Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Pond Pump Problems.... Help Please! UPDATE...

MaxiFalls 7000 pond pump. 110ac.

Pump was working fine last season....
2" intake/discharge pipe.

Motor sounds good.

No stoppages (that I can find).

Pump just won't suck in water from intake pipe, which is full.

Any touble shooting advice?

Pump was left in place, fairly protected, under pier through the winter.

Impeller problem?

Any input appreciated!

michauxii, sometimes these pumps can be finiky to get primed, first check to see if the impeller is spinning and hasn't come loose on the shaft, also get the pump as close to water level as possible, and if you don't have a check valve on the inlet they can really help to get it primed.
If it's none of these then I'm stumped.

Ya'll pardon my mechanical ignorance..
I don't have a clue how to check the impeller spinning on the shaft. Do I need to disassemble the pump?
Any input/education is appreciated.

If you take the hose/pipe off the inlet side you should be able to see the impeller.

If the pump wasn't drained for the winter, the pump housing might have froze and cracked during the cold spell this winter. If so, it's sucking air.

I agree with AP. Sometimes they are a PITA to get primed. Impellers do come loose from the shaft at times. Is the motor turning when power is turned on?

Motor IS turning!

Thanks for the input!

If you're still having a hard time getting it primed, I'd check for an air leak, maybe one of the pump housing bolts is slightly loose and it's not sealing the case.

I MIGHT have found the culprit!
The cover to the leaf trap has a crack and is not sealing properly.

I removed the check valve on the intake pipe yesterday to see if it was the problem, so I'll have to wait for a buddy to come by and give me a hand before I try again.

I sealed the leak on the cover, but I'll have to wade out into the pond and put my palm over the mouth of the intake pipe while he fills the pipe and leaf trap with water. Will install repaired leaf trap cover and give it a try.

All of this is a WAG.

Before I do all of this.. would a "non-sealing" cover cause the pump not to prime?

Thanks!