Cleaning a Pond Pump

Cleaning your submersible pond pump is the best way to extend it’s life. The old saying, “what you don’t know can’t hurt you” certainly does not apply. While submerged, pumps are susceptible to algae and white scale. Also, the conditions within many submersed environments have a great deal of sediments or silt. These factors can constrict the pipes, increase the stress on the motor and cause greater wear on the mechanics of the pump.

Cleaning the pump is not terribly difficult, but does take time. Be patient and don’t rush the job.

Safety First

Be sure all electrical connections are off and unplugged. Obvious, the pond pump is submerged in water. Water and careless use of electricity can be deadly. Do not start to work on the pump until you are sure all electricity is disconnected/unplugged.

Removing the water pump

Your submerged water pump should have a handle by which you can lift it. As the pumps are under water and visibility can be limited, you need to be careful. There are cables and wires into the housing which can not support the weight of the pump and will break if you attempt to lift the pump improperly.

Disassemble the water pump

Layout a tarp or sheet on which you can place the parts. As you disassemble the pump, place the pumps in order of their removal or roughly in their relative position. It is also very helpful to take photos along the way. This will help you reassemble the pump when the parts are cleaned.

While you want to get to as much of the pump’s parts as possible, do not remove anti-tamper screws. These are screws that are not made for a flathead or a phillips head screwdrivers. Removing these screws and connected part will likely lead to permanent damage.

Cleaning the pump parts

During the cleaning process, avoid the use of detergents. Residue from detergents can harm the aquatic life if not properly removed. It is best to avoid their use altogether.

In addition to the pump parts, check all hoses and filters for deposits or blockages. Use a non-abrasive sponge and clear, warm water to remove deposits of scale, silt or algae.

At this time, check for excessive wear on the parts. In particular, the impeller, but other parts as well. If you need to replace parts, get the information from the manufacturer plate (pump info) and contact the supplier for receive the correct replacement part.

Reassembling the water pump

Put your water pump back together following the reverse order from when to disassembled it. If you followed the disassembling instruction, the parts should be in the proper order for reassembly. This will be easier if you have the original owners manual as well.

The assembling process is a good time to double check all of the wiring. Be sure the casings are not worn, the connections are solid the not frayed

By cleaning the pump regularly you can extend the life of the pump. It will also enhance the performance of the pump, which can help lower the overall maintenance of the pond in which it operates. A clean pump has multiple benefits for pond owners, so don’t put of pump cleaning.