TROUBLESHOOTING FOR POND PUMPS
| PROBLEM | REASON | SOLUTION |
|---|---|---|
| Pond Pump is not Working | • No Power • Sponges and filter media are blocked with sludge • Impellor is blocked with sludge or lime scale • Running without sufficient water • Blocked impellor chamber or ceramic shaft is broken | • Check that the plug is connected to power and confirm that the power point is working. • Clean the sponges and filter. • Clean the impellor as per instruction. • Submerse the equipment underwater then plug in. Refill pond if necessary. • Clean the impellor. Check for ware. Replace if necessary. |
| Water Pump is Noisy | • Blockage in Pump • Impellor and Shaft Worn Out • Impellor Broken • Water valve closed on outlet • Unit inlet is blocked or the water pump inlet is blocked | • Clear the blockage • Replace impellor and shaft • Replace impellor. • Open the valve and allow water to flow. If you are getting too much flow you can divert the water by applying a tee piece and valve. • Clear all blockages |
| The Pump Keeps Switching Off | Some pumps are fitted with a thermal overload protector to protect the pump from overheating. When the pump cools down it will then automatically try to start up again. | If this is activating it is normally due to the pump being restricted. Clean the intake and check to make sure the impellor is not clogged. Ensure water can enter the pump without restriction |
TROUBLESHOOTING FOR AIR PUMPS
DO NOT Submerse Air Pumps in Water. Use of Check Valves is highly recommended, to ensure no moisture enters the pump via airline.
| PROBLEM | REASON | SOLUTION |
|---|---|---|
| Pump not Working | • No Power • Bad Motor • Damaged Cable | • Check that the plug is connected to power and confirm that the power point is working. • Replace the air pump (if applicable). If it is a brand new pump or is still within warranty, take this back to your customer service provider. • Inspect the entire length of the cable and look for cuts or damage resulting in exposed copper wire. Replace cable or complete unit. |
| Pump Working Intermittently | • Damaged Cable / Short Circuit • Clogged Airline / Defective Check Valve • Defective Pump • Air Filter Pad Clogged • Bad diaphragms | • Inspect the entire length of the air pump cable and look for cuts or damage resulting in exposed copper wire. Replace cable or complete unit. • Make sure the airline tubing is not kinked. Inspect the entire length of airline tubing for blockage and check functionality of check valves. Replace airline or check valves, if needed. • Inspect the inside of the air pump and make sure that it is free of any signs of damage or moisture. Replace air pump if problem continues. • Disassemble pump per instructions and check the filter pad for discolouration, caused by dust or dirt. Using a household style vacuum cleaner, suck debris out of pad until visibly clean. And reinstall. • Disassemble pump per instructions and check the diaphragms and rubber membranes for excessive wear or possible tearing. If diaphragm is damaged, go ahead and replace before operating unit again. |
| Pump Working with Minimal Air Flow or Making Loud noises | • Bad Diaphragms / Membranes • Air Filter Pad Clogged • Clogged Airline / Defective Check Valve • Flapper Valves Defective • Speed Controls (If applicable) • Air Stones | • Disassemble pump per instructions and check the diaphragms and rubber membranes for excessive wear or possible tearing. If diaphragms and membranes are damaged, go ahead and replace before operating unit again. • Disassemble pump per instructions and check the filter pad for discolouration, caused by dust or dirt. Using a household style vacuum cleaner, suck debris out of pad until visibly clean. And reinstall. • Make sure Airline tubing is not kinked. Inspect entire length of airline tubing for blockage and check functionality of check valves. Replace airline or check valves, if needed. • The Flapper Valves may have become dirty or brittle and require replacing. • Some models of air pump may have a speed control. Locate the speed control and make sure this hasn’t been turned down. • Check Air stones. These May need replacing or cleaning if they have deteriorated or become clogged. |
| Other Issues | Air Pump Temperature is Too High | Check whether the outlet pipe is clogged. |
TROUBLESHOOTING FOR PRESSURE FILTERS
| PROBLEM | REASON | SOLUTION |
|---|---|---|
| Water Not Clearing Up | • Unit has not been allowed to run long enough • Filter Too small for Pond Size • The Pond is extremely dirty • Inappropriate Pump Size • Fish Stock Too high for System • Filter Sponges are dirty • UV quartz Sleeve is dirty or UV Light May need replacing | • Full effect of the biological cycle has not been allowed to mature. This can take up to eight weeks. • You will need to upgrade your filter. Speak with a customer Service provider to find the right size filter for your set-up. • Decaying food and plant debris causes the filter to work harder. Remove debris from the pond, for example stringy algae, leaves and sludge build-up. You can help by reducing fish feeding as well. • Water flow is too fast for the biological cycle to settle and mature or the water flow is not enough for the pond volume. • Increase filter and pump system or reduce amount of stock • Increase frequency of cleaning till water becomes clearer over time. Some extreme situations may require weekly cleans. • Remove and Clean as per instruction. |
| UV Lamp Indicator is not Lit | • The faint blue glow from the UV globe may not be visible during bright sunlight hours • No Power • The UV Globe May be Defective | • Wait till evening to check illumination. You may need to cup your hand around the indicator to see. • Check that the plug is connected to power and confirm that the power point is working. If you have confirmed that the power point is working and have replaced the UV Globe, the issue may be that the ballast may be defective. This can be replaced. • Replace the UV Globe. These generally need to be replaced every 12 months. |
| No Water Discharge out of the filter outlet | • Pond Plumbing is Blocked • Pump may not be connected to Power • Filter May be Blocked • There is no Pump Connected | • Check the Tubing for any blockage and make sure that the pump is working. • Check that the plug is connected to power and confirm that the power point is working. • Clean out sponge Filter Pads or black flush the unit (if applicable). • Pond External Filters are not like the Aquarium External filters, where the pump is connected. You will need to purchase a pump to attach to the filter. |
| Flow Coming out of filter is Slowing Down | • The Filter Sponges are blocked and require Cleaning • Intake To the Pump May be Blocked • Pipe May be Blocked | • Clean Filter sponges and replace, if needed. It is recommended to clean the external filters monthly. • Clean out pump • Check pipe for restrictions, blockages or breaks. Pipe that is buried may be crushed. |
| Filter is Leaking | • O-Ring Has Deteriorated • Hose tails and hose clamps | • Check the O-Ring that seals the lid to the canister and the O-Ring which seals the quartz sleeve on the UV. They will deteriorate and need replacing over time. • Check to make sure hose clamps are tight. Be careful when tightening hose tails on inlets and outlets. If you over tighten them you may break the nut. These may be replaced if needed. If leaking persists you can use thread seal tape. |