How do you fix a clogged pump impeller?
- Turn off the electricity running to the pump motor at your circuit breaker. You don’t want the pump to turn on when you’re working on it.
- Remove the pump basket lid and the pump basket.
- You can use a bent coat hanger or just your fingers to reach into the impeller. Insert the wire (or fingers) into the opening leading into the ...
- Pull out anything you find and clean your hook now and again. You’ll be surprised how much can come out.
- Once you’re done, reassemble the pump by putting the pump basket back. With a garden hose, fill the housing with water in order to prime the pump ...
How to clear a clogged pool pump impeller?
How to Clear a Clogged Pool Pump Impeller 1 Shut off the pump at the breaker. 2 Remove the clamp band (or 6 nuts) to open up the pump volute, or impeller housing. ... 3 Stand the motor up, on it’s back plate, so you can look into the impeller. ... 4 The impeller will usually have an impeller shroud or cover. ... More items...
How do you remove the impeller from a pressure washer?
Remove the clamp band (or six nuts) to open up the pump volute, or impeller housing. After removing the clamp or nuts, you may need to use a large flat head screwdriver and some wiggle action to slide the motor and seal plate housing back and out of the “wet end” of the pump.
How do I know if my pool pump is clogged?
If they are clean, you may have a clogged pump impeller. 2. When your pool pump is operating at “Full Head”, the water that you can see through the pump lid will swirl at a particular rate, and may be air-free. When the impeller is clogged, this “swirl” changes; it’s slower and has more air mixed in with the water.
What is a clogged impeller and why does it matter?
Clogged impellers are common in the springtime, when small spring debris is flying off of the trees. Some pumps (such as the Ultra-Flo or Challenger) seem to have more trouble than other pumps with clogged impellers.
How do I clear my pool pump impeller?
1:022:19How To: Clean Out A Pool Pump Impeller - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll need to unscrew the pump lid and remove the strainer basket. Next using a pair of pliers.MoreYou'll need to unscrew the pump lid and remove the strainer basket. Next using a pair of pliers. Make a small 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch hook at the end of a metal coat hanger.
Can an impeller get clogged?
What clogs an impeller? Anything that's the right size can end up clogging the impeller. Most large debris will get filtered out by the pump basket, but small grains and bits of things that blow into the water are known to make their way through the basket and into the impeller.
How do you unblock a pool pump?
0:111:50How to Clear Blockages in the Circulation Lines of a Pool : Pool CareYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMost of the time. And turn the water on and try and flush that through if that doesn't work thenMoreMost of the time. And turn the water on and try and flush that through if that doesn't work then what you can also do is try going the other way.
How do I know if my impeller is working?
1:023:59Testing an outboard water pump - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen if I hit the hit the in this case on. This is a motor that turns clockwise. So you'll see thereMoreThen if I hit the hit the in this case on. This is a motor that turns clockwise. So you'll see there no water is pumping. Now. If this motor turned anti-clockwise.
How long does a pool pump impeller last?
Most pool pumps need to be replaced after 8 to 12 years of regular use.
What is a clogged impeller?
When the impeller is clogged, this “swirl” changes; it's slower and has more air mixed in with the water. This is because the pump is really working hard to pull water through restricted impeller vanes. 3. Your pump will also sound different when the impeller is clogged.
Why is pool pump not pumping water?
It could be something blocking it, a dirty pool filter, or too much air in the system. If there's something blocking your pump's suction, check your filter gauge. If it's 10psi above the normal reading, clean your filter. This will reduce pressure and reset your pump's flow.
Why is my pool pump not circulating water?
Low pressure means there is a clog somewhere. High pressure indicates it needs to be backwashed or the filter cleaned. If you have low pressure, it is possible something got through the baskets or pump pot and clogged the impeller. This is common.
What is a clogged impeller?
When the impeller is clogged, this “swirl” changes; it's slower and has more air mixed in with the water. This is because the pump is really working hard to pull water through restricted impeller vanes. 3. Your pump will also sound different when the impeller is clogged.
Can a well pump get clogged?
If the well water tests high in iron bacteria, your pump and/or well screen may become clogged with iron bacteria. Having the well cleaned with a special solution designed to remove iron bacteria, slime and scale can often restore the well to a better condition.
Why is my pool not circulating water?
Low pressure means there is a clog somewhere. High pressure indicates it needs to be backwashed or the filter cleaned. If you have low pressure, it is possible something got through the baskets or pump pot and clogged the impeller. This is common.
How do I know if my pool filter is clogged?
Put your hand over the inlet (where the basket is located on the side of the pool, not the pump) to feel if there's enough suction. Your hand should be sucked up against the inlet fairly quickly if the pump is set to its highest mode. If it's barely pulling, you likely have a clogged filter or a leak in the line.
Steps on How to Fix a Clogged Impeller
Shut off your circuit breaker that produces electricity to your swimming pool pump. It will ensure that the pump will not turn on while you are fixing your impeller.
Preventing Your Pump Impeller to Clog
Preventing your impeller from clogging is better than fixing it. It is why you must do everything to ensure your impeller does not get broken or clogged.
Takeaway
Clogged impeller issues are a regular occurrence that can happen to your pump once in a while. However, you can take extra precautionary measures to decrease the chance of this problem happening.
How to tell if pump impeller is clogged?
How to Tell if Your Pump Impeller is Clogged. The pump is making cavitation noises – loud, low grinding noise. The filter pressure is about half of what it normally reads. The pump basket doesn’t fill up with water (as seen through a clear lid). The water in pump is slowly moving, or swirling.
How to separate a volute pump?
Separate the volute, by removing the clamp band or 6-8 bolts that hold the seal plate to the volute. Don’t mistakenly remove the 4 motor bolts. Pull the motor straight back (it may be HOT), to separate the pump, and stand the motor on end, to look into the impeller.
What is an open vane impeller?
Most impellers nowadays are known as ‘closed vane’ impellers, which has a cover on the front of the impeller, to create the suction and draw the water in and out of the pump. Open vane impellers, also called vortex impellers, clog very rarely – but these types of impellers are only seen on old brass pool pumps, or large trash pumps.
Why do you put a pump basket in a volute?
The pump basket is in place to prevent small debris from entering the volute, and possibly clogging the impeller . Even with the pump basket in place, very small debris can pass through the pump basket, and clog the impeller. Nearly anything can clog a pump impeller, if it is the right size.
What is trapped in a pump basket?
Larger debris is trapped in the pump basket. Only debris of the right size – too small for the pump basket, but too big for the pump impeller, will clog your impeller, such as: Pine Needles. Flowering Tree Stamens. Small seeds.
How to tell if pool pump impeller is clogged?
How to tell if your pool pump impeller is clogged. 1. The pressure gauge on your pool filter has a normal, clean pressure. Your particular filter may have a clean pressure of anything from 5psi to 30psi. Most systems operate at a pressure close to 10 psi, but it will vary, depending on the resistance from your specific plumbing and equipment.
What to do if your impeller is clogged?
5. Reassemble in the same way, making sure any o-rings or gaskets are properly seated before you tight en up the impeller housing again. Refill the pump with water before starting.
Why does my pool pump swirl?
When your pool pump is operating at “Full Head”, the water that you can see through the pump lid will swirl at a particular rate, and may be air-free. When the impeller is clogged, this “swirl” changes; it’s slower and has more air mixed in with the water. This is because the pump is really working hard to pull water through restricted impeller ...
What does it sound like when your pump is clogged?
You may hear it straining, a bit louder than usual. It may sound like it’s growling or grumbling at you – time to do something!
How to open up a pump?
1. Shut off the pump at the breaker. 2. Remove the clamp band (or 6 nuts) to open up the pump volute, or impeller housing. After removing the clamp or nuts, you may need to use a large flat head screwdriver and some “wiggle” action to slide the motor and seal plate housing back and out of the “wet end” of the pump. 3.
What pressure should I use for a water filter?
Most systems operate at a pressure close to 10 psi, but it will vary, depending on the resistance from your specific plumbing and equipment. No matter what pressure you normally operate at – when the pressure gauge goes higher, the filter is getting dirtier, increasing resistance.
How to stop pool pump from getting stuck?
You can buy skimmer basket socks or use a pair of pantyhose to line the inside of your pool pump basket to prevent debris from getting stuck.
How to tell if pool impeller is stuck?
You can usually tell if your impeller is stuck if your pool’s water flow seems low or if the lid of the pump basket is not filling up with water the way it should. Your impeller is probably also clogged if the filter pressure reads lower than usual and the water in your pool pump is moving in a swirling motion or slowly.
Why do you need two gaskets on a pool pump?
Two gaskets make it easiest for you to remove stubborn pool pump impellers because they slide against each other and help the impeller break loose.
What happens if the impeller is not seated?
Make sure the impeller is fully seated before starting the pump up. If it is not, the impeller will slam against the shaft sleeve may damage it or the impeller .
Why does my pool pump get stuck?
Two of the most common other reasons are that you or someone else put anti-seize on the hub face or only use one or no gasket. Using anti-seize on the gaskets and faces of the shaft sleeve makes these parts more slippery and will cause them to overtighten on the shaft.
What is the basket in the pool pump?
The pool pump basket in front of the impeller is designed to keep debris from clogging it. However, sometimes debris is small enough that it gets through the basket anyways. Anything from grass clippings, pine needles, broken pieces of pool plaster, tiny pieces of dirt or rocks, or even plant stamens from trees can be responsible for a clogged impeller.
Why is my pool pump clogged?
Impellers commonly get clogged in the early spring, when your pool is still closed and the weather starts to change. The wind blows around leaves and twigs that get sucked into your pool pump, clogging the impeller and disrupting the water flow. It’s actually a fairly common pool pump problem. If that’s the case with your equipment, read my full ...
How to prevent impeller clogs in pool?
Cover your pool when you’re not using it. Use a skimmer to keep the pool surface clean, especially in early spring.
How to push a pump impeller?
You probably won’t be able to see the impeller at the bottom of the pump, so you’ll need a tool. Gently insert a long screwdriver or a wire coat hanger into the pump so you can use it to push the impeller clockwise and counterclockwise.
How to keep pool clean in spring?
Use a skimmer to keep the pool surface clean, especially in early spring. Line your pump basket with skimmer socks or nylons to catch small debris. Keep nearby trees and bushes trimmed, so the leaves don’t fall into the pool. Always make sure that there are no cracks in your skimmer baskets or pump baskets.
What is the importance of a pool pump?
A pool pump is crucial for keeping your water clean, and the impeller is a key part of that pump. Knowing how to clean the pool pump impeller will help keep your pool in great shape all season.
How to separate a pump from a stand motor?
Pull the motor straight back so you can separate the pump from the stand motor. If your pump has a diffuser piece or impeller shroud, remove it so you can see into the impeller. Now you’ll be able to use the screwdriver, coat hanger, or even needle nose pliers to remove the debris from the impeller.
Where is the impeller located on a motor?
The impeller is near the motor basket pump, which should keep debris from clogging the impeller, but it doesn’t always work that way. Small particles can slip through the motor basket pump and accumulate to clog the impeller over time.
Do pool pumps have cracks?
Always make sure that there are no cracks in your skimmer baskets or pump baskets. These pieces will get brittle over time due to the chemicals in your pool water, so routinely checking them can prevent serious damage. An efficient pool pump will also save energy and lower your utility bill.
