Best Practices
Remove debris and buildup from the pump and wet well area. Clean intake screens and strainer stands to prevent blockages and reduce strain on the motor.
Regularly check impellers, mechanical seals, and bearings for wear. Replace worn or damaged components promptly — running a damaged pump causes secondary failures.
Track pump metrics such as running amps, discharge pressure, and running hours. A gradual change indicates wear; a sudden change indicates a problem needing immediate attention.
Keep a spare pump ready. Sewage systems cannot wait for repairs — having a standby pump prevents overflow during maintenance or failure.
If a pump is out of service for extended periods, wash it, dry it thoroughly, and store indoors. Run a test operation before putting it back into service.
Submersible pumps use an oil lifter to maintain seal lubrication during extended operation. Ensure oil is at correct level and quality to keep this system working.
Daily
| Task | Why We Do This |
|---|---|
| Check running amps against nameplate rating | Current outside ±10% of rated indicates blockage, impeller wear, or electrical issues |
| Observe for unusual noise or vibration | Early detection of bearing wear, impeller damage, or debris in volute |
| Check control panel for fault alarms | Moisture sensor, thermal protector, or seal leak alarms need immediate attention |
| Verify pump cycling is normal | Confirms float switches and level sensors operating correctly |
Weekly
| Task | Why We Do This |
|---|---|
| Check moisture/leak sensor status | Detects water ingress past mechanical seal before it reaches motor windings |
| Inspect visible cable and plug condition | Damaged cable jacket allows water wicking into motor — a common failure cause |
| Exercise isolation valves (full open/close) | Prevents seizure, ensures emergency shutoff capability |
| Run idle pump briefly if in standby | Prevents seal faces from sticking, distributes oil via oil lifter |
Monthly
| Task | Why We Do This |
|---|---|
| Measure and record insulation resistance (megger test) | Reference ≥1MΩ (≥20MΩ when new); declining trend indicates winding degradation |
| Record running hours and trend amps | Track pump health over time, schedule maintenance based on hours |
| Inspect lifting chain/bracket/guide rails | Ensures safe pump retrieval; corrosion weakens lifting points |
| Test check valve operation | Stuck valve causes backflow or prevents pump from building pressure |
6 Monthly
| Task | Why We Do This |
|---|---|
| Inspect oil condition via oil plug | Milky oil = water ingress = seal failure; dark oil = contamination |
| Check oil level | Low level indicates leak past mechanical seal |
Yearly (or 6,000 Running Hours)
| Task | Why We Do This |
|---|---|
| Pull pump for visual inspection | Check impeller, volute, wear ring for erosion, damage, rag buildup |
| Check impeller-to-suction cover clearance | Should be ~0.5mm (±0.1mm); excessive clearance = efficiency loss |
| Inspect mechanical seal condition | Replace if worn, scored, or oil is contaminated |
| Megger test motor windings when dry | Comprehensive insulation check without water interference |
| Clean and inspect strainer/inlet | Remove debris, check for corrosion or damage |
| Replace oil | Fresh oil maintains lubrication and cooling of seal faces |
3–5 Years (Major Overhaul)
| Task | Why We Do This |
|---|---|
| Full pump overhaul | Comprehensive inspection and rebuild to factory condition |
| Replace mechanical seal assembly | Seal faces wear over time even without visible damage |
| Replace all O-rings and packings | Rubber degrades; prevents future leaks |
| Inspect/replace bearings | Bearing failure is catastrophic; replace on condition |
| Replace wear ring if worn | Restores hydraulic efficiency |
| Check motor protector (CTP) operation | Bi-metallic disc can fail; critical safety device |