Diagnosing shower pump issue

[jwhite1]

Hi folks.

We've got a problem with our shower pump and I was hoping I could get some advice on where to start diagnosis. I've attached photos of the pump.

Here's what I know:
- It's not the fuse
- It doesn't make any noise or sound like it's trying to do anything
- It gets very hot. I switched it on for 10 minutes, didn't turn the taps on and touched it and it was very hot.
- I changed the capacitor on it last year due to a different fault.

Does this sound like a familiar issue to anyone? Where should I start with my diagnosis?

Thanks for any advice.

Untitled

• jwhite1
• 25 Apr 2014
• 2

Untitled

• jwhite1
• 25 Apr 2014
• 2

 

[oldbuffer]

Sounds as if the motor is stalled. The heat comes from the power running through windings without rotation. However, with no flow through the pump, the motor shouldn't be on anyway. I'd:

a. Check the flow switch(es).

If OK and motor still "live" (trying to turn) there's something wrong with the wiring / circuitry. Probably replacement time.

If motor not trying to run, then when it does try to rotate (flow on or bypass switch(es)) then either:

b. Impeller jammed.
c. Capacitor gone (again)

I'd try and replace capacitor first (unless you've got a capacitance tester and can measure). If that doesn't do it, remove, strip down, clean, re-assemble and try again.