Pump overheating is one of the most common problems with a pump. It can be caused by several factors, including lubrication, damaged bearings, clogged filters and others. Overheating can cause a pump to seize up and fail, leading to costly repairs or replacement. If you suspect that your pump is overheating, it is essential to take action immediately to avoid further damage.
What Can Cause Pump Overheating?
Pump overheating can be caused due to many factors. Many times pump overheating is a result of multiple things going wrong. Following are the ten most common causes of pump overheating:
1. Improper installation
2. Lack of maintenance
3. Wrong type of oil
4. Use of wrong lubricants
5. Worn out parts
6. Clogged filters
7. Foreign matter in the pump
8. Viscosity too high or too low
9. Air in the system
10. Pump operated outside its design limits
What Are The Problems Caused By Pump Overheating?
Depending on the type of pump and its application, pump overheating can have different implications for the system. Following are the problems that pump overheating can cause:
1. Overheating can cause the pump to malfunction
2. It can cause the pump to work erratically
3. Overheating can damage the pump’s seals and O-rings
4. It can shorten the life of the pump
5. Overheating can make the pump noisy
6. It can cause the pump to vibrate excessively
7. It can waste energy and increase operating costs
8. Overheating can create safety hazards
How Do You Know That The Pump Is Overheating?
While now we know what the causes of pump overheating are, it is also essential to understand the symptoms of pump overheating. If you know these, you will be able to identify pump overheating quickly, take remedial measures, or even contact your pump manufacturer. Following are the major symptoms of pump overheating:
1. A sudden drop in water pressure
2. Hot water coming out of the faucets
3. Strange noises coming from the pump
4. Pump is running hot to the touch
5. Pump is drawing more power than usual
6. Performance of the pump is going down over time
7. Pump is tripping circuit breakers
8. There is leakage of oil or coolant fluids in the pumps
9. Pump has seized up completely
10. Smoke or sparks is coming from the pump unit
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to shut off the pump immediately and call a qualified technician. Continuing to run an overheating pump can cause irreparable damage and even lead to a fire. In addition, pump overheating is often caused by a build-up of scale or sediment in the pump unit, so be sure to have your pump regularly serviced to prevent this from happening.
What To Do If The Pump Is Overheating?
Pump overheating is a serious problem leading to costly repairs or replacements. If you suspect that your pump is overheating, it is essential to take action immediately to avoid further damage.
1. Check Thermostat:
The first thing you should do if your pump is overheating is to check the thermostat. If it’s set too high, it could be causing your pump to overheat. Therefore, you should reset the thermostat.
2. Clean Filter:
A dirty filter can also cause your pump to overheat. Be sure to clean or replace the filter as needed. Many pump manufacturers provide a schedule for cleaning the filters or replacing them.
3. Check Cooling System:
Another possible cause of overheating is a problem with the cooling system. Ensure that the cooling system is working correctly and that there are no leaks.
4. Inspect Electrical System:
If your pump is overheating, it could be due to an issue with the electrical system. First, inspect all of the wiring and connections to ensure that everything is tight and secure. You can also check the pump’s power consumption to see if it is as per pump manufacturer details.
5. Check for blockages:
Another possible cause of overheating is a blockage in the pump. Be sure to check for any obstructions that could be causing the problem. Many times clogging of pipelines can also result in pump overheating.
6. Clean Impeller:
The impeller can become dirty over time, which can cause your pump to overheat. Be sure to clean the impeller as needed. However, this is not an easy task and make sure you follow the guidelines provided by the pump manufacturer.
7. Inspect Bearings:
If the bearings in your pump are worn out or damaged, it could be causing your pump to overheat. Be sure to inspect the bearings and replace them as needed.
8. Check Oil Level:
If your pump uses oil, be sure to check the oil level regularly. Low oil levels can cause your pump to overheat. This step should also be part of your pump maintenance routine.
9. Check Air Intake:
The air intake for your pump should be clear and unobstructed. If something is blocking the air intake, it could be causing your pump to overheat.
10. Contact Pump Manufaturer:
If you’ve tried all of these things and your pump is still overheating, it’s time to contact your pump manufacturer. They will be able to diagnose the problem and get your pump back up and running properly.
Pump overheating is one of the most common causes of pump failure. The good part is that overheating can be detected quickly and rectified with easy steps. Most of the pump maintenance routine checks will be able to tell you if the pump is overheating or not. Make sure to follow the operation procedure as prescribed by the pump manufacturer. Also, do not hesitate to contact your pump manufacturer if you cannot solve the problem of pump overheating.
