The pump room
Blog style practical advice and industry insights to help keep your systems running smoothly.
Overheating, leaks and noise... What your pump is trying to tell you.
Pumps don’t talk, but they do communicate. Strange sounds, rising temperatures and unexpected leaks are your equipment’s way of waving a red flag.
Ignoring these signals often leads to costly breakdowns and long-term damage.
Let’s decode what your pump might be trying to tell you… before it fails completely.
1. Overheating
Possible causes:
- The pump is running dry (no liquid inside the pump)
- Something is blocked in the suction line
- Temperature of the liquid is too hot for the pump and motor.
- In some pump designs too much system head will cause motors to burn out or trip.
What else you can check:
Ensure there’s enough product reaching the pump. Look for airlocks, clogs or restrictions in the lines. Are the pumps specs rated for the job?
2. Leaks
Possible causes:
- Worn seals or gaskets
- Chemical attack on the materials the pump is made out of
- Excessive pressure
- Damage and wear due to vibration
What else you can check:
Inspect the pump casing, connections, seals and tighten any loose bolts. If it’s a recurring issue… the pump type or materials may not be suitable for your liquid.
3. Noise
Possible causes:
- Cavitation or poor suction conditions
- Misalignment
- Broken or worn parts
- External solids like nuts and bolts stuck inside the pump
What else you can check:
Listen closely. Rattling, whining or knocking sounds aren’t normal. Look out for worn bearings and bushings, check the pumps alignment and ensure the suction side isn’t starved of liquid.