Managing a construction site is never risk-free, especially during monsoon. Your site might get filled with water and disrupt the work frequently. Waterlogging for a long period can not only ruin the foundation of the building but also damage the most crucial equipment and machinery used at the sites.
A dewatering pump helps with this challenge, ensuring the safety of workers. But regular use, harsh site conditions, and lack of maintenance can break or damage the dewatering pumps.
Through this blog, you will understand some common problems & troubleshooting Dewatering Pumps.
Common Problems Encountered with Dewatering Pumps
Ignoring problems with the dewatering pumps for a long time can cause serious issues, but most issues can be fixed if identified at the right time. Let’s understand some common problems faced while using dewatering pumps at sites and ways to fix those issues.
- Pump Not Starting :
One of the most common issues workers face is when the pump doesn’t start. But there might be a lot of reasons behind this.
Cause: It happens mostly because of power supply failure, tripped breakers, blown fuse, or faulty starter or motor.
Solution: Check the power source, circuit breaker, and fuses. Also, it can be easily fixed by ensuring that the pump is properly plugged in.
- Pump Running but Not Pumping Water :
It is usually seen that pumps are running but still not pumping water.
Cause: It can be caused due to clogged suction, air leaks, and worn seats, or maybe the pump is not primed (for centrifugal pumps).
Solution: Replace any faulty parts like the impeller or wire and look for visible air leaks in the suction line, as an insufficient water level (dry run) can cause trouble, and check if the pump is primed.
- Low or Inconsistent Flow rate:
The most frequent and frustrating problem arises when the pump is moving water but not at the expected volume or pressure.
Cause: The chances of this problem happening are mostly because the pumps are partially clogged. Apart from this, there can be air leaks in suction lines, an incorrect size of the application, a worn-out impeller/wear plate, or a partially closed valve in the suction line.
Solution: Clean the inlet and outlet to remove clogs. Inspect all suction lines and tighten the connections and replace worn impeller or plates, and check if all valves are open.
- Excessive Vibration or Noise:
Unusual noises and heavy vibrations are clear signs of some serious issues.
Cause: This problem occurs when pumps are running dry (cavitation) or if the components, like impellers, are loose, misaligned, or damaged. It can lead to excessive vibrations and noise.
Solution: First, shut down the pump and then inspect the impeller and casing for lodged debris. You should also check for wear in the bearings and eliminate if there is any leakage with the air.
- Overheating:
Continuous use of dewatering pumps can be dangerous at times.
Cause: High ambient temperature, prolonged use, and dry runs lead to overheating of pumps. An incorrect motor size or low voltage supply can also cause overheating.
Solution: Take constant breaks and check the water level of the pumps. Verify the power supply voltage and increase ventilation or relocate the pump to cooler areas.
- Loss of Suction:
This situation arises quite often while using dewatering pumps.
Cause: Leak in the suction pipeline or hose, clogged strainer, or inlet results in loss of suction, as self-priming pumps fail to prime or lose their prime after a few minutes.
Solution: Check all the connections, including gaskets and fittings present on the suction side. Replace the check valve if not holding its prime.
- Electrical Issues:
One of the most common issues with pumps is electrical, leading to interruptions while operating on it.
Cause: This can result from tripped overload relays, short circuits, damaged power cables, or incorrect voltage.
Solution: Resetting the circuit breaker or thermal overload switch can help with this issue. Otherwise, inspect any visible cable damage or check voltage and amperage.
- Clogging and Debris Build-Up:
If you do not take the proper care of the pump, it can result in clogging and debris build-up over time.
Cause: Sand, mud, and rocks enter the pump and often get stuck in the suction strainer, disrupting the flow of water.
Solution: To maintain the regular flow and working of the pump, ensure to clean the suction strainer at regular intervals. Also, ensure the strainer is properly sized for the type of debris on the site.
- Corrosion and Wear:
This challenge is commonly experienced while operating on the site.
Cause: Pumps operating in acidic, salty, or abrasive water experience accelerated wear.
Solution: Do regular cleaning by rinsing the pump with clean water, and make sure to use the right pump material for the application.
Troubleshooting Checklist Table
| Problem | Major Cause | Solution / Quick Fix |
| Pump not starting | No power, Faults | Check and reset power source |
| Pump not running water | Not primed, Clogged suction | Prime pump & Clear strainer |
| Low flow rate | Partial Clogs, Air leaks | Clear clog, inspect impeller |
| Excessive vibration/noise | Dry run, Lodged debris | Shut down and inspect debris |
| Overheating | Poor Ventilation, Dry run | Ensure air flow and water level |
| Loss of suction | Low water, check valve | Check connections and the valve |
| Electrical Issue | Tripped relay, damaged cable | Reset relay, Inspect cable |
| Clogging / Debris buildup | Sand, mud, and rocks in a strainer | Clean and Intake regularly |
| Corrosion and Wear | High Temperature | Rinse the Pump |
Preventive Maintenance Best Practices
Regular maintenance is the key to avoid the most dewatering pump problems.
1. Inspect on regular intervals if there is any signs of wear, corrosion, or clogging.
2. To ensure smooth operation, clean the pumps intake filter and impeller regularly.
3. Problem doesn’t occur suddenly. Hence always look for early signs of problems like unusual vibrations, low flow, or noise.
4. Check seals and gaskets regularly to make sure that seals are intact and not leaking.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
While many problems can be solved with basic troubleshooting, some issues require professional help. For example,
If you continue to face electrical problems despite troubleshooting, it’s best to consult a professional because delay can cause electric shock or any major damage in the equipment.
Motor failure can also be tricky to fix without specialized knowledge, so if there is any failure in the motor, consider seeking professional assistance.
If the pump’s structure is significantly damaged, it may require expert repair or replacement.
Final Thoughts
Dewatering pumps are essential tools for many industries, but like any machinery, they come with their own set of challenges. By recognizing common problems early and understanding how to troubleshoot them, you can ensure your dewatering pump operates at peak efficiency for longer periods.
With regular maintenance, attention to detail, and proper troubleshooting, most issues can be avoided or quickly resolved. However, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for guidance.
If you need reliable dewatering pumps or expert advice, Raajgad Pumps provide complete dewatering solutions to meet the demands of construction, excavation, and infrastructure projects.
FAQs: Common Problems & Troubleshooting Dewatering Pumps
Why isn’t my dewatering pump starting?
Your pump could stop working because of various technical reasons, like electricity issues, low water level, overheating, loss of suction, and clogging.
What could cause my pump to run but not pump any water?
Sometimes, the pump runs, but it doesn’t pump any water; it happens when the pump is not primed, the suction is clogged, or there is air leakage.
What should I do if my pump has low flow rate or pressure?
Pumps stop working when there is a low flow rate. It can be fixed by clearing the clogs, inspecting the suction lines, and tightening the connections.
Why is my pump overheating?
Poor ventilation and a dry run can cause your pump to overheat. High ambient temperatures and prolonged use can also be the cause of pump overheating.
How often should I perform maintenance on a dewatering pump?
You can perform maintenance by seeking professional assistance or try quick fixes for small problems like an electricity issue, a low flow rate or clogging.
