When to perform maintenance on a water pump?

Water pumps are very useful devices to speed up the distribution of water, but their maintenance is an issue that not all of us are clear about. For this reason, we must take into account some aspects to guarantee its useful life and thus avoid future problems in the hydraulic system of your building, commercial premises or home.

Good maintenance is the best way to guarantee the optimal functioning of a water pump, especially if it is a piece of equipment in charge of supplying water in residences or for cleaning large swimming pools and aquariums, since its care must be greater in these cases. For this reason, it is necessary to carry out precise evaluations regarding its performance to prevent possible problems, whether the material of its structure is not providing the expected resistance or it presents faults during its operation. In this sense, we can organize maintenance tasks by periods of time, in which you must carry out daily, monthly and annual activities.

daily monitoring

For daily maintenance, you only need to pay attention to the condition of the water pump, which will not take much time and you can easily notice it during use. It is advisable to check that the set speed of the pump corresponds to the water outlet flow rate, if not, it may be an electrical problem or the result of an obstruction in the pipes. Also, it is necessary to examine the pump flanges, in order to find possible cracks, incorrect joints, leaks or wear of deteriorated or rusted parts. If this is the case, it will be necessary to replace the part as soon as possible to avoid major problems.

Monthly maintenance

Monthly appliance monitoring takes a bit more time, but you have to be strict as it incorporates the most important tasks. In principle, you should examine the seals and repair them if they are damaged, since due to the constant pressure of the water it is possible that they lose effectiveness. Similarly, you should check the mounting points of the pump, which should be as secure as they were during the first installation. In this case, you can adjust the screws if necessary and check that the device does not move excessively with vibration after activation.

On the other hand, depending on the specifications of your water pump, it is recommended that you lubricate the bearings. These are the bearings that reduce friction between the pump shaft and the impellers, facilitating their sliding and reducing friction, so they must always be properly lubricated. Also, it is recommended that you clean the filters to guarantee the purity of the water, as well as to avoid obstructions due to dirt.

As for the motor, it is good to remove the accumulation of dust, grease and dirt on its surface. Although it has a robust structure, it is still an electrical device, so it must be protected from moisture and external agents, unless it is a submersible water pump, which generally has another function and a higher level. of resistance. In any case, the most appropriate thing is that you replace the motor couplings, since in this way you will always obtain an optimal water output.

Annual professional analysis

For annual maintenance it is important to see a professional in hydraulics, since he is capable of carrying out a complete diagnosis of the pump, as well as making the necessary adjustments and restoring the mechanical parts that need to be repaired. Experts in this type of task also usually carry out a vibration test, which detects any type of abnormal pattern in the waves of the water, as well as an ultrasound study, indicated to locate problems or obstructions inside the pipes. No less important, it is to perform a temperature measurement, in this way, you make sure that the engine is working correctly.

Additional considerations for maintaining a water pump

In addition to these periodic preventive maintenance activities, it may be necessary to review the warranty and useful life promised by the manufacturer, since this way you can prevent a possible pump change. The best water pump is usually the one that provides greater durability, however, its quality also depends on the use you give it, so in some cases you can perform maintenance bimonthly or even every six months.

In this sense, it is important to mention that the frequency of pump maintenance may vary depending on the model you have. For example, upset pumps or those that distribute water to buildings may need constant review, since their operation is continuous and excessive depending on the number of people who benefit from a specific water source.

It is good to know that some manufacturers offer technical service for the pumps, which you should take into account at the time of purchase. Among these benefits is the repair of damages, advice and responses regarding its operation, professional installation, access to spare parts and promotions regarding other types of models that could be used for different areas of the house or premises.

Among other options, it is important to always remember to turn off the power supply to the pump before making any type of modification or revision, always avoiding endangering your physical integrity. Depending on where you install the pump, it is also appropriate to wear waterproof clothing and gloves when you decide to go near it.

Regardless of the type of pump you have, you must bear in mind that maintenance is not an option that you must consider or a simple support review, but rather forms a strategic system that reduces repair costs in the medium and long term. Also, good maintenance can greatly increase the pump’s capabilities, such as improving its speed or changing water output patterns when appropriate.