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