Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Sir Squeaky on November 15, 2016, 05:31:37 pm

Title: Pump issues
Post by: Sir Squeaky on November 15, 2016, 05:31:37 pm
Got a problem with poor flow.
Pump is running fast for a few seconds then slowing down almost to a stop,  and flow is next to useless.

If I unplug it from the hosereel there's a lot of air pressure, then the pump runs fine.
As soon as I plug it back in you can hear it slow down and stop again.
If I turn the varistream up it runs 100mph then cuts out.

If the hose is full of air how come it won't clear?
Or is it a worn out pump?
Ideas...?
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Sir Squeaky on November 15, 2016, 05:33:15 pm
Edit: I've tried running the water unplugged from the hose until any air clears.
But hosereel still seems full of pressure...
It's almost new by the way
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: martin hulstone on November 15, 2016, 05:34:55 pm
Do you have a flow controller? that happened to me and i discovered my varistream flow controller was faulty.
Try bypassing the controller and connecting straight to the pump, if it works then that is the problem.
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Sir Squeaky on November 15, 2016, 06:47:16 pm
Yes but that's pretty new too.
It controls it fine until it's plugged into the hosereel.
It's like there's a blockage, but I can't see how there can be.
If it's any help, it does this to an extent every winter, but it's almost unworkable this time.
Is the pump not up to it any more maybe?
It is ten years old
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: SeanK on November 15, 2016, 07:15:27 pm
You need to calibrate your pump controller or if digital set it to auto.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kKoskb7l7c
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: SeanK on November 15, 2016, 07:16:21 pm
For analogue controller.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_6dPgfBjSI
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Dave Willis on November 15, 2016, 07:46:07 pm
Ten years old  ;D

Could be getting tired. Check for air getting into your system first, flat tanks are prone to it during braking or simply leaking connectors. I take it the strainer is clean?
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Frankybadboy on November 15, 2016, 07:57:17 pm
you havent fitted any auto shut off hozlock fitting on to the hose reel ?
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Frankybadboy on November 15, 2016, 07:58:15 pm
10 year old pump i say buy a new one you tight git ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: dave f on November 15, 2016, 07:59:33 pm
check battrey
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: duncan h on November 15, 2016, 09:29:18 pm
10 YEARS OLD !!!!!
Why are you even asking the question lmao
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Sir Squeaky on November 15, 2016, 10:17:11 pm
You need to calibrate your pump controller or if digital set it to auto.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kKoskb7l7c
Looked into that already.
All that does it adjust the pressure that it shuts off.
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Sir Squeaky on November 15, 2016, 10:18:51 pm
Ten years old  ;D

Could be getting tired. Check for air getting into your system first, flat tanks are prone to it during braking or simply leaking connectors. I take it the strainer is clean?
There is a small split in the tank elbow, but hasn't been an issue before.
Only happens in winter and as I said, disconnect the hose and it's fine.
Does it from the word go, before any air has had chance to get in the hose
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Sir Squeaky on November 15, 2016, 10:20:58 pm
check battrey
Someone else told me it could confuse the varistream if battery is dodgy.
But doesn't do it when it's disconnected from the hosereel, so makes no sense
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Sir Squeaky on November 15, 2016, 10:22:11 pm
10 YEARS OLD !!!!!
Why are you even asking the question lmao
Because there's nothing to say it is the pump.
It pumps fine. Hosereel is where the issue is
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Dave Willis on November 16, 2016, 07:40:53 am
Spool all the hose off and check it's not kinked where it joins the reel inside. Also the pole hose where it enters the handle.
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Soupy on November 16, 2016, 07:49:36 am
If there is air in the system it has to be getting in before the pump.

Before pump = air in system
After pump = leak
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Spruce on November 16, 2016, 11:28:32 am
A pump which isn't under load draws much less current than one that is.

Soupy's right

If there is air in the system it has to be getting in before the pump.

Before pump = air in system
After pump = leak
Title: Re: Pump issues
Post by: Sir Squeaky on November 22, 2016, 03:33:45 pm
So you reckon more like air getting in than a battery or pump issue?
Towards the end of the day it often starts working pretty well, I don't understand it.

Surely if air was getting in at that tank elbow water would be coming out though?