How Can You Keep Dewatering Pumps in the Best Condition?
When you're involved in a major construction project that involves digging of any kind, you need to protect the site from water and ensure that it is always safe and productive. This means that you will need an effective dewatering system and be ready to address any issues as and when they arise. So, what are some of the biggest threats to this type of equipment, and how can you help avoid any unwanted downtime?
Watch Out For Clogging
Whenever a dewatering pump is submerged, there is a risk that it can become clogged with suspended solids and other gritty materials. After all, the water in question will often be contaminated as work goes on nearby, resulting in a very slimy texture that can easily clog the pump. Clearly, the pump manufacturers should have anticipated some of these challenges but ensure that your pump is designed so that most of those solids can be isolated before they reach the internal mechanism.
Pay Close Attention To Maintenance
Always keep up with pump maintenance and, if necessary, go beyond what the manufacturer may initially recommend. After all, this machine could not operate in a more harsh environment, where water may be laden with a variety of different minerals that could easily lead to excessive corrosion.
Certainly, stainless steel pumps are best in such applications, but nothing can stand up to this level of assault without issue. Most pumps will have a sacrificial anode to offer general protection but monitor the system as often as possible.
Keep Temperatures In Check
While contaminated water can always present an operational challenge, too little of it could also be an issue. So, if the water level within the sump is too low for a prolonged period of time, this can cause overheating. The pump will run dry and could quickly fail. However, if there are too many suspended solids within the machine, this could also cause overheating.
Avoid Foreign Objects
Although it is much easier said than done, try to protect the inlet valve from troublesome foreign objects. Certainly, grit and other natural substances can be problematic, but watch out for discarded wires or other fibres that could easily wrap around the impeller and shut it down.
Getting Additional Support
If you need further advice about pump maintenance or have an issue you cannot deal with, get in touch with the dewatering pump manufacturers or suppliers.