5 Key Reasons for pump failure

Posted On Posted on 3rd July, 2019 by Dura Pump

Pumps are crucial for the movement of liquids and substances. Unfortunately, without regular maintenance and care, pumps can become blocked or faulty which can them to fail.

Pump failure can have a hugely detrimental effect on productivity and expenditures, resulting in the displacement of individuals, extended downtimes, money issues and business deficits for companies and residences.

Don’t let pump failure ruin the flow of your business. Find out below FIVE key reasons why your pump could fail!

 

What causes pump failure?

1) Incorrectly specified unit

With correct unit specification, you can be reassured that your pumping network is capable of matching the requirements of your industry needs and can handle the pressures of your production.

Each business or site has its own unique needs e.g., pressure, materials, size, temperature, quantity. These variables mean that one pump does not fit all. The appropriate investigation, analysis and specification should take place to make sure a company gets the right system for their personal needs.

With incorrect unit specification, you can get a whole array of issues. From leakages to blockages, incorrectly specified units can fail as a result of not being able to keep up with the quantity or composition of materials. For example, power sources/strength may not be enough for the system to filter/breakdown/flow the substances.

Dependent on the location of the pump, systems can often become filled with unwanted contaminants. Although these are not the expected requirements of the equipment, a correctly specified unit will be able to deal with variables.

2) Incorrectly installed unit

Installing a pump system isn’t rocket science but it’s not as easy as plugging something into a socket. As pumps are used for lots of different reasons, installing pumps isn’t going to be the same all across the board.

Not only is correct installation important for the efficiency of a system but it’s also about safety. In the past, Dura Pump has discovered pumps to be installed sitting in the wrong position. A pump that should be mounted horizontally is fitted to the pipework in a vertical position. These systems could fall under their own weight or lead to injury from those trying to maintain them as their parts will be in the wrong place.

Incorrect wiring or pipework are also results of poor installation. What a great idea to put poor wiring near a machine pumping liquids….

 

3) Wrong “stuff” going through the pump

The most common cause of a pump station failure is a blockage. Blockages typically occur when the system has not been maintained or has not been specified correctly in the first instance, meaning it is not designed to cope with the level of use for which it is required.

Blockages can occur in a variety of places within the station such as in the pipework, the valves or the pump itself, any of which can cause failures. A common cause of a blockage is the build-up of fat, typically from cooking waste. However difficult substances such as silt, sand, oil and high volumes of thicker substances (particularly in wastewater) that change the viscosity of the pumped liquid can lead to internal damage and things getting jammed.

 

4) Power issues

As mentioned above, power can really change the capability of a pumping system. However, there are more issues that can actually lead to money being wasted and confusion/concerns for businesses.

Problems such as the power constantly tripping, power spikes or generator testing can be intermittent and hard to trace—meaning a pump can be failing without an immediately obvious reason. This can lead to companies acting rashly to repair parts that might not even need changing.

Some pump motors and controls are very sensitive and poor or dirty electricity can cause a lot of damage. Power issues are capable of creating long, unpredictable downtime and power surges can be dangerous to all staff and property.

 

5) Damage/Changes since installation

Natural wear and tear or unplanned damage/changes to the system? Both of these issues can lead to a pump failing and causing big problems.

Pumps do a lot of work and it’s only understandable that their ability naturally diminishes over long periods of time. Ol’ reliable probably isn’t as reliable as he used to be when he was a young pump. But that doesn’t mean he’s completely broken.

Pumps are made from individual parts to create an entire unit and sometimes a broken pump could just be a broken part. Knowing when to replace or repair your pump is imperative to saving money, time and energy. That’s why Dura Pump is honest with their evaluations, ensuring that businesses don’t spend more money or time than necessary to get their pump system up and running again.

Unexpected contaminants or increased volumes of flow can cause damage to rotators or filters. That’s why correct specification and honest, tailored evaluation of a company’s needs is so important to getting your pump needs right.

 

 

How can you prevent pump failure?

Maintain. Maintain. Maintain. Pumps are heavy machinery and need to be looked after as such. Their times of use can sometimes be constant (although many businesses often overuse their pumps—another service Dura Pump can help with).

For example, all pump stations should be serviced a minimum of every 12 months, depending on the use and nature of the pump station. In situations where the station is in high use, it could need inspection as much as monthly.

Dura Pump worked with a retail park that had spent over £140,000 in 18 months maintaining and servicing pumps before properly reviewing them. Our team rebuilt the eight pump stations and included remote monitoring enabling them to be proactive. The customer now spends only £17,500 per annum on maintenance and has experienced no pump failures.

Combined with regular service visits, our engineers obviated the problems which otherwise would have caused serious damage to the pumps.

Dura Pump’s PROSERV maintenance solution can help to prevent and resolve pump issues in good time at a reasonable, pre-established, controlled cost.

With Gold, Silver and Bronze packages to choose from, PROSERV helps you to provide the right level of maintenance to keep your pump systems and business running. It can also reduce energy consumption, save money and increase safety.

 

Who can prevent pump failure?

From submersible pumps, to pressure booster pumps and much more, the ability of Dura Pump’s trained sales and service personnel to provide innovative, economical and reliable solutions is supported by an unparalleled product range. This has resulted in a formidable reputation and extensive acceptance within all industry sectors.

Dura Pump’s specification and installation services mean that you get the right pump for your needs and it’s put where it’s supposed to be in the right way. Combined with our PROSERV service, you’ll never have to worry about pump failure being a long-term issue again. Plus, we offer guarantees on all our installations.

Do you have concerns about your pump or is your current pump not meeting your growing needs? Contact our pump pros today on 01604 648 800 or email mail@durapump.co.uk

 

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