems in a submersible pump. It is often used when a pump failure occurs. And another one is taking some measures to prevent any machine breakdown or trouble.
According to experts, preventive measures are better than the ones used after a failure occurs. The best practices for submersible pumps maintenance are
Lubricate the pumps:
Like other machines, lubrication helps to prevent friction in the pumps. Thus, it remains safe from wear and tear. Well, to find a suitable lubrication process, consult with experts. Or, you can check the instructions given by manufacturers. However, make sure not to over-grease. It can damage the parts.
Inspect the motor:
You must inspect the motor inside the pump regularly. If it requires any servicing, go for it ASAP. Regular servicing enhances the motor’s performance. Also, it avoids any big future hassles as you can replace damaged parts on time.
Submersible Pump Design
Pay attention to the noise that comes out of the submersible pump. If you find any unwanted noise, stop operating the pump. And schedule a quick servicing and repair. Usually, quality well pumps do not cause this hassle. At least you are safe for a few years after buying it.
Ensure no overheating:
Although it is in deep water, the pumps may overheat. Therefore, checking it is a part of the submersible pump maintenance plans. The pumps may overheat due to lack of water, improper functioning, and other reasons.
In other words, when pressure is put on the pump, it may overheat. Do keep a check and save the machines from bigger repairs.
Replace seals and hose when required:
Seals and hoses can erode over time. So, it is essential to replace them at regular intervals. One of the quick tips to increase the durability of the hose is to clean it well. Do this on a regular basis, as the deposit inside can cause corrosion and other troubles.
Conduct professional inspection:
A routine professional inspection is important apart from your own maintenance. There are multiple plans available for it, ranging from monthly, weekly, to yearly, and daily.
Professional care helps to cure problems, if any, on the spot. It also helps in cleaning and maintaining the pumps’ inner parts. Give submersible well pumps professional care. It makes you aware of any repair work within the machine.
Thus, you can save time, effort, and money. A hassle-free and peaceful experience with the submersible pump is ensured.
Operate the pump at BEP:
When your pump is operating at its optimum efficiency for its impeller diameter, the flow is considered the BEP or the best efficiency point. Too low flow in the pump causes low velocity in systems.
As a result, solids in the fluid can settle in the piping system, which leads to clogging. On the other hand, too much velocity makes the flow move too fast. It causes the shredding of solids and clogs.
Use coatings on the pumps:
Another way to prevent corrosion and improve the pump’s efficiency is coating. The hydraulic smoothness is ensured when a quality coating is used. A little amount of Teflon can reduce the risks of friction between the surface and the fluid.
Tips to use submersible pumps safely
Before we move toward the end of the write-up, let’s discuss how to use submersible pumps properly. It is a vital factor for the pumps’ maintenance, after all. So, here are the tips to follow:
- Do not turn on and off the pump frequently.
- You should install a leakage protector if the pump is small.
- Do not run the pump when the power supply voltage is not normal.
- Do not operate the pump on overload for the long term.
- Make sure that the pump’s rotation direction is correct
Why choose EDDY Pump?
EDDY Pump is a reliable pump engineering and manufacturing company. It offers quality submersible pumps. As it promises, the company provides its clients with the best-in-class technology and service.
The pump designs ensure low maintenance, more uptime, better results, and higher profits. The company’s “We Pump Solids, not Water.” presents its determination to offer the best quality products and services. Take a look at a wide range of EDDY Pump products.
Final words
So, simply put, regular submersible pump maintenance ensures the machines’ longevity, better efficiency, and a stress-free experience. Keep the points in mind and follow the maintenance tips accordingly.
As we mentioned, high-quality submersible well pumps have low maintenance. EDDY Pump has a wide array of quality pumps and other products.
For your Slurry pump, dredging equipment application in construction, mining, chemical, oil & gas, pulp and paper, sewage treatment, and marine industries, email EDDY Pump or call us at 619-558-3250. You can also Request a free sales quote . Get in touch with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How often should a submersible pump be serviced?
The frequency of servicing a submersible pump largely depends on certain factors. They are flow rate, presence of solids, condition of the well, etc. In general, experts suggest servicing it every 3 years. However, regular inspection is a must. If any damage is found or any part is worn out, repair it at the earliest.
2. Is it OK to run a submersible pump for 24 hours?
You can run a submersible pump for 24 hours if the pump is of high quality and efficient. Also, there must be enough water source for it. Anyways, avoid running it for 24 hours daily. It may affect the functionality of the machines.
3. Can a submersible pump run dry?
No, it should never run dry. Dry running may damage the pump’s mechanical seal. Also, it affects the motor’s functionality. Experts suggest arranging float switches in such a way that the shaft’s fill level does not go below the minimum level needed to run the pump.
4. Can a submersible pump cause electric shock?
Yes, a submersible pump can cause electric shock if there is any potential damage to the motor, supply cord, or other major parts of the pump.
5. Does a submersible pump need earthing?
Experts recommend that all well pumps, including submersible pumps, should have a ground wire. It must be connected to the same ground as any other motor would be. Earthing is a safety measure that protects the machine and its users from electric shock or electrocution due to a leaking current.