Rule Pumps Troubleshooting Guide

This “TROUBLESHOOTING” information is intended to guide in the general determination of pump problems and their solutions. Each manufacturer normally provides a description of warranty conditions. Some pump warranties are immediately voided if the unit is disassembled. Be sure to thoroughly read the owner's manual and warranty.

BILGE PUMP DOES NOT RUN.
  • Wire connections:
    • Check wire connection integrity
    • Check that connections are not corroded.
    • A slight pull on each wire will indicate if wires are still connected.
    • Check to sure no wire joints are hanging down into the water
  • Blown fuse:
    • Verify correct fuse size, (it is printed on the side of the bilge pump.
    • If fuse size is correct, check impeller through the inlet opening to be sure it is not jammed or stuck with debris.


PUMP (115 VOLTS) DOES NOT RUN.
  • Electrical connection:
    • Check electric receptacle for power.
    • Check fuse and or circuit breaker.
    • Is the receptacle a three prong grounded outlet in good condition?
    • Is the plug making good contact in the receptacle?


PUMP ONLY RUNS FOR A FEW SECONDS:
  • Insufficient water:
    • The automatic system tests for water approximately every few minutes.
    • If the water level detected is only about 3/4", the pump will shut off after a few seconds.
    • Every few minutes thereafter, it will automatically check the water level and will only continue pumping if sufficient water is present.
  • Clogged strainer or jammed impeller.
    • Disconnect pump from the power source and remove strainer
    • Remove debris from the strainer and surrounding area.
    • Remove any debris from the impeller.
  • Blocked discharge line:
    • Disconnect pump from the power source and remove blockage from pipes/hoses and discharge port.


REPEATED BLOWN FUSE.
  • Fuse rating or clogged impeller:
    • Re-check fuse to verify compliance to pump specifications.
    • Also examine impeller area & clean any obstructions.


PUMP RUNS BUT DOES NOT PUMP WATER.
  • Airlocking / cavitating:
    • Inspect & reposition hose for short vertical discharge.
    • Install pump below water line to insure sufficient water flow.
    • Do not install a check valve on the pump discharge line.
  • Pump strainer & impeller area clogged with debris:
    • Disconnect pump & clean outside of strainer
    • Clean debris around impeller, & reattach & re-hook wiring
  • Wrong Polarity (DC Pumps Only):
    • Switch wiring for correct polarity


PUMP SHAFT CORRODED.
  • Electrolysis, cracked housing:
    • Inspect pump housing for cracks which can cause leakage into motor cavity causing corrosion.
    • Possible errant current running through wiring causing corrosion.


PUMP STAYS ON AFTER WATER IS PUMPED OUT.
  • Wire connections may be incorrect
  • Automatic pumps may have faulty circuit
  • Possible electrical short


NOZZLE BREAKAGE.
  • Hose clamp fastened too tightly.
    • Suggest using plastic style hose clamp
    • Do not use pvc hose


PUMP IMPELLER SPINS BACKWARDS.
    Check wiring
    • Switch wiring for correct polarity (dc pumps only)


WIRES OVERHEATED AND MELTED INSULATION.
  • Incorrect fuse size
    • Check to make certain correct fuse rating is installed.
  • Possible jammed impeller
    • Inspect & clean impeller area of any debris
    • Make sure that impeller is free to rotate
  • REPLACE ALL DAMAGED WIRING

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