1. Use the handle on the pump to lift, move, or position it. Do not use the attached hose or the electrical power cord to do these tasks. Doing so may damage the electrical cord connection or the hose adaptor.
2. Do not allow your pump to "run dry" (that is, be sure and disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet when the pump is no longer pumping water). Allowing a pump to "run dry" can cause damage. The reason is that most utility pumps depend on the water that is being pumped through them to help cool their motor. Some pump owners use automatic timers to remind them to check on the standing water level to make sure the pump is not running dry.
3. If your pump has a removable intake screen (almost always located on the bottom of the pump and usually held on by several screws), periodically check the screen to see if bits of leaves, roots, etc have become lodged in the screen. (NOTE: Be sure and unplug the electrical cord from the wall outlet before performing any maintenance.) If the intake screen needs to be cleaned, remove the screws, clean the screen, and reinstall it on the pump.
4. Use a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) when you use your utility pump (or for that matter any other type of appliance). A GFCI is an inexpensive device that can help prevent severe electrical shocks. Ground faults occur when electrical current is leaking to the ground. When a GFCI device senses that electrical current is flowing to the ground, the GFCI automatically switches off the power. There are several different types of GFCI devices. Probably using a portable GFCI is the easiest way to go. One type of portable GFCI device plugs into the wall outlet and then the pump's electrical cord plugs into the GFCI device. The other type of portable GFCI is a short electrical cord with a built-in GFCI. Either type should work well for you.
5. Always unplug your electrical cord when lifting, moving, or positioning your pump to prevent possible electrical shorting.
6. Do not use your pump to move sewage, flammable liquids, or chemicals. These substances will cause damage. Similarly, do not use your pump to move hot liquids which can also damage your pump.
7. If you need to use an extension cord to connect your pump to an electrical wall outlet, use a heavy duty grounded waterproof type of extension cord.
8. Almost all utility pumps require a certain level of standing water (e.g., 1") to begin pumping and will only remove the standing water down to a certain level (e.g., 1/8"). If your pump is not starting, this may be the problem. Other reasons may be an unplugged electrical cord or a tripped circuit breaker.
9. Be sure that your pump is powerful enough to provide enough "lift" (that is, raise the water high enough) to move the water where you want it to go. (For example: If you are removing standing water in a basement you will need a pump strong enough to raise the water up 10-15 feet.)
Submersible utility pumps are really simple and very handy devices to use. Hopefully, these tips will make using a pump even easier and safer for you!
2. Do not allow your pump to "run dry" (that is, be sure and disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet when the pump is no longer pumping water). Allowing a pump to "run dry" can cause damage. The reason is that most utility pumps depend on the water that is being pumped through them to help cool their motor. Some pump owners use automatic timers to remind them to check on the standing water level to make sure the pump is not running dry.
3. If your pump has a removable intake screen (almost always located on the bottom of the pump and usually held on by several screws), periodically check the screen to see if bits of leaves, roots, etc have become lodged in the screen. (NOTE: Be sure and unplug the electrical cord from the wall outlet before performing any maintenance.) If the intake screen needs to be cleaned, remove the screws, clean the screen, and reinstall it on the pump.
4. Use a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) when you use your utility pump (or for that matter any other type of appliance). A GFCI is an inexpensive device that can help prevent severe electrical shocks. Ground faults occur when electrical current is leaking to the ground. When a GFCI device senses that electrical current is flowing to the ground, the GFCI automatically switches off the power. There are several different types of GFCI devices. Probably using a portable GFCI is the easiest way to go. One type of portable GFCI device plugs into the wall outlet and then the pump's electrical cord plugs into the GFCI device. The other type of portable GFCI is a short electrical cord with a built-in GFCI. Either type should work well for you.
5. Always unplug your electrical cord when lifting, moving, or positioning your pump to prevent possible electrical shorting.
6. Do not use your pump to move sewage, flammable liquids, or chemicals. These substances will cause damage. Similarly, do not use your pump to move hot liquids which can also damage your pump.
7. If you need to use an extension cord to connect your pump to an electrical wall outlet, use a heavy duty grounded waterproof type of extension cord.
8. Almost all utility pumps require a certain level of standing water (e.g., 1") to begin pumping and will only remove the standing water down to a certain level (e.g., 1/8"). If your pump is not starting, this may be the problem. Other reasons may be an unplugged electrical cord or a tripped circuit breaker.
9. Be sure that your pump is powerful enough to provide enough "lift" (that is, raise the water high enough) to move the water where you want it to go. (For example: If you are removing standing water in a basement you will need a pump strong enough to raise the water up 10-15 feet.)
Submersible utility pumps are really simple and very handy devices to use. Hopefully, these tips will make using a pump even easier and safer for you!
For more information on utility pumps, you will want to check out this article on the submersible pump.
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