A broken pump can quickly turn your swimming pool from a refreshing summer oasis to an icky algae-covered swamp. However, there are a few simple tips and tricks you can use to figure out which part of your pump isn't working and what you need to do to get everything back in action.
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What’s inside a pool pump?
- Pump housing—The pump housing is the hard shell that protects the inner workings of the pump. Pumps made before the early 1980s were often made of bronze, brass or cast iron. Check your pump housing for any cracks or damage that may expose the other parts of the pump to debris and weather elements.
- Lid—The lid is a clear or tinted glass-like material covering the strainer. This is the starting point for any pump inspection.
- Strainer basket—The strainer basket collects debris and keeps it from damaging other parts of the pump. Make sure your strainer basket sits firmly in its casing and does not have any holes that would allow debris to pass through.
- Motor—The motor creates the churning force needed to move the water. Motors can be single-speed, variable-speed or dual-speed. The motor is one of the most commonly replaced parts of the pump. A frozen shaft may cause the pump not to work; in this case, the motor will need replacing.
- Impeller—The impellers are two discs that create the suction force needed to circulate the water through the system. The impeller includes a cone-shaped diffuser that maximizes the suction force from the impeller. A warped or damaged impeller can cause the pump to stop working and should be replaced immediately.
- Gaskets and seals—The gaskets and seals are located throughout the pump and designed to keep the parts dry and keep water flowing through the system. Over time, gaskets and seals can deteriorate and cause leaks or other issues, so be sure to inspect them regularly.
Why isn’t your pump working?
The type of issue your pump is experiencing will tell you which parts need to be replaced.
- Water is leaking from the pump—Inspect the gaskets and seals, particularly around the impeller housing, shaft and discharge pipe.
- The pump isn’t pulling water—When the pump no longer pulls water, check the strainer basket and impeller for clogs. If the system is clear, check the suction lines and lid O-ring for leaks that may be pulling in air instead of water.
- The motor is making loud or unusual noises—Loud screeching or grinding noises from the motor mean your bearings are bad and need to be replaced while humming or vibrating noises can indicate a loose seal plate or air leak in the system.
- The motor isn’t working—If the motor isn’t running, first make sure the pump is turned on and is properly connected to the power source. If the motor runs for a while and then stops, it may be overheating. Check the air vents around the motor for any clogs or try providing shade around the pump.
- The pump needs frequent repairs—If your pump breaks down multiple times in a two- to three-year span, check the housing for cracks or deterioration that could be leaving the inner parts exposed to damaging elements.
Look to Sears PartsDirect for your Sta-Rite pump parts
Sears PartsDirect has the parts you need to keep your Sta-Rite swimming pump running strong all year long.