MAINTENANCE
Troubleshooting
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998491 Rev. 004 01/23 Copyright © 2023, Franklin Electric, Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
Troubleshooting
Replacement Parts
Problem Probable Causes Corrective Action
Pump does not
turn on
Pump not connected to electrical power Connect pump to a dedicated circuit equipped with GFCI.
Circuit breaker off or fuse removed Turn on circuit breaker or replace fuse.
Accumulation of trash on float Clean float.
Float obstruction Check float path and provide clearance.
Defective switch Replace switch.
Defective motor Replace pump.
Pump will not
shut off
Float or float rod obstruction Check float and float rod path and provide clearance.
Pump is air locked Remove pump and clean air bleed hole.
Liquid inflow matches pump capacity Larger pump required.
Defective switch Replace switch.
Pump runs but
does not dis-
charge liquid
Check valve installed backwards Check flow-indicating arrow on check valve body to
ensure proper installation.
Check valve stuck or plugged Remove check valve and inspect for proper operation.
Lift too high for pump Check rated pump performance.
Inlet to impeller plugged Pull pump and clean.
Pump is air locked Remove pump and clean air bleed hole.
Pump does not
deliver rated
capacity
Lift too high for pump Check rated pump performance.
Low voltage, speed too slow Check that supply voltage matches the nameplate rating.
Impeller or discharge pipe is clogged Pull pump and clean. Check pipe for scale or corrosion.
Impeller wear due to abrasives Replace pump.
Pump cycles con-
tinuously
No check valve in long discharge pipe allowing liquid to
drain back into basin Install a check valve for correct operation.
Check valve leaking Inspect check valve for correct operation.
Basin too small for inflow Install larger basin.
Water sprays out
of a hole in the
discharge pipe
There should be a bleed hole in the discharge pipe that
allows trapped air to escape the pump, preventing air
lock. Water spraying out of this hole is completely normal No corrective action is required.
Protector trip-
ping (motor
overloading/
overheating)
Obstructed pump impeller Pull pump and clean.
Switch stuck in the ON position Clean float path and provide clearance.
Pump running dry Ensure the pump has an adequate inflow supply.
Pump air-locked Shut power off for approximately 1 minute, then restart.
Repeat several times to clear air from pump.
Pump short cycling Inspect check valve for proper installation and operation.
Excessively high or low voltage supply Refer to “Specifications” on page 1.
Inadequate wiring Refer to “Electrical Connections” on page 6.
Incorrect motor connections
Misapplication of the product Inspect fixtures, inlets, and outlets for leaks. Repair and
correct application as needed.
Operating the pump at low heads (low discharge restric-
tion) Confirm pump performance and recheck sizing calcula-
tions.
Pump, motor, bearings, or seal have reached the end of
their useful life Replace pump.
Item Order Number
Tethered Float Switch, Piggyback, 10 ft (3 m) 640171
Tethered Float Switch, Piggyback, 20 ft (6.1 m) 640172
RL-SC-RVS Vertical Float Switch, Piggyback, 10 ft (3 m) 14942758
