Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Members
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Posts
    1

    Pump losing pressure or another problem?

    Hi, I have a pump that has started shooting water out in spurts. It is a 24 Watt, 7 foot max height submersible pump that I've been using on aquaponics systems for 6 months. I switched from one aquaponics system to another about 2 months ago. It was running fine until last night until it started spurting (in between spurts of water, it's shooting out air). If I remove the pump from the system and test it, it works fine. I hadn't changed anything in the system. I went through it now and checked and reset all the connections and lowered the height level from about 5.5 feet to 4.5 feet. It still continues spurting. When I ran the pump by itself I couldn't tell if it was performing normally or at less pressure than previously. Any thoughts?

  2. #2
    Members David - WI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    182

    Re: Pump losing pressure or another problem?

    Is the pump positioned differently, so that it can suck in small air bubbles now or so that small bubbles can collect inside the pump?
    It's all about the fish, dude.

  3. #3
    Members Roger L.'s Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Louisville, KY USA
    Posts
    384

    Re: Pump losing pressure or another problem?

    My submersible pump has a filter in it that needs to be removed and cleaned on a routine basis. If I go to long the pressure and volume reduce. You may be experiencing cavitation which would give the impression of surging. Not sure about your pump but check for a filter or some restriction to the inlet of the pump.
    At what point did our government cease to be of the people, by the people, and for the people?

  4. #4
    Members
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Nor Cal
    Posts
    31

    Re: Pump losing pressure or another problem?

    I'm a newby to AP, but have some experance with constructon "trash" pumps. If this is a submersable, I would look a the entire suction side, pipes, filters, for any kind of restriction. Or even the inlet too close to the bottom. If it is not a sub. again suction side. Put some FT water in a spray bottle and spray liberaly around all fittings and watch for the pump to quit cavatating. The water will seal the air leak, for a few seconds and you will know which fitting needs to be resealed. Best to you!

  5. #5
    Members Aloha Don's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Location
    Honolulu, HI
    Posts
    310

    Re: Pump losing pressure or another problem?

    What happened with your pump?
    Put all excuses aside and remember this: YOU are capable - Zig Ziglar

  6. #6
    Members topz's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    Omaha, Nebraska
    Posts
    138

    Re: Pump losing pressure or another problem?

    Just a side note I had two pumps start surging when I finally pulled them apart it turned out to be a film of bio slime in the impeller area once cleaned never had any more issue.

Similar Threads

  1. Pressure tank pump instead of electric pump?
    By notomo in forum Aquaponics Knowhow
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 12-05-2011, 06:14 AM
  2. tilapia losing scales, turning gray and dying
    By chrisfoerst in forum Want To Know HOW TO..?
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 07-28-2011, 09:10 AM
  3. siphon problem
    By quietlike in forum Aquaponics Knowhow
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 07-07-2011, 01:02 PM
  4. Head PLUS pressure loss
    By davidstcldfl in forum Water Pumps
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 06-21-2011, 06:38 PM
  5. Problem with activation
    By badflash in forum What Do I Feed 'em..?
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 08-02-2010, 03:47 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •