Pump Hums but Will Not Push Water
Possible Causes:
Impeller may be seized by debris.
Remove pump from skimmer and inspect the pump intake to ensure there is no
debris restricting the impeller. Remove any debris, such as rocks that may
become lodged around and above the impeller.
While the pump is out of the skimmer, lay it on its side and plug in the pump.
Inspect to see if impeller spins. If impeller does not spin, use a screwdriver
or small tool to “kick start” the impeller.
Pump may be air locked.
Impeller chamber must be flooded with water. Tilt pump while submerged in order
to allow air to be released from the chamber or remove the pump from the
skimmer and re-install, ensuring impeller chamber is flooded.
Pump is Pushing Very Little Water.
Possible Causes:
Plumbing clogged with debris.
Remove check valve connection from pipe. This will allow the BIOFALLS and
plumbing to drain. Clogged debris may back flush out of the plumbing during
this procedure. Inspect check valve to make sure no debris is lodged inside.
Remove pump from skimmer and inspect the pump intake to ensure there is no
debris restricting the impeller. Remove any debris, such as rocks that may
become lodged around and above impeller. Once completed, reinstall the pump and
plug pump back into the GFI protected outlet.
Pump Will Not Operate
Possible Causes:
Poor electrical connection, tripped breaker, blown fuse, or other interruption
in the power supply.
Check to ensure all electrical connections are working. Ensure a qualified
electrician installed and tested electrical. Long extension cords may cause
voltage drop at the pump, causing the amps to rise above the maximum level.
This can cause the pump to heat up and burn the motor out. Note: Pumps damaged
due to improper electrical connection are not covered under warranty.
For more useful information, see Common Reasons for a
GFCI to Trip.
Pump Operates Intermittently
Possible Causes:
Not enough water in the pond.
All Aquascape Designs pumps and some other pumps must be submersed in water to
operate properly. Low water levels may cause pumps internal thermal shut-off to
activate. Thermal shut-off will deactivate once the pump cooled down. Proper
water level must be established in the pond for pump to work properly.
Pond is too small for upper stream.
The lowest pond must be designed large enough to supply enough water to start
the circulation of the stream and waterfall. Once the pump is started, It may
be necessary to add a few inches of water to the pond in order to account for
the water used to feed the stream and waterfalls. Upper pools and “check” dams
in the streams are also very effective in holding water upstream when the pump
is not operating. Ponds designed too small may not be able to supply enough
water to start the stream and waterfalls. This will cause the water in the pond
to drop below the opening of the skimmer upon initial start-up and starve the
pump of water.