Why does nobody talk about the old way of checking pump wear?

I used to just listen for the sound change and guess, but after a pump failure cost me 2 days on the Mobile River job, I bought a simple vibration meter. Now I track the numbers every shift and catch issues before they blow. What's your go-to check for early pump problems?

3 comments

3 Comments

max_rodriguez7123d ago

Seriously? Which vibration meter did you end up getting... mine's been acting up.

rubyk8623d ago

Got the Fluke 805 last year. It's been solid so far.

lane.cameron18d ago

That "cost me 2 days" line hits home. I had a sump pump let go in a basement and the cleanup was a nightmare. I still listen for weird sounds, but I learned the hard way that my ears aren't good enough. I started checking the temperature of the pump housing with a basic infrared thermometer every time I'm on site. A steady climb in temp, even before it gets loud, has been my best early warning. It's cheap and fast, so I actually do it.