Randall is correct, a blocked pipe would cause a centrifugal pump to dead
head, pumps no water, but does not damage the pump as it's a no load. A
blockage in an impeller would cause high amp draws and subsequent tripping,
but it's unlikely both pumps would suffer the same malady. It's possible
there are two different reasons. YOu mentioned one was from a 15amp
breaker. It's possible that breaker is too small.
More likely the motors are old and getting tired. Could be pitting of the
motor starter contacts too. YOu can take apart the starters and file the
contacts. If these are 115V pumps and have a level control (float) with a
piggyback plug, it's possible the float is bad and that could trip the
breaker. That wouldn't be possible with a control panel and separate
control circuitry, but I doubt you have that.
Flushing baby/kitchen/anything type of wipes can clog a pump as can a myraid
of other things that shouldn't be flushed.
Oh, I'm operations mgr for a pump company, we work on large municipal pump
stations, so I know a little of what I speak.
Good luck.
Gordie
-----Original Message-----
From: shop-talk-bounces@autox.team.net
[mailto:shop-talk-bounces@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of Randall
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2007 1:03 PM
To: shop-talk@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Shop-talk] Ejection pump system problem
> The 20a circuit was tripped this morning but the 15a (backup
> pump??) was ok. However, no one except the cat was there
> between last night and this morning so it's odd that the
> pump(s) would have turned on. It's too dry for AC condensate
> to have any impact, a leaky toilet wouldn't put out more than
> a few gallons overnight, so maybe my constricted pipe theory
> isn't the issue and they need an electrician.
Or maybe the same crud is also blocking the check valve open slightly, and
allowing backflow into the tank ?
I don't know much about these systems; but I'm guessing the pump is
centrifugal rather than positive-displacement; which I think means it should
draw less power if it's blocked rather than more. My guess would be
something caught in the impellors; perhaps something that was flushed and
shouldn't have been.
Randall
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