So your pond pump isn’t working properly? Don’t worry, the most common problems with pond pumps are all pretty easy to fix. They’re also pretty much all down to one thing: dirt.
It’s easy to think that the most likely cause is that something’s broken, but in reality, it’s far more likely that the problem is caused by a blockage. After all, pond pumps are simple machines. There’s usually not much that can go wrong.
So, here are the most common pond pump problems, and the super easy fixes you can use to sort them out.
Don’t worry, if you don’t know where to start, I’ll give you some guidance on that too. After all, the most annoying part is knowing what’s wrong. The fixing is pretty much as simple as it gets.
1. The Pump Doesn’t Start
Here’s what you need to do to fix your pond pump if it doesn’t start up when you plug it in.
1. Check the Outlet
This will sound really obvious, but make sure it’s actually plugged in properly. It’s easy to think it is, but the plug might be halfway out.
2. Check the GFCI
It’s also worth checking if the power outlet is a GFCI outlet. These are the outlets with the test and reset buttons on them.
If it is a GFCI outlet, and the pump still isn’t working, then it’s very likely that it’s been tripped. If you reset the outlet, and the pump still doesn’t work, then you’ll need to consult the user manual for your pond pump to see how to reset the pump’s internal GFCI.
3. Check the Power Cable
Now, you’ll need to check the cable itself. It’s pretty easy to see if it’s damaged, but you might need to do a little bit of testing to see if it’s the cable or the actual pump itself that’s broken.
To do this, you’ll need to use a multimeter to see if there’s any voltage running through the cable. If there is voltage, then the problem is with the pump. If there isn’t, then the cable itself is damaged.
Here’s a great video that’ll show you how to use a multimeter to check this. You don’t need to worry about the polarity and stuff, just see if there’s a voltage reading.
If you don’t have a multimeter, then don’t worry. You can just buy a new power cable for your pond pump. It’s not really worth trying to repair it, as the cables are usually quite cheap. Besides, it’s a safety risk.
2. The Pump Makes a Humming Sound
If you plug your pond pump in, and it makes a humming sound, but the impeller (the bit that spins around) doesn’t, then that means that the impeller is stuck.
It’s very likely that the impeller is just jammed up with dirt and debris, so you’ll need to clean it.
To do this, unplug the pump from the power outlet, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove the impeller. It’s usually just a case of unscrewing something, or pressing down on something and twisting it.
Once you’ve got the impeller out, clean off any dirt or debris that’s on it. It’s also worth cleaning the inside of the pump, as there might be dirt in there that could get jammed up in the impeller again.
If you’ve got a magnetic drive pump, then it’s worth noting that you’ll need to be careful when you’re handling the impeller. The magnets are quite strong, and if you’re not careful, you can actually break the impeller by pulling it off at an angle. The force of the magnet will just snap the impeller in half.
The best way to avoid this is to just take your time, and pull the impeller out straight. If it doesn’t come out straight away, then that usually means that there’s something else holding it in. For example, there might be a screw that you need to remove first.
If you’re not sure about how to remove it, then it’s best to consult the user manual for your pond pump. If you don’t have it any more, then a quick Google search will usually bring up the PDF version that you can look at.
3. The Pump Doesn’t Pump as Much Water as it Used to
If your pump just seems to have become a bit less powerful, then that’s usually a sign that there’s something obstructing the flow of water.
Here’s how to fix that.
1. Check the Pre-Filter
The first thing you should do is check the pre-filter. The pre-filter is the bit on the front of the pump that stops debris from getting into it.
It’s usually just a case of taking off the screen, and rinsing it under a tap. If it’s a foam pre-filter, then you’ll need to squeeze it out to get all the dirt out.
Don’t use any cleaning chemicals on it, as it’ll damage the pump. The best thing to do is just rinse it out a few times, and squeeze it until it’s clean.
2. Check the Impeller
If the pre-filter is clean, then it’s likely that the impeller is dirty. If the impeller is dirty, then it will make your pump work harder, which will reduce the amount of water that it pumps.
To fix this, you’ll need to remove the impeller, and clean it. You can find out how in the “The Pump Makes a Humming Sound” section above.
3. Check the Tubing
If the impeller is fine, then it’s likely that the tubing is blocked. If your tubing is clear, then you’ll be able to see if there’s anything in it by holding it up to the light.
If you can see something in it, then you’ll need to remove it. The best way to do this is to blow compressed air through it from the other end. If you don’t have any compressed air, then you can try using a drain auger, or a long, thin, flexible brush.
Make sure you’re wearing gloves when you do this, as there might be something sharp in the tubing. It’s also worth noting that you should be careful when you’re using a drain auger, as you can potentially damage the tubing if you’re too rough with it.
If your tubing is opaque, then you’ll have to remove it to check if there’s a blockage. It’s very likely that the blockage will be at one of the ends, so it’s usually just a case of removing the tubing, and shaking it out over a bucket or something.
4. The Pump Makes a Grinding Noise
If your pond pump makes a grinding noise, then that’s a surefire sign that the impeller is damaged. The grinding noise is the sound of the impeller rubbing against something that it shouldn’t.
It’s worth noting that this is a common problem with older pond pumps. The impeller can wear out over time, and become damaged.
If your pump is still under warranty, then this is great news for you. You’ll be able to get a replacement impeller for free. Just make sure you don’t tell the manufacturer that you’ve been using your pump for 10 years straight.
If your pump isn’t under warranty, then you’ll need to buy a new impeller. They’re usually quite cheap, and you can find them on the manufacturer’s website, or on Amazon. Just make sure you get one that’s compatible with your pump.
Installing a new impeller is usually just a case of removing the old one, and sliding the new one in. Just make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions, as there might be something special you need to do. For example, you might need to lubricate the impeller before you install it.
5. The Pump Keeps Cutting Out
If your pond pump keeps cutting out, then that’s usually a sign that the thermal overload protection has activated. This is a safety feature that’s built into the pump, that’s designed to protect it from overheating.
If your pump keeps cutting out, then it means that it’s not able to cool down properly. The most common reason for this is that it’s not able to take in enough water. In other words, the intake is blocked.
Here’s how to fix that.
1. Check the Intake
The intake is the part of the pump that sucks up water, and if it’s not able to do that properly, then your pump will overheat.
To fix this, you’ll need to check the intake for any blockages, and remove them.
If there’s nothing visible blocking it, then the problem might be that the water level is too low. In this case, you’ll just need to add more water to your pond.
If neither of these are the problem, then it might be worth checking if your tubing is too narrow for your pump. If it is, then your pump won’t be able to take in enough water, and it will overheat. You’ll need to buy some wider tubing if this is the case.
2. Check the Impeller
If the intake is fine, then it’s likely that the impeller is dirty, and that’s what’s causing the pump to overheat.
To fix this, you’ll need to remove the impeller, and clean it. You can find out how in the “The Pump Makes a Humming Sound” section above.
