The average lifespan of a pond pump is two years and it will cost you an average of $500. But of course this stat doesn’t help you if your pond pump has stopped working leaving your fish gasping for breath. Maybe you’re out of breath after seeing the cost of a new pump. Fortunately, most pumps that stop working can be fixed with a little pond pump troubleshooting.
Obviously, a pump can stop working when it doesn’t have enough water. Often waterfalls connected to ponds will significantly reduce flow simply because a pump hidden in a skimmer area is not receiving enough water. Visually look at the pump and make sure it is completely submerged. Of course, this sounds basic. But the number one reason for pump failure is lack of water. Mats, nets, and other similar barriers often need to be cleaned regularly to prevent excess debris from accumulating.
The next item to check is if the pump itself is clogged. Mechanical skimmer boxes were developed primarily to house the pump and prevent it from clogging through the use of various barriers. Chances are if your pond pump is at the bottom of your pond it will regularly clog up and require frequent attention. Visually look at the end of the pump and, with the pump unplugged, spin the impeller and flush it clean with a stream of water from the hose.
Older ponds rarely have steam locks. However, it is still worth noting. Pond pumps are designed to pump water and not air. So if an air bubble gets trapped in the pond pipes, the pump can get steam locked. In this case, the pump impeller would be turning but no water would come out. A vapor lock can be fixed by tilting the pump to allow air to escape.
The fifth step in troubleshooting your pond pump is to check the electrical source and its connections. If the pump doesn’t make noise or vibrate, it’s a good idea to check the power supply. Often, after a thunderstorm or heavy rain, a GFIC outlet trips and the power goes out. Reset the switch by pressing the button labeled “reset” on the outlet. GFCIs are very sensitive, but they are important as they protect people from receiving an electrical shock in the event of an electrical malfunction.
If the switch continues to trip, the pump generally has one of two problems. Often, bearing pump seals allow water to enter the inner workings of the pump, causing the pump to trip the switch. A simple indentation in the curb due to traffic or the weight of the curb can allow water to enter after morning dew or a rain storm.
If the pump impeller does not spin freely, it can cause the circuit breaker to trip and cause a power surge. If this is the case. Time to buy a new pump. There are no manufacturers that have built pond pumps with repairs in mind. It is much more cost effective to replace the pump with one that has a good 3 year warranty or better than to repair it.
The value of a “good” pump is in its warranty. Many bearing driven pumps used in ponds today are nothing more than reconditioned sump pumps used in foundations. They are usually backed by a one year warranty. The challenge facing pond pump manufacturers is to develop pumps that work 24 hours a day. The best pumps today are the high flow, energy efficient mag pumps that come with an easy exchange policy and last 3+ years.
