Submersible Pond Pump Troubleshooting

A problem with your pond’s pump doesn't always mean the pump is ready to be replaced. Familiarizing yourself with a few simple details could help you fix the problem yourself and your pump could be running normally in no time at all.

My pump hums or vibrates, but does not work

Check water flow to your pump. In most cases, we find that the pond’s water level is too low. Your pump can’t push water if it doesn’t have access to it.

​Check for any debris that could be keeping water from getting to the pump, be it a large rock, leaves, a clogged skimmer basket or opening, a jammed skimmer flap, or just a skimmer pad that has gone too long between cleanings.

Pump may be air-locked. Tilt the pump back and forth while it’s in the pond to allow air to escape from the chamber.

Impeller may be seized by debris. Unplug and remove the pump from the pond and inspect the pump intake to ensure there is no debris restricting the impeller. Remove any debris, like rocks or sticks, which may have become lodged around and above impeller. While the pump is still out of the pond, lay it on its side and plug in the pump BRIEFLY to see if the impeller spins. If the impeller does not spin, use a screwdriver or similar tool to kick start the impeller. *A pump should not run dry, but if done so briefly, this should not be a problem.

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Pump is most likely clogged. Unplug the pump and pull it out to check the intake for any debris that has lodged in it. Clean out the intake to make sure that it’s clear.

Plumbing could be clogged with debris. Unplug the pump and disconnect it from the pipe. Clogged debris may back-flush out of the plumbing and into the pond. If you inspect the plumbing and still find debris lodged inside, try spraying water into the plumbing from where the pump was or try from the other direction.

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Make sure it is plugged in and check the power source by plugging in a small appliance, like a hair dryer, and see if it comes on.

If the outlet has no power, make sure your pump is unplugged and press the reset button on the GFI to reset the breaker. If there is no power from the outlet, call your electrician for repair.

If you successfully reset the breaker or GFI but it keeps tripping, try another outlet. If the pump trips the other power source as well, it is most likely that your pump is bad and needs to be replaced.

The pump could have shut off due to thermal overload. Most modern submersible pond pumps are fitted with a thermal protection device, which turns the pump off if it overheats. This happens if the pump is run dry or is not completely submerged. Unplug the pump and allow it to cool down. Fill the pond to the appropriate level and then plug it back in. This should reset the thermal protection switch and allow the pump to resume normal operation.

My pump is running slow, waterfall is a trickle

My pump is OFF or not running