April 2018 - PumpProducts.com
  • How to Replace the Mechanical Seal on a Circulator Pump

    April 27, 2018

    Application engineer Nick explains how to switch out a mechanical seal on an Armstrong S-25 Circulator Pump. Pump Products' applications engineers are happy to work with customers to figure out the right pump for your application and budget. Call 1800-429-0800 to speak to an expert. Subscribe to our channel for more how-to guides, product highlights and general information about pumps.

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  • Replacing the Mechanical Seal on Your Centrifugal Pump

    April 25, 2018

    It is I, Inspector Pumphead! I return this week to share some of the knowledge that’s inside my oddly shaped head, specifically the knowledge on how to replace the mechanical seal on your centrifugal pump. The main purpose of the mechanical seal is to prevent leakage. They are a particularly important element of your pump because mechanical seal failure is responsible for a majority of pump malfunctions. By following these simple steps, you will be able to replace the mechanical seal in your pump so it experiences as little down time as possible. The first step of replacing your seal, is to make sure the power to your pump is off because safety is always the first step. Next, disconnect the pump from the plumbing system by using a PVC saw. Place the pump on a table or spacious work area. Using a wrench, unscrew the bolts on the pump housing. Detach the pump’s motor shaft from the housing. Make sure to keep track of the bolts you unscrew! Dismantling the pump’s impeller is the next step, as the seal is located on the shaft behind the impeller. While holding the shaft in place, rotate the pump’s impeller counterclockwise with the wrench until it disconnects from the shaft. Part of the old mechanical seal will be attached to the impeller, while the other part will still be attached to the motor shaft. Remove both of these pieces. Now it’s time to put on the replacement seal. Slide the new mechanical seal along the shaft of the motor. Do not touch the front face of the seal, as it is highly sensitive to the oils on your fingers. Once the new seal is on the shaft, use the wrench once again to screw the impeller back on. After this, reattach the pump housing and motor by tightly screwing in the bolts. Now that your pump is ready to go, the final step is placing the pump back into your plumbing system. You can do this by reconnecting the pump to the plumbing tubes with industrial strength PVC glue and primer. Wait a full day before starting the pump as the glue and primer need at least 24 hours to dry off. So there you have it, in the matter of minutes your pump is back to new.  Be on the look out for another one of Inspector Pumphead's Tips and How To's, coming soon. PumpProducts.com sales specialists are standing by to help you find the right pump or part, as well as to provide price quotes, stocking availability and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert today.

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  • 2 Wire vs 3 Wire Submersible Well Pumps

    April 18, 2018

    In this video, we'll explain the difference between a 2 wire and 3 wire configuration for a submersible well pump. Pump Products' applications engineers are happy to work with customers to figure out the right pump for your application and budget. Call 1800-429-0800 to speak to an expert. Subscribe to our channel for more how-to guides, product highlights and general information about pumps.

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  • What’s the Difference: 2 Wire vs 3 Wire Submersible Well Pumps

    April 17, 2018

    Welcome back to another edition of Inspector Pumphead’s Quick Tips! In this space I, Inspector Pumphead, will be dispensing wisdom regarding your pump, whether it be about performance, maintenance, repair parts or navigating our site to find a new product, I’m here to help! This week we’ll be talking about the difference between 2 and 3 wire submersible well pumps. Firstly, both types feature a ground wire which shouldn’t be counted. Two wire pumps will have 2 black wires and a green wire. Three wire pumps have a black, red, yellow, and green wire. Let’s dive in and figure out which one is right for your application! The main difference between 2 wire and 3 wire well pumps is characterized by where the starting components for the motor are located. Three wire well pumps house the starting components (starting capacitors, running capacitors, relays, and thermal overloads) in a control box or panel. Control boxes are usually mounted on a wall above ground. Though the potential of failure for the parts is greater than a two wire system, the components can be easily accessed and cheaply repaired or replaced. For example, if a capacitor malfunctions on a three wire, just the capacitor itself will need to be replaced. Two wire well pumps do not use a control box. All the elements already come built within the motor or pump house itself. This allows for easier installation. However, if any of the starting components fail, the pump will have to be pulled up and the whole motor will have to be replaced. The likelihood of component failure in a two wire system is much lower than a three wire, although it is a much more expensive and time consuming endeavor if a part does fail. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to determine the more convenient approach for your application. Your circumstances may dictate one configuration over the other.  Keep in mind, motors that are more than 1.5 HP requires a three wire configuration and a control box to start the heavier motors. PumpProducts.com sales specialists are standing by to help you find the right pump or part, as well as to provide price quotes, stocking availability and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert today.

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  • 6 Tips Sewage Pump Owners NEED to Know

    April 13, 2018

    In this video, we'll cover some simple tips for sewage pump owners to follow in order to get the most out of their pump and extend its service life. Pump Products' applications engineers are happy to work with customers to figure out the right pump for your application and budget. Call 1800-429-0800 to speak to an expert. Subscribe to our channel for more how-to guides, product highlights, and general information about pumps.

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  • How To Get the Most Out Of Your Sewage Pump and Extend Its Service Life

    April 12, 2018

    Pumps are often overlooked.  This makes me think of the time I was in the 8th grade.  I played a piece of singing celery in the annual school play. It was an integral role and really brought the whole play to a new level, but unfortunately I got little credit for my Hanks-esque performance. Similarly, pumps are the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to make sure your plumbing systems are running efficiently. Since pumps serve a variety of applications, they come in many shapes and sizes. Sewage pumps in particular are there to do the dirty work. These pumps sit in a basin and are necessary when wastewater can’t be moved by gravity alone. They move small solids and wastewater to a sewer system or septic tank. Every time you flush your toilet you activate the bat signal, letting your sewage pump know, there is work to be done. Knowing how to extend the life of your sewage pump can not only save you time and money but prevent many future headaches as well. General life expediencies for sewage pumps can run from about 5-7 years for residential and 5-15 years for commercial applications. Below you’ll find several tips to ensure you get the most out of your sewage pump and how to extend its service life. 1. Toilet paper only Flushing anything other than what’s supposed to go down the golden throne may harm your pump. Any materials such as feminine products, disposable wipes, paper towels, and many other products should be disposed of in a place well...that isn’t your toilet! These materials can potentially clog your system and create the need for a future appointment with your local plumber. 2. Use a check valve to prevent back flow The purpose of a check valve is to make sure fluid flows in one direction only and this prevent back flow.  Back flow is exactly what it sounds like, it is fluids that flow in the opposite direction of where it is supposed to go. Back flow can result in wastewater coming up through your sinks, shower drains, and toilets. A pump without a check valve can also suffer from short cycling. This means your pump will constantly be turning on and off which can lead to the pump burning itself out. So making sure your check valve is operating correctly can be super beneficial. 3. Set your floats at the appropriate level Float switches activate a pump when the level of waste water inside the basin reaches a certain height. Setting your float switch at the right level ensures your pump turns on when it is supposed to. Unfortunately, switches rarely last as long as pumps do, but luckily you can find a wide variety of float switches at PumpProducts.com. 4. Have an alarm for early detection An alarm can help prevent emergencies by providing a helpful warning against high water levels or pump failure. If you hear your alarm beeping, that means the pump needs to be dealt with right away. PumpProducts.com stocks the most reliable and easy to install alarms in the industry, from the most trusted distributors. 5. Know your application (TDH, GPM demands) Perhaps the most important thing is knowing your application and the demands of your system.  This can go a long way in selecting the right pump. If you can determine the factors such as the TDH (total dynamic head) and GPM (gallons per minute) that you will need, that’s half the battle. If you need assistance finding that information, call a PumpProducts.com application engineer.  This will ensure you will receive the right pump for your application and you can then rest easy knowing your plumbing system is in good hands. 6. Finally, make sure your basin is properly sealed Because no one wants to smell that! PumpProducts.com sales specialists are standing by to help you find the right pump or part, as well as to provide price quotes, stocking availability and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert today.

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  • Inspector Pumphead Inspects a Goulds Sewage Pump

    April 10, 2018

    Inspector Pumphead takes a break from his busy schedule at PumpProducts.com to put on his snorkel and take a dive to see how a Goulds Sewage Pump is performing. PumpProducts.com applications engineers are happy to work with customers to figure out the right pump for your application and budget. Call 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert. Subscribe to our channel for more how-to guides, product highlights, and general information about pumps (more…)

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  • Scuba Dive & Learn How a Sewage Pump System Works With Inspector Pumphead

    April 9, 2018

    As the old adage from the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu says, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Or to paraphrase, a single flush of the toilet! Get ready to witness a journey into the sewage system, guided by Inspector Pumphead.   Many people don’t want to picture what happens after they flush the toilet, which is perfectly understandable. It’s gross! But the expulsion of wastewater is one of the most important functions that underpins indoor plumbing systems. Understanding how a sewage pumping system works, can give you a greater appreciation of how water moves in and out of your house. This knowledge can also help you make better purchasing decisions in the future. With Inspector Pumphead, you have the perfect figure to guide you through the darkness. In this adventure, the brave Inspector will take you through a sewage system. Goulds sewage pumps are some of the finest on the market and the Inspector has a lot of experience with that brand. Don’t worry we've left out the gross parts. Check out the video:                                                                            Not every home needs a sewage pump First, you should understand when you would need a sewage pump. If you are connected to city sewer (as opposed to a septic tank system), your water flows to either a storm sewer or a sanitary sewer. As the names suggest, the storm sewer is where rainwater runoff is exported, while the sanitary sewer takes care of your wastewater. If a home or building is at grade (ground level), then the wastewater travels by gravity to the sanitary sewer. If the city sewer line is located above your home sewer line or you have a basement toilet, you need to install a sewage pump. The sewage works to push or “eject” the sewage up towards the city line (you will sometimes see sewage pumps referred to as sewage ejectors). Journey down through the sewage system In the first part of the video, Inspector Pumphead flushes himself down the toilet. Using the mixture of science and mysticism he learned while studying at Carnegie Mellon, he is able to shrink himself and scuba through the pipes. The piping is one of the most important parts of your system. Sewage pipes in modern homes typically use PVC plastic, which is tough, corrosion-resistant and relatively simple to install. Older homes often use cast iron sewage piping, which is rugged but susceptible to rusting over time. Just something to keep in mind when thinking about your sewage needs. The pipes eventually deposit the sewage, and Pumphead, into the sewage tank or basin. The basin is important because it contains the sewage pump and acts as the depository for the sewage.  The water also has the effect of keeping the pump motor cool. How does a sewage pump export your wastewater Once the wastewater is in the basin, it gets sucked up through the inlet at the bottom of the sewage pump. In the video, the homeowner has chosen a Goulds sewage pump. Powered by the pump’s impeller, the water. along with Inspector Pumphead, moves through the pump and out of the discharge outlet through more piping, which eventually leads to the city sewer line. Depending on where the basin is located, you might need extra piping, elbows, etc. to connect to the city sewer line. Where does sewage wastewater go Have you ever wondered what happens to your wastewater after it leaves your house Wastewater moves to a water treatment plant where it is aerated, filtered and disinfected to remove waste particles and other microorganisms. In a very thorough and complicated process, wastewater becomes clean “reclaimed water.” The reclaimed water is free to be reintroduced to the ecosystem, often used as groundwater, irrigation water or as a cooling agent. If you find the idea of your wastewater going back into the environment gross, just know that most states have regulations against using reclaimed water in potable systems (washing, drinking, swimming) where humans will have contact with the water. Still, reclaimed water is generally safe to touch. Lucky for us, Inspector Pumphead is able to use his extensive knowledge to escape the system before the water reaches the treatment plant. That’s how dedicated Inspector Pumphead is to helping you understand more about pumps and water systems - he’ll risk getting sent through a filtration system for you! Do you have any ideas for future adventures you’d like to see starring Inspector Pumphead Let us know in the comments and we can see if he is up to the challenge! PumpProducts.com sales specialists are standing by to help you find the right pump or part, as well as to provide price quotes, stocking availability and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert today.

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  • 5 Sump Pump Tips & Tricks: How to EXTEND the Life of Your Sump Pump

    April 5, 2018

    Sump Pumps sit in a pit or basin in your basement and prevent residential flooding by draining accumulated water. By doing some simple maintenance, you can ensure that your sump pump is ready to tackle anything Mother Nature has to throw at it. 1. Clean the Sump Pump Although, this one seems obvious, making sure your pump is clean guarantees efficiency and a long service life. To clean your pump, start by removing the pump from its basin or pit after disconnecting it from the power supply. Next, clean any dirt or debris off the outside of the pump. Be sure to clean the inlet screen on the bottom as the screen can get clogged over time. Also clear any dirt, gravel, sand, or other debris that may have accumulated in the sump pit as well. This will help make sure your pump stays cleaner, longer. Depending on how often it’s used, your pump should be cleaned at least once a year. 2. Test the Pump Pour water from a bucket or large container into the basin. Make sure the float switch is not obstructed and is able to move freely. As the water level rises, the float should activate the pump and water should begin to drain. This will indicate that your pump is in working order. 3. Clean Drainage Pipes Check your pipes for any blockages or clogs so water can flow unimpeded. Also make sure all the pipes are connected tightly and there are no leaks. If your pipes are clogged, you may need assistance from your local plumber. 4. Level the Pump Make sure your pump sits level. If your pump is off kilter, the float arm may become jammed. This will result in the pump being unable to become activated. 5. Check the Power Source Make sure you’re plugged in! Check the power cord to make sure it’s not damaged. You may also want to have a battery backup system so your pump can continue to work in events such as a power failure. There is no rule for how often a sump pump should be replaced, but nothing in life lasts forever!  Your pump’s life depends on how often it runs and how often maintenance is done. If you’re in the market for a new sump pump, look no further than the plethora of pumps PumpProducts.com offers! PumpProducts.com sales specialists are standing by to help you find the right pump or part, as well as to provide price quotes, stocking availability, and shipping information. Call our toll free number 1-800-429-0800 to speak to an expert today.

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