PUMP TROUBLESHOOTING/WARRANTY GUIDELINE

PUMP HUMS BUT WILL NOT PUSH WATER

Possible causes: 

1. Impeller may be seized by debris

Troubleshooting:


-Remove pump from skimmer and inspect the pump intake to ensure there is no debris restricting the impeller. Unplug the pump's power cord from power outlet.  Remove any debris, such as rocks that may become lodged around and above impeller.

-Remove pump from skimmer and inspect the pump intake to ensure there is no debris restricting the impeller. Unplug the pump's power cord from power outlet.  Remove any debris, such as rocks that may become lodged around and above impeller.

-If your pump has a foam pre-filter, make sure that it is not clogged.  If it is mis-shapened then it it is most likely clogged with small pond debris.  Turn the pump off and remove the foam pre-filter.  Flush the filter clean using a garden hose.  Careful not to cut any holes in foam pre-filter with too high water pressure.


-While the pump is out of the skimmer lay it on its side and plug in the pump's power cord. Inspect to see if impeller spins. If impeller does not spin use a screwdriver or similar tool to �kick start� the impeller.  This is common if your pump has been idle for a long period of time.

2. Pump may be air locked

Troubleshooting:

-Impeller chamber must be flooded with water. Tilt pump while in skimmer in order to allow air to be release from chamber or remove pump from skimmer and re-install ensuring impeller chamber is flooded.

 

PUMP IS PUSHING VERY LITTLE WATER

Possible causes:


1. Plumbing clogged with debris


Troubleshooting:

-Remove check valve connection from pipe. This will allow the BIOFALLS� and plumbing to drain. Clogged debris may back flush out of plumbing during this procedure. Inspect check valve to make sure no debris is lodged inside.
-Remove pump from skimmer and inspect the pump intake to ensure there is no debris restricting the impeller. Remove any debris, such as rocks that may become lodged around and above impeller. Once completed reinstall pump and plug pump back into the electrical.

 

PUMP WILL NOT OPERATE

Possible causes:


1. Poor electrical connection, tripped breaker, blown fuse, or other interruption in power supply.


Troubleshooting:

-Check to make sure all electrical connections are working. Make sure a qualified electrician installed and tested electrical. Note: Long extension cords may cause voltage drop at pump, causing the amps to rise above maximum level. This can cause the pump to heat up and burn the motor out. Pumps damaged due to improper electrical connection are not covered under warranty.

 

PUMP OPERATES INTERMITANTLY

Possible causes:


1. Not enough water in the pond


Troubleshooting:

Note-all of our pumps must be submersed in water to operate properly. Low water levels may cause pumps internal thermal shut-off to activate. Thermal shut-off will deactivate once pump is cooled down. Proper water level must be established in pond for pump to work properly.

2. Too small of a pond for upper stream(s)

Troubleshooting:


-The lowest pond must be designed large enough to supply enough water to start the circulation of the stream/waterfalls. Once the pump is started it may be necessary to add a few inches of water to the pond in order to account for the water used to feed the stream and waterfalls. Upper pools and �check� dams in the streams are also very effective at holding water upstream when the pump(s) are not operating. Ponds designed too small may not be able to supply enough water to start the streams/waterfalls. This will cause the water in the pond to drop below the opening of the skimmer upon initial start-up and starve the pump of water.


Common reasons for a GFCI to trip.

The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection of receptacles located outdoors and in bathrooms, garages, and spa areas. This GFCI circuit breaker provides protection against overloads, short circuits, and ground faults. It detects very low levels of electrical current leaks (ground faults), and acts
quickly to shut off power, preventing serious shock.

Most GFCI protectors have a spring-loaded breaker button. When the GFCI senses a problem, the breaker button is �tripped.� The breaker button needs to be manually reset in order for the power to be reestablished to the outlet. The breaker button will trip again if the electrical problem still persists.
Continuously tripping breakers indicate that there is an electrical problem. Call an electrician if the GFCI continues to indicate there is a problem.

1. There is an electrical malfunction in whatever is plugged into the outlet.
-Remove all electrical devices from the GFCI outlet. Reset the breaker button and, by process of elimination, plug in each electrical device until you are able to determine what is tripping the GFCI.
-To be more precise, an electrician is capable of using equipment to confirm if there is a ground fault (electrical malfunction) in the electrical device. There may be a malfunction within the electrical system itself.
-There quite possibly could be a problem such as a short in the wiring or a problem with the GFCI. This can be confirmed by plugging other electrical devices into the GFCI outlet to see if they trip the breaker. Call the electrician if the GFCI trips no matter what is plugged into it, since this indicates there is something wrong with the electrical supply.

2. The GFCI is not working properly and is falsely tripping.
-GFCI breakers are designed to cut the power in the blink of an eye if electrical fluctuations of as little as .005 amperes are detected. Because the GFCI is so sensitive, it is most effective when wired to protect a single location. The more outlets any one GFCI protects, the more susceptible it is to phantom tripping-shutting off power because of tiny, but normal fluctuations in current flow.

- GFCI breakers can also be tripped by occurrences such as electrical storms and by moisture from rainfall. It is important that the outlets for the GFCI be kept dry and protected from the elements. Most GFCI�s rated for outdoor use come with a protective cover.

3. Some GFCI�s are more sensitive than others.
- It may be that the GFCI is too sensitive. It is normal for continuous running motors, such as pumps, to sometimes have small electrical fluctuations. Sensitive GFCI�s may detect this and falsely trip. You may want to have the electrician try a new GFCI or a different brand of GFCI if this problem persists.

 

How To Return a Pump Under Warranty

If you have tried all the options listed above and your pump still does not work, then you might have a bad pump.  Check your paperwork to make sure that you are with in the listed time span covered under your warranty.  If there is still time remaining, then you are eligible for a free replacement pump.  If the pump was purchased from TJB-INC, we will honer all manufacturer's warrantees. 

Contact TJB-INC at 203-287-0636 or tjb@TJB-INC.com  to obtain an RA #.  Any returns with out an RA# will be refused and returned to the shipper (you).

It is the responsibility of the end user (you) to return the defective pump to TJB-INC at your cost and to include a check payment to cover the cost of the replacement pump's shipping.  (Shipping is not covered by the manufacturer, only the pump).  Include a copy of your initial sales receipt or packing slip that will document when the original pump was purchased.  (If you have lost this, then contact our office and we will print you a replacement copy).

Send the defective pump to:

TJB-INC Attention Returns

RA#

12 Crest Way

Hamden, CT.  06514-1141