Fault Analysis And Troubleshooting Methods For Submersible Pumps

Aug 23, 2025

Due to environmental and time factors during the operation of submersible pumps, certain malfunctions are inevitable. To improve their efficiency, it is essential to promptly identify the causes and troubleshoot these issues.

 

1. Abnormal Vibration or Unstable Operation of the Submersible Pump

 

Main Causes and Troubleshooting Methods:

1. The anchor bolts of the pump base are not tightened or have loosened. (Evenly tighten all anchor bolts.)
2. The discharge pipeline lacks independent support, causing vibrations to affect the pump. (Provide independent and stable support for the discharge pipeline, ensuring the pump's discharge flange does not bear weight.)
3. The impeller is unbalanced, damaged, or loosely installed. (Repair or replace the impeller.)

4. The upper or lower bearings of the pump are damaged. (Replace the upper and lower bearings of the pump.)

 

2. No Water Output or Insufficient Flow from the Submersible Pump

 

Main Causes and Troubleshooting Methods During Operation:

1. The pump is installed too high, resulting in insufficient immersion depth of the impeller and reduced water output. (Control the allowable deviation of the pump's installation elevation and avoid arbitrary adjustments.)
2. The pump rotates in the wrong direction. (Before test operation, run the motor without load to verify the rotation direction matches the pump. If this issue occurs during use, check whether the power phase sequence has changed.)
3. The discharge valve cannot open. (Inspect the valve and perform regular maintenance.)
4. The discharge pipeline is blocked, or the impeller is clogged. (Clear blockages in the pipeline and impeller, and regularly remove debris from the reservoir.)
5. The lower wear ring of the pump is severely worn or clogged with debris. (Replace the lower wear ring and remove debris.)
6. The density or viscosity of the pumped liquid is too high. (Replace with a pump model suitable for the liquid.)
7. The impeller is detached or damaged. (Reinstall or replace the impeller.)

8. When multiple pumps share a discharge pipeline, a check valve is missing or its seal is ineffective. (Install a check valve or replace its seal.)

 

3. Submersible Pump Fails to Start

 

Main Causes and Troubleshooting Methods:

1. Poor contact in the power switch or plug. (Repair or replace.)
2. The control circuit fuse is blown. (Replace the fuse.)
3. The main circuit fuse is blown. (Replace the fuse.)

4. The capacitor of a single-phase submersible pump is burnt out. (Replace the capacitor.)
5. A three-phase submersible pump lacks one phase. (Restore the missing phase circuit.)