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?

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3 Comments

max_rodriguez715mo ago

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

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rubyk865mo ago

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

8

lane.cameron5mo 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.

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