My ejector pump is making a low humming sound but nothing is ejecting. It's a Hydromatic with I believe a diaphragm switch. I checked the fuse box, all seems ok. I plugged the pump cord directly into the outlet (bypassing piggyback) and same result (humming). The diaphragm switch is submersed in water but the pump is not (so not a lot in there). I believe it was humming for 30+ minutes but then stopped and then started up again a little while later (that's when I discovered what the humming sound was). So it seems like it is switching on and off but it is definitely not working right. What are my next steps to diagnose the issue?
Ejector pump constantly humming, not ejecting
- Thread starter tgrooves
- Start date
Bob NH
In the Trades
Disconnect the discharge pipe and then plug it in. I saw one once that hadn't operated during the dry season and the check valve stuck closed. Those pumps don't develop enough pressure to un-stick a stuck valve.
It could also be air bound with air between the pump and the check valve. Many people drill a 1/8" hole in the pipe just above the pump, before the check valve, where it will discharge into the sump. That will let the air out so the pump will be have water around the impeller.
If it pumps water out the 1/8" hole but not out the discharge of the pipe, then the line is plugged somewhere.
It could also be air bound with air between the pump and the check valve. Many people drill a 1/8" hole in the pipe just above the pump, before the check valve, where it will discharge into the sump. That will let the air out so the pump will be have water around the impeller.
If it pumps water out the 1/8" hole but not out the discharge of the pipe, then the line is plugged somewhere.
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If unpluging and pluging it back in doesn't do it you will have to pull it and inspect it.
Lots of things that can make it through a toilet will jam the impellers. I have found toys, toilet paper holders, tampons, womens curlers, Etc.
Lots of things that can make it through a toilet will jam the impellers. I have found toys, toilet paper holders, tampons, womens curlers, Etc.
Speedbump
Active Member
Humming means the motor is running. And shutting off by itself means it's getting very hot. You may have already nuked the impeller, so an inspection is in order.
If you keep running it in that hot water, you will eventually nuke the motor.
bob...
If you keep running it in that hot water, you will eventually nuke the motor.
bob...
R
Rancher
Guest
Humming only means the motor windings are getting power, the impeller could be jambed, or frozen.
Rancher
Rancher
Speedbump
Active Member
I don't think so Rancher.
bob...
Yes, it could be, Zoeller has a thermal overload cut out that will turn it off when the temp gets to high and turn back on when it cools down so the impeller could be jammed or the switch could be stuck on but normally when the switch is stuck on you can hear the impellers splashing water from time to time.
