
Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Cause(s) Corrective Action
Motor will not run
Disconnect switch is off Be sure switch is on.
Fuse is blown or circuit breaker tripped Replace fuse or reset circuit breaker.
Starting switch is defective DISCONNECT POWER; Replace starting switch.
Wires at motor are loose, disconnected, or
wired incorrectly
Refer to instructions on wiring (Page 9). DISCONNECT POWER; check and tighten
all wiring.
Risk of electric shock. Can shock, burn or kill.
Capacitor
voltage may be hazardous. To discharge capacitor, hold insulated handle
screwdriver BY THE HANDLE and short capacitor terminals together. Do not touch
metal screwdriver blade or capacitor terminals. If in doubt, consult a qualified
electrician.
Motor runs hot and
overload kicks off
Motor is wired incorrectly Refer to instructions on wiring.
Voltage is too low
Check supplied voltage.
Check with power company. Install heavier wiring if wire size is too small (See
Electrical / Wiring Chart).
Pump cycles too frequently See section below on too frequent cycling.
Motor runs but no water is
delivered*
Pump in new installation did not pick up
prime through:
1. Improper priming
2. Air leaks
3. Leaking foot valve or check valve
In new installation:
1. Re-prime according to instructions.
2. Check all connections on suction line, AVC, and ejector with shaving cream.
3. Replace foot valve or check valve.
Pump has lost prime through:
1. Air leaks
2. Water level below suction pipe inlet
3. Faulty check or foot valve.
In installation already in use:
1. Check all connections on suction line and shaft seal.
2. Lower suction line into water and re-prime. If receding water level in well
exceeds 25’ (7.6M), a deep well pump is needed.
3. Replace faulty valve.
Foot valve or strainer is plugged Clean foot valve or strainer.
Ejector or impeller is plugged Clean ejector or impeller.
Check valve or foot valve is stuck shut Replace check valve or foot valve.
Pipes are frozen Thaw pipes. Bury pipes below frost line. Heat pit or pump house.
Foot valve and/or strainer are buried in sand
or mud
Raise foot valve and/or strainer above bottom of water source. Clean foot valve and
strainer.
Water level is too low for shallow well
setup to deliver water A deep well jet will be needed if your well is more than 25’ (7.6M) depth to water.
Pump does not deliver
water to full capacity (Also
check point 3 immediately
above)
Water level in well is lower than estimated A new nozzle and venturi combination may be needed.
Steel piping (if used) is corroded or limed,
causing excess friction Replace with plastic pipe where possible, otherwise with new steel pipe.
Piping is too small in size Use larger piping.
Pump delivers water but
does not shut off or pump
cycles too frequently
Pressure switch is out of adjustment or
contacts are welded together DISCONNECT POWER; adjust or replace pressure switch.
Faucets have been left open Close faucets.
Venturi, nozzle or impeller is clogged Clean venturi, nozzle or impeller.
Standard pressure tank is waterlogged and
has no air cushion
Drain tank to air volume control port. Check AVC for defects. Check all connections
for air leaks.
Pipes leak Check connections.
Foot valve leaks Replace foot valve.
Pressure switch is out of adjustment Adjust or replace pressure switch.
Air charge too low in pre-charged tank
DISCONNECT POWER and open faucets until all pressure is relieved. Using tire
pressure gauge, check air pressure in tank at valve stem located on the tank. If less
than pressure switch cut-in setting (30-50 PSI), pump air into tank from outside
source until air pressure is 2 PSI less than cut-in setting of switch. Check air valve for
leaks (use soapy solution) and replace core if necessary.
Air spurts from faucets
Pump is picking up prime When pump has picked up prime, it should pump solid water with no air.
Leak in suction side of pump Suction pipe is sucking air. Check joints for leaks with shaving cream.
Well is gaseous Consult factory about installing a sleeve in the well.
Intermittent over-pumping of well. (Water
drawn down below foot valve.) Lower foot valve if possible, otherwise restrict pump discharge.
* Stop pump; then check
prime before looking for
other causes. Unscrew
priming plug and see if
water is in priming hole.