Direct Drive Pump

Before starting repairs, it is important to note that regular servicing of your direct-drive pump is critical to maintaining its effectiveness an longevity. When considering repairs to your pump, check for the following.

• Is the motor or pump making a grinding or humming noise you had not previously noticed?
• Is the pump leaking from any specific point?
• Are you experiencing a loss of flow from the pump?

All of these conditions indicate a need for repair to prevent wider failures that can take your system out of service, and lead to a need to replace your equipment. Additionally, note the need of proper parts to repair your pump without increasing the chance of putting your pump out of service. If your pump is having a more severe failure, as indicate by the bullet points above, or you do not have the necessary parts for the repair, we highly letting an expert technician service your pump.

To start your direct drive pump repair, turn off and isolate your pump electrically and hydraulically. Always consult a licensed professional if you are uncomfortable or unsure of how to properly preform the isolation. Once isolated, check the electrical health of your motor using a standard multi-meter. If your motor fails these tests, it will require replacement before you can continue. If your motor passes these tests, you may begin disassembling the pump-end volute to check for any damage or buildup that may be causing flow issues. Be sure to mark your work to make it easier to reassemble.

Once you have cleared the volute, continue to checking the impeller. If your pump has experienced a failure by leaking, you will likely need to remove the impeller to access the mechanical seal and shaft sleeve (if used) for replacement. It is further recommended that once the pump end has been entirely disassembled, you continue to disassembling the motor end for bearing replacement, as a leaking pump likely exposed the motor bearings to water. Once the motor and pump-end parts have been replaced, you may reassemble the unit, sealing it with a new face gasket to finish the repairs.

The repaired motor and pump can then be reconnected to the piping and power source respectively. Again, consult a licensed professional if you are uncomfortable or unsure how to secure these connections. Be sure to prime the pump and bleed any water in the line before turning the unit on; a pump running dry can cause damage to its mechanical seal, and may break due to thermal shock once exposed to water. Turn the pump on when you have successfully primed the pump, and you have completed the repairs. Your motor may have grease fittings that allow periodic lubrication; follow the manufacturer’s instructions on type and frequency of lubrication for motor bearing longevity.