How to Develop A Pump Maintenance Checklist
Chances are that your facility has several pumps performing various tasks. Pumps are necessary for the smooth operation of your building whether they are used for HVAC, domestic water, or process. To keep pumps running properly, it’s prudent to keep a regular maintenance schedule using a pump maintenance checklist. Here’s how:
The first thing you need to do is determine a maintenance frequency. It is always a good idea to consult manufacturer’s guidelines, but remember it isn’t in their best interest to keep your equipment running efficiently forever. They want it to eventually wear out so you will have to replace it. The other thing to consider is when it makes the most sense to do it. Are you going to shut down a tower pump or a boiler feed water pump when the system is on-line? Not unless you have to. The time to do it is when you are cleaning the towers or punching the boiler tubes and the system is already down. Use common sense and institution knowledge in making the final decisions as to time and frequency.
Review the following maintenance points, and tailor your checklist to meet the needs of your facility
Take a look at the pump while it is still running. Is it leaking? Listen for unusual sounds or vibrations. Note any strange odors.
Next, perform lockout/tagout. Remember proper isolation is not just the electrical, but hydraulic energy (valves) as well.
Mechanical Inspection:
- Check that mounting points are secure
- Inspect the mechanical seal and packing
- Inspect the pump flanges for leaks
- Inspect coupling
Lubrication:
- Lubricate the motor and pump bearing per manufacturer’s guidelines. Do not over lubricate! More bearing damage occurs as a result of over greasing than under greasing. If the bearing has a vent cap, remove the cap and run pump for 30 minutes before reinstalling cap. This allows excess grease to work its way out of the bearing.
Electrical/motor:
- Check that all terminations are tight
- Inspect motor vents and windings for dust/dirt build-up. Clean as necessary
- Inspect starter/contractor for arcing, overheating, etc.
- Put a megohmmeter on the windings to check for insulation failure
Following the outline above will ensure that your pump lives a long and productive life - hopefully without incident!
What’s next?
- Check out our learning center on how best to maintain all your facility’s existing equipment.
- Subscribe to our blog to get the latest HVAC maintenance news and insight.
- Stay up to date on facility maintenance tools such as chiller tube cleaners, boiler tube cleaners, hose/pipe cleaners, descaler systems, test instruments, industrial vacuums, commercial pressure washers, and drain cleaners.
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