Pond Pump Maintenance
Pond, fountain and waterfall pumps are the driving force that moves water over rocks, flowing through the stream and over waterfalls filling the air with it's sound and the beauty of moving water. In order for it to function properly you will need to maintain it on a somewhat regular basis which depends upon where it is situated, seasonal debris load and if you have fish.
Your pond pump should come with a warranty from the manufacturer that covers electrical or mechanical failures from a period of 1-3 years or more for some pumps. Most warranties are specific in respect that the owner properly maintains the pump and is operating it as intended by the manufacturer.
7 Pump Maintenance Tips:
Pumps Should Never Run Dry. Water needs to flow continuously into the pump while it is running. During the summer you may have to top off more frequently due to evaporation. During the winter months, if you run your pump year-round, make sure there is plenty of water for your pump as when ice forms it is from the pond water itself which may lower the level of water your pump is using.
Pumps Should be Free of Debris. Regularly clean out the intake so it is free of debris- weekly spring and summer, and more often in the fall during heavy leaf or debris drop. Keep your pump protected in a housing, skimmer, canyon or pump bag/ protector device without restricting water flow. Clean the intake area, remove the housing if needed to clean out the intake opening. Make sure the impeller can freely turn by using your finger or a screwdriver. Remove rocks or debris if present.
Inline or External Pumps should be Protected from the Elements. Keep it protected from Extreme Weather- freezing weather and heat in the summer. If you decide to shut down your pond during the winter- remove your pump and store it in a 5-gallon bucket submerged in water to keep the seals and gaskets lubricated. Store the bucket in a basement or heated garage, a place where it can’t freeze. White vinegar and a brush can be used to scrub the pump if cleaning or deodorizing is needed. In the PNW area we typically keep our pumps running during the winter, shutting it off during short periods of below freezing weather lasting a few days or around a week.
Do Not Cut the Cord. Most warranties are invalidated if the end of the cord is cut off. Sometimes Electricians will cut it off in order to hook up the pump to a switch for convenience of turning the pump off and on.
Plug Directly into a GFI Electrical Source. It is best to directly plug your pump into a good running electrical receptacle rather than using an extension cord. Low voltage magnetic drive pumps may operate temporarily with an extension cord.
Unplug the Pump During Maintenance. It may be helpful to unplug / turn off the pump before performing maintenance tasks and especially before taking it out of the water. Never stick your fingers into a pump intake area while it is running.
Keep Your Pump Instructions / Manual Handy. It is helpful to keep the information you have been given by the seller in a handy place for warranty purposes and operational instructions for proper intended use. This would include proof of purchase/receipt, manual or instructional guide, model number, gph (gallons per hour) and brand name.
Check out this video from Aquscape for Maintenance Tips:
Troubleshooting Pump Problems. Most pumps operate 24/7 without many issues provided that they are maintained properly. But there are times that you may have issues. Always unplug your pump prior to examining it.
Pump is Making Noises. Gurgling noises can signify that the pump is starved for water. Check your water level and monitor it regularly. You could have a leak in your pond, or it could just needs more water. Keep an eye on water flow, when it reduces that could be a sign to add more water to your feature. Rattling noises could be a bearings issue or an impeller that has cracked or is broken. Some impellers can be replaced on some pump models, refer to the manufacturers manual or website for further details.
Pump is Not Working. If the water is not running, then there may be a problem with your pump. Inspect it, make sure there is no debris or rock stuck inside the intake area and that there is plenty of water. Pumps last for a period of time so sometimes they stop working when their lifespan is over.
Pump Popping the Breaker. If your breaker keeps popping, unplug your pump. Select another device to test your breaker like a hair dryer and see if it runs without popping. If other devices pop the breaker, then it is a problem with the GFI- then call an electrician. If other devices run without any issues, then the pump is probably failing. When they overheat they tend to trip the breaker causing them to shut off. This can happen when excessive debris or lack of water starves the pump causing overheating or the pump is older and needs to be replaced.
We carry a large supply of submersible pond, fountain and waterfall pumps. If you are interested in an external pump which are very specific in how they operate so we can order them for you directly from our suppliers.
Learn more about pond pumps- read about selecting pumps.
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