Pump is screaming loud

[steelman93]

I have a Pentair whisperflow pump, not sure how old. I have had this house for 5 years, it was here when we got here. FWIW the Polaris booster pump for the cleaner gave up the ghost last year. I am guessing at least 10 years, maybe 15.

I noticed the other day that it was making an extremely loud noise. My filter pressure was also up to about 32 psi, which is pretty high, I normally clean the filter at 30. Not sure if that is relevant or not, but thought I would mention it.

Anyway, I changed the filter and the pump is still making a ton of noise. I am assuming a bearing but not entirely sure…could be impeller noise.

Looking for suggestions. Do I rebuild the pump now, wait until after the season or just replace it? All the fittings are glued PVC so I don’t want to mess with it now unless I have to, I would rather wait until after the year.

TIA

 

[jblizzle]

Sounds like the bearings are going. I would suggest considering a new 2speed motor, no plumbing involved. Save money on electricity by running on low most of the time.

 

[steelman93]

thanks. Do you have a suggestion on which motor to buy? I have a 1 horse now. Does it pretty much bolt on and off?

 

[jblizzle]

Look for a 1 HP 2speed. A few bolts, and spin off the impellor. You will need a new shaft seal, or the whole go-kit. And will need to add a switch to select the speed.

 

[steelman93]

got it done, but i had to put on a single speed....no two speed pumps available. I did replace the seals and no leaks.

thanks for the help

 

[jblizzle]

Good deal, although you probably had plenty of time to order a 2 speed, likely for the same price you paid locally for the 1 speed.

 

[steelman93]

You are definitely right about ordering online, but I couldn't wait. My next door neighbor actually called me about the noise and in the interest of neighborhood harmony I wanted to get it done yesterday. I am out of town next week, so if I didn't get it done yesterday I was most likely not going to get it done for almost two weeks. I live in a neighborhood where the houses are quite close together which is why they had called.

I cut the spade connector off the extra hot wire, put a cap on it and left it there....next time I upgrade I'll go two speed. The last motor I had actually had the switch on the motor itself.

Shocked at how quiet the new one is. I found paperwork on the old one, it had been installed 5 years ago, right before I moved into the house and was never that quiet. Is 5 years about the expected lifespan of a motor?

Also, I put new seals in, but not an impeller. What is the life of an impeller?

 

[Bama Rambler]

Motor longevity all depends on service and location. If it's directly in the elements they don't tend to make it much longer than 5 to 7 years. If they're somewhat protected, they last longer as a rule.

Unless you're pumping sand, the impeller will last a very long time. You should check it once a year or so to see if there's anything clogging some of the vanes.