What To Do When Pond Pump Impeller Is Not Spinning
There are many things that can go wrong with your pond pump throughout its lifespan. Although some issues can mean you need to completely replace your pump with a brand new one, it may be that the issues you are experiencing are not too serious and can be fixed or may require just one component replaced. A large part of the whole troubleshooting side of pond pump maintenance, just like troubleshooting any other appliance or accessory, is actually understanding how it works; it is crucial, even if you don’t want to go too deep into the subject, that you understand just how your pond pump works and why each part is included.
Obviously, you buy something in good faith that it will last a long time and there will be limited issues with it. However, this is obviously not always the reality. Problems occur and things stop working. One of the major issues pond owners who use a pump in their pond face is the impeller not spinning at all or as quickly as it should.
What Is The Impeller?
The impeller in a pond pump is the component that spins and helps to move and draw the water into it and then pushes it back out, so it is crucial to the pump working properly.
What Happens When The Impeller Stops Spinning Or Spins Less?
Impellers in pond pumps require regular cleaning and maintenance and therefore, if you have a problem with your pump functioning properly, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the impeller.
Blockages are one of the most common causes of impellers not spinning. So, it is a good idea to check that there are no debris, such as weeds, preventing from spinning it. Not only can this stop the impeller spinning in the short-term, if the motor in the pump keeps running and the impeller continues to be blocked or is not spinning, it can cause the pump to overheat and damage it beyond repair.
Checking Your Impeller
When carrying out regular maintenance in general or if there is a problem with your pump or impeller you need to check it both visually and physically.
First, look at the barrel of the impeller for any signs of damage or cracks. Now hold the barrel, if possible, between your fingers and rotate the fins. The fins on the impeller should freely rotate smoothly for at least a half turn before they lock. (obviously this depends on the brand, model and type of pump you own).
If however the impeller’s fins can be rotated without stopping through a full 360 degrees, it is likely that it has worn out and needs to be replaced. This type of wear and tear occurs if the pump has been switched on and off regularly.
Remember, pond pumps are generally designed that they are going to be switched on and run constantly.
With all of the above in mind then, the key to ensuring you do not have to deal with the problem of your pond pump impeller not spinning, you need to follow good maintenance practices and clean it regularly. If not, refer this article for ways to solve the problem.
