4 Telltale Signs That Your Pump Is In Need Of Servicing

Although often made out of robust materials such as steel, pumps do require maintenance in order to make the most of your hardware investments. As minor deterioration can go unnoticed and eventually manifest as bigger issues, identifying problems as soon as possible can go a long way to saving repair and replacement costs.

To the less-trained eye and ear, problems with pumps can be hard to spot and identify, and DIY solutions may not be as effective as a long-term remedy to ensure process stability. 

Here are a few telltale signs that a pump is in need of professional servicing. 

Vibrations and visible shaking

An obvious sign that the pump has sustained some form of damage. This can mean anything from ball bearings starting to fail to manufacturing defects causing vibrations. During such occurrences, it is important to get the pump serviced as soon as possible, for vibrations and visible shaking often mean pump issues that are very likely to damage the pump even further if left unaddressed. 

Burning smell when near pump

When it comes to pumps, experiencing a distinct burning smell when within close proximity to the pump can mean serious issues with the motor, such as the pump overheating. This is something that has to be fixed immediately, for an overheating pump can cause it to become a hazard, especially if the pump is powered by electricity. 

For more serious cases, such as in electric diaphragm pumps, you may even notice smoke or water vapour being emitted from the pump.

Do show due diligence and protect your operators and yourself from any worksite accidents by ensuring the pump is properly serviced and safe to operate again. 

Pump leakage

Besides forming a slipping hazard and making the worksite unsightly, leaking fluids can have far more damaging consequences than such simple inconveniences.

Often a sealing issue encountered in water transfer pumps, pumps leaking not only make the workplace unsafe and messy, but also compromise the integrity of the pump itself. Fluids can escape and find their way into more sensitive parts of the entire mechanism. 

As a leaky pump often signifies a loss of pressure, your pump has to work even harder to maintain the initial levels of pressure. This can lead to your pump overheating and eventually stopping. 

Other unidentified noises 

You may hear loud noises out of the usual running sounds that a pump makes. This can mean anything from particles inside the pump, which can be cleaned out, to loose parts and fittings within the pump that could damage the inner workings of the pump. A quick check can be run on the pump to ensure that all parts are working properly, and that the pump is suitable for safe operation.

Conclusion 

In short, pumps can last a long time and often come with duty cycles that justify the initial investment of purchase and installation. However, duty cycles often do not apply to smaller parts of pumps, such as ball bearings. Regular checks are needed to ensure your pumps stay in good condition and get the maintenance they need before any serious problems occur. 

For comprehensive maintenance solutions, including specialised services like air compressor audits, Winston Engineering is the place to call. With a roster of experienced and dedicated technicians, they are capable of repair, maintenance and even overhaul of pumps.

Not just familiar with common maintenance processes, Winston Engineering also offers tailor-made maintenance and repair services for those with more specific and uncommon issues, making them the perfect partner for your pump system needs.