How do you unclog a pond pump?

At a Glance: How to Unclog a Pond Pump

Remove the check valve from the top of the pump.
Remove the volute cover (depending on the pump, you might need a flat-head screwdriver to pry it off).
Clean any debris off the volute cover.
If your pump has an interior baffle, remove and clean it.

Hereof, how do I fix my pond pump?

8 Tricks for Troubleshooting your Pond Pump

Check water flow to the pump. This is, far and away, the most common pump problem that I've seen from customers.
Make sure the pump isn't vapor locked.
Make sure the pump is getting electricity.
Flush your plumbing.
Pull your pump out to inspect it.
Try it again.
Jumpstart your pump.
Check the power supply.

Likewise, why is my pond pump slow? If you notice that your pond has a low flow of water and isn't pumping as it should, the pump is still in working order and hasn't shut off due to power supply issues or overheating. The most likely causes of slow water flow are a pump air lock or a blockage in the pump itself.

Also know, how do I stop my pond pump from getting clogged?

KineticFountains.com suggests soaking the pond pump in white vinegar and water to remove debris, and then to remove the pump cover and clean out the inside of the pump. This will clear out any debris that has accumulated. Find a plastic container to use as a small pond skimmer, such as a small plastic storage bin.

How long should a pond pump last?

Pump Type	Average Life Expectancy
Submersible
Pond Pump (<5000GPH)	1 year
Pond Pump (>5000 GPH)	1-2 years
Sewage Pump residential	5-7 years

31 Related Question Answers Found

How do I reset my pond pump?

Pond Pump Power Supply

The outlet is easily identified by its test and reset buttons located between the 2 sockets on an 115V circuit. Simply press the reset button, plug the pump back in and check the operation.

Why do pond pumps stop working?

Possible Cause: Not enough water in the pond.

Low water levels may cause the pump's internal thermal shut-off to activate. The thermal shut-off will deactivate once the pump is cooled down. The proper water level must be established in the pond for the pump to work properly.

Why has my pond pump stopped working?

Check the pump inlet and outlet for any obstructions. If this is the cause of slow moving water, remove the debris then check the pump o-rings for damages. If there are no visible obstructions, open up, and inspect the inside of the pump. Check to make sure your impeller is not broken or being trapped by any particles.

Why does my fish pond pump keep tripping out?

This has been required in outdoor receptacles since 1973. If the pump trips all the breakers it is plugged into it is discharging electricity into the water and they can potentially be electrocuted. The reason the pump works in non GFCI outlets is that GFCI are designed to “trip” when they detect an electrical bleed.

Why is my water feature not working?

Check the fountain pump's impeller by placing a hand on top of the running pump. If you feel a mechanical piece whirring inside, the impeller is working. If this piece isn't working, it's likely jammed with debris. Run water backward through the pump to remove any blockages in the impeller.

How do you clean a water pump?

Cleaning the pump parts

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.

How do you clean a fountain?

Mix one half cup of white vinegar to one gallon of warm water. Then, using a nylon scrubber, scrub down the entire fountain. If you have stubborn stains or hard water buildup you may need to use pure vinegar and a bit of elbow grease. Rinse well with clean water, fill, and you are finished.

How do you clean algae out of a fountain?

Empty the water from the fountain, either by tilting the fountain, siphoning the water or pumping out the water. Scrub the fountain basin with hot, soapy water made with a mild dish detergent. A solution of diluted bleach with one part bleach to nine parts water can help kill and prevent algae.

How do I make my pond crystal clear?

7 Tips to Keep Pond Water Clean

Maintain a healthy fish population.
Don't over-feed your fish.
Create a proper balance of plants.
Choose the right size pump for your pond.
Clean debris from pond before it has a chance to decay.
Choose proper filtration for your pond.
Keep your pond cool during the dog days of summer.

Should my pond pump be on the bottom?

The pump should be positioned at the bottom of the pond yet within easy reach for maintenance. Modern pumps are extremely low maintenance though periodic cleaning of the strainer cage and impellor are recommended for optimal smooth running. Ensure pump is full of water before it is turned on.

How do you keep pond water clear without filter?

How To Keep Pond Water Clean Without Filter

Don't Overstock The Pond. One of the first things to keep in mind when you are not using a filter is to not overstock the pond.
Don't Overfeed Your Fish.
Engage In Regular Water Changes.
Clean Your Pond Regularly.
Use A UV Sterilizer.
Use A Nano Media Reactor.
Use Pond Dye.
Have The Right Plants.

How do I keep my natural pond clean and clear?

Use natural methods like barley straw, plants, and biofilters to keep your pond clean. Ultraviolet clarifiers, pond treatments, and gypsum are also useful for keeping the water clean and clear. Finally, empty the pond at least once a year by removing all plants, water, and fish before refilling it.

Should a pond pump be on all the time?

Keep your pond pumps running absolutely at all times to avoid water stagnation and undesirable algae build-up. For that reason, if you have a lot of fish in the pond, the pump must run all the time. It is absolutely necessary to have the pump working 24 hours a day – every day.

How do I clear muddy pond water?

Muddy water caused by suspended clay particles can sometimes be corrected by spreading broken bales of high quality hay or barley straw in the water around the shoreline. Acids formed during plant decay can cause clay particles to settle. Approximately two bales of hay per surface acre should clear the water.

How often should I clean my pond?

All ponds need regular maintenance to prevent them silting up and turning into bog gardens. Small ponds need a complete overhaul to remove debris every five years, while large ponds need thorough cleaning every 10 years.

Do you need a pump in a pond?

Needs differ between ponds that contain fish, which actively produce waste that is high in nitrogen, and ponds that contain only plants. A pump helps to keep water clear and full of oxygen, and it is necessary for a pond that has more than one or two goldfish, even if it has many plants.

When should I turn my pond pump back on?

Start Pump

If your pump has been off for the winter, spring is the time to start it back up. Most people do this when the water temperature increases to around 50 degrees. Do not start the pump and then leave. Start the pump back up when you will be spending time around the house for several hours.