Water Pump Humming but not Pumping: Best Tips

The pump is the most important component of your pool. This essential component generates the pressure that drives the flow of water through your pool’s circulation system. The system consists of filters, chlorinators, and everything else. In the same way, you will see that the water pump is humming, but it is not pumping.

This is what today’s topic of discussion is about to let you know how to resolve this issue.

Unfortunately, it could have been brought on by various factors.

• The issue may be a faulty capacitor.
• There is a problem with the pool pump in which something is getting in the way of the impeller.
• It’s possible that the motor shaft isn’t turning properly.

What exactly does each of these difficulties signify? The pump for your pool isn’t turning on; it’s as simple as that. This post will discuss the possible reasons why your pool pump is not functioning and the immediate steps to repair it.

What to do if Swimming Pool’s Pump Won’t Turn ON?

Before you start fixing, you should have a fundamental understanding of electricity to complete the task safely and effectively.

If you don’t already have one, you owe it to yourself to find out what’s wrong and get it fixed by an expert as soon as possible.

Understanding how to clean pool cartridge filters is easier. It hence takes less pool expertise than knowing how to deal with a damaged pump. But this is riskier and requires more pool knowledge.

What are the bad pump capacitors?

Capacitors can be available in your pump by their appearance as small, dark tubes that resemble batteries. The majority of run capacitors are fastened up to the top of the motor. But most start capacitors are fastened up to the back of the motor.

The capacitor in the circuits of a pool pump is responsible for storing an electric charge and getting the motor start off. Electric charges are available in the start and run capacitors, which are then utilized to start the motor and keep it going.

It is typical for these parts to gradually lose their capacity to carry a charge as they get older. Additionally, power surges and temperatures that are too high might cause a capacitor to fail.

A faulty start capacitor will prevent the motor from starting, and a faulty run capacitor will prevent the motor from continuing to run.

What are the major signs of a bad capacitor?

How can you determine if your current capacitor isn’t functioning properly? You may experience weird noises coming from the vehicle. Thus, you will notice the sensation that it is overheating and problems with how it runs.

Humming

A failing capacitor can be visible because a motor will hum but will not start. Does something like this ring a bell?

A capacitor supplies the pump motor with the necessary torque to get it going. If you can simply get the motor to spin by pressing on the fan’s blades, the problem is probably happening by a faulty capacitor.

Overheating

The motor may consume more current than it should if the faulty capacitor. When the amps are increased, the wattage also increases.

When the pump wattage is increased, the internal temperature rises. Because of this, pool motors that have faulty capacitors frequently become overheated. On the other hand, if an engine becomes too hot, the vast majority of them will turn off by themselves.

It is essential to remember that overheating can also be brought on by a surge in voltage. Thus, it can happen due to faulty windings or an inappropriately large impeller.

How should you be testing the pump capacitor?

It is yet strongly suggested that you seek the assistance of a qualified technician to have your pump capacitor inspected and replaced.

In case you make a mistake while carrying out this procedure, you run the risk of causing damage not only to the pump but also to yourself.

What happens during a blocked pump impeller?

It is also possible for a pool pump to fail to switch on if the impeller is obstructed in some way. This may occur if debris from the pool, such as leaves and bugs, clogs up the pump and prevents it from functioning properly.

To assess the condition of the impeller, you should:

• Put an end to the circulation of electricity to the pool pump.
• In the centre of the pump body is a screw that needs to be unscrewed to remove the motor assembly.
• To separate the gasket from the impeller, which has the shape of a disc, pull the gasket away from the impeller.
• If you discover any rubbish, remove it and clean the impeller so it can rotate without restriction.

Few problems with the motor shaft

Do you only hear a little hum when you switch on your pump and does it immediately stop?

If this is the case, the issue is likely with the motor’s shaft. When trying to open the pool for the first time in the new season, people frequently find that they run into this dilemma.

This is because the motor shaft frequently becomes frozen and rusty during the off-season.

How can you tell whether the motor shaft is broken or not working properly? Please turn off the power supply to the pump, locate the motor shaft, and turn it manually to break away anything that might be securing it.

What to do if the motor of the pool pump is not working?

If your pool pump comes on but then switches off by itself a few seconds later, the problem is most likely caused by the fact that it is too hot.

One solution? Investigate the possibility that anything, such as leaves or mulch, obstructs the bottom vents and prevents the fan from functioning properly.

Alternately, you could run the pump during the night, when temperatures are lower; alternatively, if you wish to run the pump during the day, you may provide extra shade.

Lastly, the pump may turn off itself if it does not receive an adequate supply of electricity. If some of its cables are in damaging state, or if some of its other components are defective.

A pool pump that turns off itself is not a good sign in the grand scheme. If you cannot resolve the issue independently, you should make an appointment with a qualified pool pump technician as soon as possible.

How to prim a pool pump? Helpful tips to follow

It is possible that the pump has to be primed if it is turning on but not moving any water. There are only a few simple stages involved in priming a pool pump, and they are as follows:

• Put an end to the pump’s power supply.
• To stop water flow from the main drain, turn the diverter valve.
• Turn the air relief valve on the pool filter counterclockwise (the pressure reading on the pool filter gauge should be zero).
• Remove the cover from the pump.
• Remove any rubbish you discover from the pump basket and clean it out.
• Utilizing the water from the garden hose, prime the pump.
• Swap out the cap of the pump.
• Simply turning the diverter valve will allow you to open the main drain.
• Verify that the strainer box at the top of the pump is again receiving water.

If you attempt to start the pump more than once, but it still does not function, there may be an air leak in the suction. Possibly there is inadequate water in the pool or an obstruction in the water circulation line.

It is not advisable that you attempt to resolve these issues on your own. This is because they are typically intricate issues requiring the expertise of a trained professional specializing in pool repair.

Related questions: FAQs

Here I have answered a few questions in advance that may appear in your mind after reading this blog(Water Pump Humming but not Pumping).

Why does my water pump run but not pump water?

If your pump is running, but no water is coming out, it could be because the sediment filter is in clog state or the filtration system isn’t working. If water isn’t coming out of your faucets, try turning off your water filtration system and seeing if that fixes the problem.

Why does my water pump only make a low hum?

There’s no need to worry if your water pump has stopped putting out water and is making this buzzing sound. The humming sound means the pump is working, but there is no water to move, so your pump is running dry. The water loss is why your pump has lost its prime or is running dry.

How does a broken water pump sound?

The water pump works with the help of a pulley or belt. If the pulley is too loose, it will make a sound that some call “harmonic buzzing.” The worn bearings in the water pump motor also cause this noise.

Related: Why Water Pump Suddenly Stopped Working?Best Solutions

What are some signs that a water pump won’t work?

A coolant leak just toward the front of the car is a clear sign that the water pump is about to break. If you park your car overnight and see an orange or green puddle on the ground (depending on the colour of the coolant you use), you might have a problem with the pump.