Have you ever thought about storing your water pump during the cold winter months? Water pump storage in winter is not something many people think about; however, it can be very important. If a water pump is not correctly stored, the pump’s internal components can sustain serious damage.
Whether it is the casing or mechanical seals that incur damage due to cold weather or the pump seal due to improper storage, it is vital to store your water pump safely and adequately. The methods to prevent damage are very simple, inexpensive, and are not time-consuming. However, before we dive into the preventative methods, let’s first address the parts of a water pump that can become damaged by improper storage.
Vulnerable Water Pump Components
The first component is the pump’s casing. The casing is the part of a pump that stores the water. It is also known as the volute.
The second component that can become damaged is the pump shaft. The pump shaft is what the impeller sits on, and it allows the impeller to rotate.
Finally, the last component that may sustain damage from incorrect storage is the pump or mechanical seal. The mechanical seal sits on the end of the pump shaft where the impeller is mounted and keeps water sealed inside the pump. It also allows the pump shaft to rotate and prevent any debris or foreign matter from entering the water pump.
The Pump Casing
Before you store your water pump for the cold months, the first thing you should do is drain the pump casing of any water or fluids. This will prevent damage to the casing caused by freezing. Should any water or liquids be left inside the pump, the water will freeze and damage the internal components of your pump.
If you use your water pump to pump saltwater or other corrosive materials, you should first flush your pump with fresh water and then drain all remaining fluids.
If you have an air compressor, the final step is to use compressed air to completely remove any remaining liquid inside the internal components and volute.
If, for whatever reason, you are unable to drain your pump completely, then pour a small amount of anti-freeze into the casing and rotate the pump shaft to ensure mixing. If you never fill your pump with oil, then it is easier to store your pump safely. Oil should only be applied to the mechanical seal cavity when specified in your water pump owner’s manual. Should you fill the pump with oil when not recommended by the manufacturer – it could cause potential damage.
Suction and Discharge Ports
One of the simplest ways, and yet often forgotten methods, is to seal the discharge and suction ports of your water pump. This is extremely important because debris can enter the pump and cause damage if they are left open. You can use a standard cap to seal the ports, but you could also use hardware duct tape.
Mechanical Seal
If your water pump has an oil-lubricated seal, then you need to:
- Drain the oil from the seal cavity.
- Refill the cavity with a non-detergent motor oil (check your owner’s manual).
If your pump’s seal is water-cooled, then you need to:
- Run a small amount of lubricating oil through the discharge opening in the pump.
- Turn the engine over a few times.
The above steps will help keep your mechanical seal lubricated and prevent excessive corrosion. Another way to prevent decay is to avoid storing your water pump in an environment that is wet or has high humidity. Your pump should always be stored in a dry place.
Pump Shaft and Rusting
If you want to prevent your pump from rusting, then you should rotate the pump shaft once every 30 days. Rotating the shaft, even just once, will help prevent flat spots on the bearing and stop it from sticking. If the bearings rest for too long, they may become susceptible to rust damage and corrosion.
Another precautionary measure would be to apply rust prevention liquid to your pump shaft. You can add it to your water pump, and whenever you are ready to operate it again, you can wipe off the rust prevention liquid.
Keeping Your Water Garden Pump Running in Winter
Suppose you only have mild winters and occasional hard freezes, then you may choose to keep a garden pump running through the colder months instead of storing it. You may choose to keep it running, especially if you have a rich, thriving ecosystem in your water garden, such as fish and plants that require oxygenated, circulating waters to stay healthy. Keeping your water garden pump running is not only healthier for your pond, but it will also help prevent the surface from freezing entirely. This will help the gases to flow back and forth more efficiently too.
Throughout the cold winter months, check your water garden pump regularly to note any ice buildup that could possibly divert the water out of the pond. Should this happen, nearby soil will be flooded, and the ice accumulation could damage your water pump and the plants. As the water level in the pond drops, ice can form more quickly, exposing more sensitive pump components to severe damage by the cold.
If you are not sure how best to maintain and preserve the longevity of your water pump, especially during the colder months, then contact Jordan Pumps for assistance. They are the leading suppliers of agricultural, commercial, and domestic water pumps and provide guidance, installation, maintenance, and support across all water pump applications.
