Please remember – you must ensure the engine/pump is isolated and cannot be started.
1. Pump does not prime or pump (engine is running)
a. Check that the end of the suction hose is submerged and not drawing in air
b. Check the strainer is not blocked with a rag or leaves etc
c. Check all the suction hoses are connected, not squashed flat and not drawing in air
d. Disconnect the suction hose, look inside the suction port and ensure there is nothing blocking the inlet or lodged in the impellor
e. Using An adjustable wrench or 19 Spanner – remover the NRV Cover plate indicated in the picture to the right
Remove this lid, inside you will find a solid rubber ball,
Simply slide the ball out of the cast iron housing and ensure the seat and surrounding area is clean and free from any stones, twigs or solid particles etc.
Please make sure the rubber gasket /o ring on the lid is clean and not damaged.
Replace this cover and tighten both bolts.
If the pump still does not prime and pump, and the suction line is clear/unblocked – you are going to need to contact our 24 hour phone number – 01329 229 800
An engineer will be in contact with you shortly.
2. Vacuum pump issues.
a. Looking inside the pump – you will need to locate the vacuum pump and vee belt drive arrangement.
There may be a possibility that the motor driving the vacuum compressor have snapped and or come off drive pulleys. If this is the case – please can you contact the office – an engineer will need to attend and rectify / replace these belts.
b. If you notice that the vacuum pump continuously starts and stops for no particular reason – there is a possibility that there is debris (normally and small piece of toilet paper and a rag) stuck on the vacuum pump level probe.
c. This level probe is located on the suction side of the pump inside the clear cover as indicated below.
d. There are occasions where the clear cover become dirty and difficult to see inside. Ensure the pump is turned off and isolated so it wont start – remove the 4 x wing nuts, remove the steel outer ring/flange and pull the Perspex cover off. Inside you will see a long stainless steel probe, clean this probe with a cloth and replace the cover and ring as you found it.
e. Start the pump and see if this solves the issue with priming and the intermittent starting of the vacuum pump.
3. Engine runs but only pumps limited amount of Liquid
a. Make sure the Suction strainer is not blocked with debris.
b. Make sure there are not too many suction hoses.
c. Ensure there are no collapsed, kinked or damaged suction hoses.
d. Remove the suction hose from the pump and check there is nothing inside the impellor (pic below indicates the suction port on the lower left side) – the pump must be off.
e. Check the discharge line has no kinked or squashed pipes.
f. Make sure the strainer is not sitting or buried in mud.
g. Ensure the suction lift is not greater than 8m deep.
4. Engine will not start or run
a. Check the battery terminals – make sure they are tight and
b. Check the fuel level in the fuel tank – Open the fuel cap and look inside – often the fuel gauges get stuck in the FULL position.
c. If the pump has run out of fuel – please inform our engineer – he will need to reprime the fuel system.
d. Check the inline fuel filter is clean and not blocked up with sediment. (pic below)
e. Allow the engine to go through its startup cycle before trying to restart again.
f. If you believe there is an issue with the starter motor – the pump will try and start – but the starter motor make a loud grinding noise, please don’t attempt to restart or continuously try starting the engine. This will cause more damage and potentially longer time to rectify.
Please advise the engineer on the phone if you hear starter motor issues.
5. Flat Battery
a. A flat battery is a very common occurrence – this happens when the pump is not turned off completely. The engine has stopped and the ignition is left on. This will drain and deplete the battery.
b. Is it possible to connect a set of Jumper Leads and jump start the engine ?
c. If this is not possible – you will need to contact our office and an engineer will replace the battery. There may be a charge for a flat battery call out.
Please do not continuously try and start the pump, this will deplete the battery and potentially damage the starter motor. If the pump wont crank and start – please check various points above then report the failure to avoid any additional costs to yourselves.
Please ensure that you adhere to the daily maintenance schedule – if this is not done daily – mechanical failures may result.
All the above scenarios are possible issue of a nonfunctioning pump, these issues can normally be rectified over the phone.
However – if you are not competent or unsure – please do not attempt to rectify or fix the issue.
Please call our 24 hour phone number – 01329 229 800