In order to rarely ask why the pump does not pump water from the well or does not supply it correctly to the system, serious attention must be paid to the installation of pumping station elements. Correct installation of water supply systems with submersible pumps is of no less importance, since repairing a submersible pump or replacing it is also an expensive procedure.
So, when installing pumping stations, you must strictly follow the following recommendations:
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Do-it-yourself pump station repair: a list of possible faults and recommendations for their elimination
The further from the city we live, the less accessible services of all kinds of service companies and repair shops become.
Even if a specialist agrees to come to a remote settlement, he will probably have to wait long enough, and the payment for services will be higher than usual.
Therefore, it is extremely important for the owner of a private house to learn how to fix all kinds of breakdowns and accidents on his own, at least in the systems responsible for the life support of the house.
These include water supply, which today is often autonomous. How to repair a pumping station with your own hands will be described in this material.
To organize the work of an ordinary home water supply system, pumping stations (NS) with a hydraulic accumulator are used. The start and stop of the pump in such systems is carried out by means of a pressure switch. This device, adjusted to a certain range of pressure in the pipe, closes the contact group at its minimum value and opens at its maximum value.
So that the pump does not turn on every time, as soon as one of the residents opens the tap (frequent switching on will shorten the life of the engine), a hydraulic accumulator is connected to the water supply. From the name it is clear that this reservoir is needed to create a supply of water, but it accumulates not only it.
NS may differ in various ways:
Pump type: depending on the depth of the source, self-priming pumps (up to 8 m) and submersible are used. By the type of the pumping mechanism, most are of the centrifugal type, but among the submersible models, vibration ones are often found.Automation type: if the water flow is carried out exclusively in a continuous mode, for example, for irrigation, instead of a pressure switch, a flow sensor is installed on the HC. It turns on the pump with the beginning of the parsing of water (reacts to the movement of the medium in the pipe) and turns it off at the end. A hydraulic accumulator is not used in such an HC. Some HC models with flow sensors and without a storage device can also be used in ordinary household water supply. They are equipped with advanced automation, which is "able" to smoothly start / stop the pump motor and change its power. In the presence of such functions, frequent switching-ons become not terrible for the unit.Accumulator type.
Pumping station in operation
In NS, two types of accumulators are used:
balloon: water is pumped into a rubber "bulb";
membrane: the volumes for air and water are separated by an elastic membrane.
Also, drives may differ in size. It should be borne in mind that the specification indicates the volume of the entire tank, and not the volume of the water tank in it.
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Let's mentally walk through the NN and see what can cause disruptions in its work.
After turning off the unit, it is held by a check valve installed at the beginning of the water intake pipe.
In the event of prolonged shutdowns, the pump must be refilled.
If you are looking for a self-priming pump that does not need to be primed, choose a vortex unit. However, please note that it has a very low efficiency.
The lack of water in the suction line may be due to the following reasons:
the water in the source dropped below the intake pipe;
the work of the check valve is broken;
cracks or gaps appeared in the line through which air entered it (a break in the water column occurred).
If the HC is equipped with a dry-running sensor, the pump will automatically shut down. Otherwise, it will work (until the overheating protection is triggered), but water will not flow.
The following troubles can happen to the main element of the neural network:
impeller sticking: humming is heard, but the motor does not rotate;
the capacitor is out of order: the signs are the same;
due to wear of the casing and impeller, the pump cannot develop a pressure in the pipeline, at which the pressure switch is triggered: the unit does not turn off even at zero water flow;
the engine is burnt out: the unit does not start, the smell of burnt insulation is heard.
Pump station with built-in ejector
Most often, the relay stops functioning for the following reasons:
dirt has accumulated on the contacts, preventing the electrical connection: the pump has stopped turning on;
there was a blockage of the connecting pipe: the relay stops responding to changes in pressure in the water supply;
the springs have weakened, as a result of which the limits of the working pressure range have "floated".
Disassembled pressure switch
Signs of pipeline clogging depend on the installation location of the relay:
the relay is located in the house next to the accumulator, that is, a plug formed somewhere between it and the pump: pumping water into the accumulator began to take longer than usual;
the relay is installed next to the pump, that is, it is located between it and the plug: the unit operates in jerks (frequent on / off).
depressurization of the case;
rupture of the cylinder or membrane (in this case, when you press the spool, water will pour out of the tank);
decrease in air pressure for natural reasons.
In all cases, the same symptom will be observed: the pump turns on every time the tap is opened.
To resume the work of the NS, it is necessary to do the following:
Self-repairing a check valve usually consists of removing any dirt or long-fiber inclusions that are preventing the valve from closing. For more complex breakdowns, the part is changed.
If cracks appear on the reinforced hose, through which the pump sucks in air, they must be sealed with reinforced tape to repair the pipelines.
A worn casing or impeller will have to be replaced.
There are models in which a stainless insert is installed. It is much cheaper to change it than the entire body.
By the way, it is best to remove plaque from contacts with a soft school eraser.
The adjustment of the relay is carried out by rotating two nuts screwed onto the rods with the springs put on them.
The value of the switch-on pressure (also called the lower one) depends on the compression ratio of the large spring, and the small one regulates the difference between it and the switch-off pressure (upper). Note, not the shutdown pressure itself, but the difference between the upper and lower pressures.
If the pump, due to wear, cannot develop a head sufficient to turn off, you need to wait until the pressure gauge needle stops at the maximum mark, and then manually disconnect the unit. Then, gradually loosen the small spring nut until the contacts click.
This will mean that the upper limit of the operating range of the relay corresponds to the maximum pressure that the pump can provide at the moment. For a reserve, the small spring can be loosened a little more. On the contrary, when tightening the nut, the range will increase.
Similar actions can be performed with a large spring, if, for example, it is weakened.
A crack in the accumulator housing is a good reason to contact the service department. But if its dimensions are not large, you can try to seal the hole with a compound of the "cold welding" type. If the membrane or cylinder ruptures, the part will definitely have to be changed.
Choosing NS, it is better to give preference to models with a bladder accumulator. Replacing the rubber "bulb" in such tanks, regardless of the model, is very easy. With regard to membrane accumulators, in many models of this type, only a service engineer can install a new membrane.
Old and new rubber membranes
Most often, to normalize the operation of the NS, you just need to pump air into the cavity of the accumulator. This is done using a conventional pump with a spool hose. In this case, the pressure should be monitored with a pressure gauge.
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Its recommended value is indicated in the characteristics of the accumulator (usually 1.5 atm.), But it is not necessary to adhere to this value exactly. Ideally, the air pressure in the tank should be no more than 10% of the pump activation pressure.
Avoid using cheap Chinese pressure gauges in plastic cases, as these instruments give a large error.
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DIY pump station repair
DIY pump station repair
If you want to move from a city apartment to a private house or to a summer cottage, then, undoubtedly, you will have to think about creating a full-fledged, efficiently working water supply system. Initial investments in such a system - arranging a water source and laying your own water supply system can cost more than connecting to the main utility networks, but in the future you will significantly save on the absence of payment for consumed water.
But, the ownership of its own water supply system imposes on the owner the obligation to maintain the equipment. So, any responsible homeowner must know how to repair a pumping station with his own hands.
The pumping station is the "heart" of your autonomous water supply system. A well-designed autonomous water supply system must include a well in its composition, which ensures the production of a sufficient volume of water to meet the needs of one or more households. In the overwhelming majority of cases, water from such a well has to be raised. Since the water in the wells lies at great depths, it is necessary to raise it from there with pumping devices. So that the pumps are not activated every time you turn on the water-folding device in your house, so that there is always constant pressure in the water supply system of your house, a pumping station is needed.
A classic pumping station consists of the following basic elements.
Actually, pumping device ... Usually, surface pumps are used in pumping stations, which are installed either in the utility rooms of the house, or in specially equipped caissons. The pump must provide enough power in order to lift water from the well, move it up to the house and lift it to the highest point of the water intake in your home.
Hydraulic accumulator (pressure accumulator)
Pump station pressure switch
As you can see, the concept of "pumping station" is only a collection of components and equipment that can be used by themselves. In industrially produced pumping stations, all the main units can be assembled in a single housing, but most of all the finished pumping station is a pumping device mounted on a pressure accumulator. Also, an automatic control device is fixed on a single frame.
During the warranty operation, problems in such equipment, as a rule, do not arise. In any case, malfunctions occurring at this time can be eliminated at service centers. However, with a long period of operation, various components of the pumping station may fail. Let's try to figure it out and find out how you can independently eliminate the most common malfunctions of pumping stations.
Let us consider sequentially all the main malfunctions of pumping stations, the reasons for their occurrence and ways to eliminate them on their own.
If you turn on the pumping station, the pump impeller rotates, but water does not flow into the pipeline, then certain factors may be the reason.
After removing the cover, inspect the condition of the impeller. You may need to replace it, of course if you find a suitable replacement part on the market. But the manufacturer's policy is that if any spare part is worn out, you will most likely have to change the pumping device (but not the entire pumping station).
The cause of such a defect may be the improper operation of the automation unit. Its main unit is a pressure gauge - a device that measures pressure. With such a jerky work, you will be able to observe how the pressure gauge readings rise to large values, and then sharply decrease.
The main reason for this disadvantage is damage to the membrane in the pressure accumulator of the pumping station (the very node that stretches when the volume of fluid in the system increases).
Rubber Diaphragm Accumulator Pressure Station Pumping Equipment
So you can disassemble the pumping equipment station
The diaphragm of the pressure accumulator is accessed through a nipple located at the back of the pressure accumulator housing. If you press on this nipple, air should come out of it. If water begins to flow from it when exposed, then it is time to change the membrane of the accumulator of the pumping station. To do this, disassemble the battery case by loosening the bolts and change the membrane.
Pressure Accumulator Diaphragm Replacement Procedure
Also, the reason for the operation of the pumping equipment station "jumps" can be air cushion pressure drop in the part of the pressure accumulator behind the diaphragm. Typically, the manufacturer pumps air up to 1.8 atmospheres into this part of the device. In the event of a leakage of the accumulator body, air can escape and the accumulator ceases to perform its functions. You can pressurize the accumulator housing through the nipple located at the back of the unit. If microcracks have appeared in the body of your device due to rust, then the only way out can be by sealing the seams with the help of "cold welding" kits, or by completely replacing the accumulator body.
We pump the required pressure into the accumulator
Another reason for such a malfunction can be a banal breakdown of the automatic adjustment unit ... Usually such devices are replaced entirely.
The cause of such a malfunction may be a partial intake of air into the water supply pipeline system. Such "suction" can occur on a segment located from the suction pipe with a filter to the inlet pipe of the pumping station. The disadvantage can be eliminated by ensuring the tightness of the pipelines and their connections, as well as by deeper immersion of the suction nozzle into the well.
The most likely cause of such a malfunction is poor adjustment of the relay that detects the pressure level in the pipeline system. The relay is regulated by two different springs:
small spring responsible for adjusting the difference in pressure indicators between max and min pressure;larger spring sets the lower and upper limits for turning on and off the pumping device.With prolonged operation of the automation unit, the springs can stretch and the indicators set during the initial adjustment get lost. In addition, during operation, the moving parts of the pump wear out and the maximum values of the pressure it generates decrease.
After prolonged use, reduce the maximum pressure reading by adjusting the position of the large spring.
Description of the control relay
Also, the reason for the malfunction of the control relay can be a narrowing of the relay outlet, which over time becomes clogged with deposits present in the pumped water. In this case, the relay must be removed and cleaned.
The pumping equipment station operates on electricity and its absence, or a voltage drop in the system, can cause the pumping device to turn off. Check the presence of electricity in the circuit and voltage with a tester.
If electricity is available and the pumping station is correctly connected, the cause of such a breakdown may be a breakdown of the winding of the electric motor. When it breaks down, the engine stops and a characteristic smell of burnt insulation arises. With such a malfunction, it is better to replace the entire electric motor.
Such a deficiency may occur after prolonged pump downtime ... In this case, the rotor impellers can "stick" to the inner surface of the pumping device. Try to turn the pump shaft by hand. If you cannot touch the rotor with your hands, then disassemble the pump casing and eliminate the impeller defect (jamming).
Also, the cause of such a malfunction may be capacitor failure located in the terminal box of the device. This is especially true for motors connected in a three-phase scheme. An electrical tester is used to diagnose and correct this malfunction.
Also, the flaw can be caused by low voltage in the mains supply .
As you can see, the main breakdowns arising during the operation of pumping equipment stations may well be eliminated independently, without calling specialists. To learn more about pumping station repair technologies, watch the training video.
A pumping station is an excellent solution for organizing water supply in a private household. An unexpected breakdown of this complex of devices can cause a lot of trouble for the owners. Fortunately, most breakdowns are typical and can be repaired at home. You should find out in advance how to repair equipment with your own hands. We will talk about this now - stay with us and you will learn a lot of new things!
In order for the water supply system to function successfully, it is necessary to provide a certain level of pressure and water pressure. When there is no access to centralized water supply, this problem is easily solved with the help of a pumping station. It usually consists of:
pump;
membrane storage tank;
automatic control unit (pressure switch, pressure gauge, etc.).
The pump pumps water, which enters the tank. When the pressure in the tank reaches a certain maximum level, the pump turns off. Gradually, the water from the tank is consumed for various needs and the pressure drops. At the minimum pressure level, the pump turns on again and water flows into the tank. The process is controlled automatically.
With the help of such a unit, you can provide a house, a bathhouse and other buildings located on the site with water supply. Having studied the principle of work, you need to start studying possible breakdowns and ways to eliminate them.
Having studied the principle of operation and the device of the pumping station, you can do it yourself repair
In the world, as the classics reasonably argue, nothing lasts forever, this also applies to equipment. Unexpected malfunctions in the operation of pumping equipment, its stoppage or incorrect operation can be caused by a number of reasons, such as:
lack of electricity;
lack of water in the system;
breakdown of the pump;
breakage of the membrane tank;
damage to the automatic unit, etc.
The device of household pumping units is not particularly difficult, and this allows you to do the repair yourself. In some cases, it is necessary to disassemble the pump and replace the damaged part. Sometimes it is necessary to seal a crack in the tank, and sometimes it is enough just to check for the presence of electricity. In each specific case, you need to determine why the pump does not pump water, and find a "recipe" for solving the problem. If it was not possible to find an acceptable solution to the problem, you need to contact the specialists.
Below we will consider a number of problems and malfunctions that may arise during the operation of a pumping station.
Cause: Violation of the tightness of the conductive pipelines, the check valve does not work correctly, there is no water in the pipeline or pump.
Solution: first, you should check for the presence of water in the pipeline or pump. If it is missing, you just need to add it to the pump through the hole provided for this or lower the suction hose (or the pump itself) deeper. Maintain the maximum permissible distance between the pump and the water level.
Now you need to check the condition of the check valve and the tightness of the joints, and then eliminate the problems found. If all these measures do not help, it is possible that the pump is damaged by abrasives that have got into the water, for example, sand. In this case, you will have to disassemble the pump and replace its impeller or housing. In some cases it is necessary to install a new pump.
Please note that before starting work it does not hurt to check the voltage in the mains. If it is insufficient (a typical situation in rural areas), the pump will not pump water, although it will turn on.
Cause: The answer to the question why the pumping station turns on too often is most often that some part of the hydraulic tank is damaged. Because of this, the equipment does not build up pressure.
The hydraulic tank of the pumping station consists of a body and a membrane located inside
Solution: First you need to press on the nipple located on the back of the tank. If water flows out of it (air should come out), then the inner membrane is torn, it should be replaced.
Another possible reason why the pressure in the accumulator of the unit does not correspond to the normal value is a violation of the tightness of the case. You need to find a crack or hole and repair it. Sometimes, in order to solve the problem, it is enough just to pump the missing amount of air into the tank using a conventional pump. The standard value of the pressure in the tank is 1.5-1.8 atmospheres.
The missing air can be pumped into the diaphragm tank through a standard threaded union with a spool
It should be noted that sometimes water is supplied intermittently due to leakage at the joints of the suction pipeline. It must be checked along its entire length and any cracks found must be repaired.
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Cause: There is no power supply.
Solution: It is necessary to check and, possibly, clean the burnt contacts of the pressure switch, check the integrity of the winding. The fact that the engine has burnt out will become clear by the smell characteristic of burning insulating materials.
Cause: the condenser is broken or the impeller is "stuck" to the pump casing. This situation often occurs with pumps that have been idle for several months.
Solution: To start a locked impeller, just rotate it manually a couple of times. After that, the pump should turn on. If the capacitor is broken, it will have to be replaced.
Cause: The pressure switch is malfunctioning.
Solution: It is necessary to adjust the pressure switch of the pumping station. To do this, use two springs located on the relay: a large and a small one. The large spring is responsible for adjusting the lower pressure limit, and with the small spring, they adjust the difference between the minimum and maximum values. All manipulations with the pressure switch must be done with extreme caution.
To find out the reasons why the equipment does not turn off, be sure to check the condition of the inlet of the pressure switch. Sometimes it gets clogged by particles and sediments in the water. In this case, the hole must be cleaned and the operation of the pressure switch checked.
It should be remembered that the regulation of the pressure switch of the pumping station must be treated with great care. If this unit is not properly adjusted, it can cause serious damage to the entire station, and the manufacturer's warranty does not cover such cases.
First you need to achieve the correct pressure in the accumulator. To do this, the device is disconnected from the network, and water is completely drained from the tank. Then, using a pump with a pressure gauge or a household compressor, the required pressure level is created in the hydraulic tank. Now you need to unscrew the plastic cover on the pressure switch to gain access to the control springs.
The minimum pressure for starting the pump is adjusted using a large spring (2, see figure). Turning the spring clockwise increases this value, and turning it counterclockwise decreases it. To set the required range between the maximum and minimum pressure limits, turn the pressure differential adjustment spring (1, see illustration). Turning the nut clockwise expands the range, and turning it counterclockwise narrows it.
The pressure switch of the pumping station is regulated by a large and a small spring
Then the cover of the pressure switch must be installed in place, the required volume of water must be poured into the pumping station and the power supply must be connected. The maximum pressure in the system should be no more than 95% of the maximum possible outlet pressure, which is indicated by the manufacturer in the data sheet.
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Video (click to play).
Knowing about these malfunctions, you will be able to figure out in time why the pumping station is not working, and fix the problem yourself.
