Common Pump Failures & Repairs

Square One Electric Motors & Pumps provides full-service pump repair, rebuilds, pickup and delivery, VFD programming, and industrial troubleshooting for businesses across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. If your pump is underperforming, overheating, tripping overloads, or failing to generate pressure, our technicians can help you identify the cause and restore your equipment quickly.

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Why Pumps Fail

Most pump problems begin long before the pump stops working. This is a comprehensive guide to common pump failures, what to look for, and how each type of pump is serviced.

Understanding the warning signs can help you prevent a costly breakdown. Common causes include:

  • Worn bearings or seals

  • Clogged strainers or suction blockages

  • Motor overloads or electrical issues

  • Impeller wear or broken blades

  • Incorrect pump sizing

  • Cavitation due to low suction pressure

  • Vibration from misalignment or imbalance

  • Corrosion or chemical attack

  • Running the pump dry

Early detection can save thousands in repair or replacement costs—especially for commercial and industrial pumps that operate continuously.


Signs Your Pump Needs Expert Repair

Watch for these red flags:

  • Reduced pressure or flow

  • Leaks or seal failure

  • Grinding or rattling noises

  • Excessive vibration

  • Rising amp draw

  • Overheating motors

  • Tripped breakers or overloads

  • Visible corrosion

  • Water discoloration or debris

  • Short cycling or constant failures to start

If you notice any of the above, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection.

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Below is a breakdown of common problems and the repair solutions we provide for each major pump category.

Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps operate underwater, making them vulnerable to seal failure, moisture intrusion, and impeller damage.

Common Issues

  • Pump runs but no water is moving

  • Overheating or rapid thermal shutoffs

  • Tripped GFCI or electrical shorts

  • Sediment buildup damaging the impeller

  • Seal failure allowing water into the motor

What We Service

Square One Electric provides:

  • Seal and bearing replacement

  • Motor rewind or replacement

  • Impeller replacement or cleaning

  • Moisture testing and insulation checks

  • Cable and lead repair

  • Full rebuilds and performance testing

We service submersibles for sump systems, stormwater pits, lift stations, dewatering, and more.


Centrifugal & Booster Pump Systems

Centrifugal pumps are the backbone of water movement in facilities. Booster pumps elevate water pressure in large buildings, farms, and process systems.

Common Issues

  • Loss of prime

  • Air leaks on the suction side

  • Worn volutes, impellers, or bearings

  • Cavitation due to poor inlet conditions

  • Low or fluctuating pressure

What We Service

  • Full rebuilds: bearings, seals, couplings

  • Impeller trimming or replacement

  • Shaft repair and alignment

  • Pressure switch and control troubleshooting

  • VFD programming for constant-pressure systems

We also assist with pump sizing and upgrading for better performance and energy efficiency.


Pool Pumps & Spa Pumps

Commercial pool pumps are exposed to high chlorine levels, 24/7 operation, and heavy debris loads.

Common Issues

  • Burned windings

  • Worn mechanical seals

  • Impeller blockages

  • Motor humming but not spinning

  • Leaking housings or cracked volutes

What We Service

  • Motor replacement or rebuild

  • Seal kits, bearings, and capacitor replacements

  • Impeller and diffuser repair

  • Electrical troubleshooting

  • Pump replacements from major brands: Century, US Motors, Hayward, Pentair, A.O. Smith

We provide fast turnaround so commercial pools remain operational.


Wastewater & Chemical Feed Pumps

These units face harsh conditions, corrosive chemicals, and high-solids fluid.

Common Issues

  • Clogged diaphragms or valves

  • Chemical attack on seals

  • Corrosion of metal components

  • Loss of flow or inaccurate dosing

  • Motor overloads caused by sludge buildup

What We Service

  • Diaphragm, check valve, and seal replacement

  • Wetted-end rebuilds

  • Motor repair and rewinding

  • Prime loss and suction troubleshooting

  • Calibration and test operation

We repair brands such as LMI, Stenner, Neptune, Grundfos, and many more.


Hot Water Circulators

Circulating pumps keep hot water moving through boilers, hydronic systems, and process loops.

Common Issues

  • Air locks

  • Bearing noise

  • Motor overheating

  • Loss of flow from worn impellers

  • Seal failure or leaks

What We Service

  • Bearing and seal replacements

  • Motor rebuilds, rewinds, and replacements

  • Coupling and alignment repair

  • Impeller balancing

  • Troubleshooting boiler pump controls

We service Taco, Bell & Gossett, Armstrong, Grundfos, and all major circulator lines.


Vertical Turbine Pumps

These large, high-output units are used in agriculture, industrial plants, and municipal water systems.

Common Issues

  • Shaft wear

  • Bowl or impeller erosion

  • Excessive vibration caused by bearing failure

  • Poor discharge pressure

  • Sand or grit scoring internal components

What We Service

  • Complete turbine pump rebuilds

  • Line shaft bearing replacement

  • Bowl and impeller machining or replacement

  • Motor replacement, motor rewind, or alignment

  • Column pipe inspection and cleaning

We also help diagnose suction problems and performance loss.


Dewatering & Fire Pumps

These critical pumps require reliable start-up and consistent performance.

Common Issues

  • Priming failure

  • Clogged strainers

  • Cavitation

  • Failure to start during testing

  • Corrosion from long periods offline

What We Service

  • Repair of diesel- and electric-driven systems

  • Seal, bearing, and impeller replacement

  • Flow and pressure testing

  • Electrical troubleshooting

  • Motor rebuilds or replacements

  • Emergency response for system failures

Square One also supports NFPA testing requirements and maintenance schedules.


Why Choose Square One for Pump Repair?

Square One Electric Motors & Pumps provides more than “fixes”—we deliver dependable solutions that keep your operation running:

✔ On-site troubleshooting

We diagnose electrical, mechanical, and control issues at your facility.

✔ Full machine-shop repair capabilities

From impeller trim to shaft repair, we restore pumps to factory performance.

✔ Motor rewinds, replacements & VFD integration

Complete electrical and mechanical pump restoration, plus drive programming.

✔ Pickup & delivery available

Convenient service across DE, MD, PA, and NJ.

✔ Emergency service

Fast response when critical pumps fail.

✔ Cross-referencing for obsolete pumps

We help you find modern equivalents for discontinued or unmarked models.

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Get Your Pump Repaired Right—the First Time

Whether your system is moving wastewater, boiler water, chemicals, irrigation water, or industrial process fluid, Square One Electric Motors & Pumps has the expertise to restore performance and reliability.

💬 Need pump repair or troubleshooting? Contact Us Today

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