4 Factors That Affect the Service Life of Water Pumps

Many pump buyers are usually curious to know how long different pumps can last before they select one to buy. Such people may not know that users play a major role in the longevity of any pump that they have installed. This article discusses some of the user habits that can shorten pump life.

Frequent Starts

A water pump that runs continuously for the entire day may last much longer than a similar pump that is used intermittently throughout the day. This shortened lifespan may be due to the heavy strain that the pump has to bear as it pushes air out of the water pipes in order to channel water to a storage tank or sprinkler heads. It is therefore advisable to limit how often you start and turn off the pump in a day so that it can last longer.

Poor Suction Conditions

A pump whose suction side is flooded may last much longer than a pump that has to lift water on the suction side before it can be discharged to sprinklers or storage tanks. Lift conditions create opportunities for the pump to run dry in case the user forgets to prime the pump. Pumps that lift water on the suction side also have a higher chance to suck in air during the suction process in case there is a leak in the suction pipe. Such conditions increase the rate at which the pump wears out. Avoid this premature wear by putting the pump as close to the water source as possible so that the suction is flooded. 

High Pump Speed

Some water pumps have variable speed settings from which a user can select when he or she is going to start the pump. Pumps that are constantly used at a high-speed setting usually wear out much faster than pumps that operate at lower speed settings. The aging process quickens because the pump works harder to push more water through the system within a short time. Use the slowest speed setting on your pump so that you decrease the rate at which it wears out.

High Operating Temperatures

Pump life is also affected by the operating temperatures to which it is subjected. Pumps that are constantly exposed to high ambient temperatures during their operation will age faster than pumps that operate in cooler conditions. It is prudent to install your water pump in a location that is dry and cool so that its aging process is slowed down.

Ask a water pump expert to assess your needs so that he or she can help you to select the best pump for those conditions and needs. You should then follow the best maintenance and usage recommendations so that your pump reaches or exceeds its expected service life.