Getting ahead of pump fails

[generessler]

I wonder what's the best way to catch small problems that grow into big pump failures. Time and again I see threads where small leaks, usually at seals, cause big damage over time. So what's the best way to catch and fix the small stuff before it becomes big? What to look for?

Stuff I've read

1. Check weep holes for any signs of leaks.
2. Replace seals every 5 years regardless.

One question: is it worth removing the pump every few years for a close inspection? Disassembly? Due to landscaping, getting a close look at mine is difficult. I can see drips and check for moisture weeps by touch, but that's about it.

 

[Newdude]

I can see drips and check for moisture weeps by touc

That's as far as I go. The way I see it, any drips will let me know I caught the issue early.

 

[wireform]

If you keep the pad pristine it'll show a wet spot at it earliest moment and will be noticed. I always look for those wet spots just under the base.

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

We had a thread about pump preventive maintenance a while back.

Preventive maintenance for Intelliflo pump?

My Pentair Intelliflo VS pump will have its 10th birthday this December. This makes me a little nervous even though it is operating perfectly with no issues whatsoever. I see that Intelliflos are unavailable and backordered everywhere. So I wonder whether there's any preventive maintenance I...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[1poolman1]

I wonder what's the best way to catch small problems that grow into big pump failures. Time and again I see threads where small leaks, usually at seals, cause big damage over time. So what's the best way to catch and fix the small stuff before it becomes big? What to look for?

Stuff I've read

1. Check weep holes for any signs of leaks.
2. Replace seals every 5 years regardless.

One question: is it worth removing the pump every few years for a close inspection? Disassembly? Due to landscaping, getting a close look at mine is difficult. I can see drips and check for moisture weeps by touch, but that's about it.

You should never see water at the equipment pad unless you know where it is coming from, as you perhaps opened an air-relief, etc.
Any time you see water near the pump the safest is to first suspect the seal as it will cause the most expensive damage if not caught quickly enough.
All pool motors have a slot at the bottom of the front end bell to allow water to drip and give warning of a leaking seal, a relatively easy and quick repair. I used to do at least two a month in the field on the tailgate of my truck. Customers were always happy that the problem was caught early.
On older motors with vents in the frame you could feel the front vent as it was higher than the end bell in most cases. Water there and not visible at the top of the motor is always the seal leaking into the motor. New VS motors are sealed so it takes a little more effort to determine the source of water.
Motor manufacturers, at least Century/A.O. Smith used to recommend a seal replacement every five years as seals are a wear item. It was only seen in their ads to the trade, and in the small print, that I remember. Given the cost of replacement motors/pumps its wise preventative maintenance.

 

[Newdude]

Given the cost of replacement motors/pumps its wise preventative maintenance

What is a fair cost these days for those that aren't able to DIY ?

 

[JamesW]

What is a fair cost these days for those that aren't able to DIY ?

If you figure 1 hour to do the work plus 1 hour travel labor (30 minutes each way), that’s 2 hours.

If the rate is $150.00 per hour, then that is 300.00 for labor plus the parts at maybe $50.00.

So, total parts and labor = $350.00.

You also might have charges like:

Scheduling fee = $100.00

Destination fees to cover transportation/travel (Vehicle) costs = $150.00.

Documentation fees for handling and processing of paperwork = $350.00

Market Adjustment Fees = $125.00.

Advertising Fees = $195.00.

Registration fee = $175.00

You also get options like:

1) Extended Warranty = $150.00

2) Undercoating = $250.00.

3) Protective Polish for pump = $100.00.

4) Window tint for pump lid $200.00.

5) Replace faded decals = $200.00

6) Repaint pump = $300.00.

7) Tune-up = $150.00.

8) Replace Gear fluid = $190.00.

So, the total will be about $2,985.00, which isn't too bad, really, when you think about it.

 

[Newdude]

So, the total will be about $2,985.00, which isn't too bad, really, when you think about it.

Yeah but the guy is available and the new pump is on indefinite backorder, so.

 

[JamesW]

8) Replace Gear fluid = $190.00.

Note: The Gear Fluid is described in the IntelliFlo Installation Manual Manual PDF in the Hidden Menu.

Go to the Hidden Menu to see how to access and replace the gear fluid.