Booster, transfer, circulation and fire pumps tend to be forgotten until they fail — and when they do, water supply, cooling or fire protection goes with them. A short, regular checklist catches most problems while they are still cheap to fix.
Routine checks
- Listen for unusual noise or vibration, which often points to worn bearings, misalignment or cavitation
- Check mechanical seals and glands for leaks and keep the pump area dry
- Compare running current and discharge pressure against the commissioning values
- Inspect couplings, mounting bolts and anti-vibration pads
- Clean strainers and confirm non-return and isolation valves operate freely
- Check motor terminals, starter contactors and pressure switches for heat damage or loose connections
Duty and standby pumps should be alternated so both stay in working order, and fire pumps need their weekly run tests recorded. Keeping a simple log of pressures, currents and observations makes it easy to spot gradual decline and plan repairs before a breakdown.
