Pump noisy? Low output? Read this.

[Pegasus]

Maintaining your pump.

Most pumps today are pretty efficient, and for the hours they work seem to give good results, but sometimes the output becomes less, or the pump becomes noisy. Here are one or two tips you might try, but please, unplug the pump first.

Most of the vibrator pumps have an induction coil that creates a magnetic field across it’s poles. This magnetic field switches from north to south rapidly and in effect is switching on and off at a very high rate.

Some pumps have a double diaphragm, others a single, whereas some pumps use a magnet on the end of the vibrating arm, while others rely on a steel arm which is mounted across the two poles of the coil.

After a long period of use your pump can create several problems and these are outlined below.

Lack of air.

Firstly pop the back of the pump off, after you unplug it of course. You will see an arm that is fastened to a rubber diaphragm, or two in the case of a double action unit. Carefully examine the arrangement of the parts, and if you feel confident remove the rubber diaphragm cap and examine it carefully. It could be perished, or have a fine break in it, or even lost its rigidity, which will cause your pump to lose output or to be noisy. While you have the cap off examine the valves. Pumps vary from make to make, and some have two valves, others have one.

All the valve is, is just a small membrane of fine rubber that opens and closes at each stroke of the pump, but if this is worn or perished, or not seating correctly, you will lose on output of air.

There is a filter in the back of all pumps that I know of, and this should be clean and free of obstructions. Your household vacuum will clean this pretty good, just be careful you don’t lose it up the tube.

Replacement parts are available for most branded pumps, and the valve unit is usually sold as a complete part and is really easy to replace, while the diaphragm is usually sold separately and again is a simple task to replace.

Noisy Pumps.

This is more noticeable on single action pumps with only one diaphragm. If the diaphragm is the least bit worn or soft it allows the stroke of the arm over the coil to move further than it should, and in doing so the arm strikes the metal faces of the coil creating a clattering. The simple cure for this is a new diaphragm, but as a temporary measure you might be able to adjust the arm internally slightly to allow some clearance.

Normally this clearance is adjusted with the external adjusting device on the outside of your pump, but sometimes no matter what you do you can’t get the pump to be quiet AND produce enough air.

Again, a new diaphragm may solve your problem, and is far cheaper than a new pump.

Pumps should never be mounted below the water line of your tank. The reason is that a siphoning action can occur and not only ruin your pump, but could cause a short circuit, or empty your tank overnight in the event of a pump failure.

They should also not be switched off for any length of time, especially when attached to an undergravel filter. The bacteria will multiply so rapidly that your tank could foul in just a few hours.

If you are not sure about any of the above contact me. Safety comes first.

Bill (Pegasus)