Pumps – How to Buy Right, Not Cheap

Companies using solids-handling pumps as part of their processes know that even though the pumps are typically moving trash and other waste products, the type of equipment used can be a huge business decision.

Most applications warrant more attention than simply choosing the first pump that pops out of a catalogue. Choosing the right one can save up-front costs, but, more importantly, it will save energy and maintenance costs, and extends the life of the unit. The end result will be significant savings over the life of the pump, resulting in lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

While there may be any number of pumps that will do the job, choosing the best fit will give you the best return on your investment. The following tips will help you make the right choices.

1. Invest in a pump that can be quickly unclogged.

Cleaning up natural water resources has created a demand for reliable solids-handling pumps. Included in the reliability issue is the serviceability debate regarding submersible and self-priming pumps. While great strides have been made to reduce clogging in both, the fact remains that any pump can clog. Although the submersible is usually less costly to install, over the life of the pump many man-hours can be consumed pulling and unclogging it. Because of the unpleasantness of the job, a partially clogged pump may be tolerated for long periods of time, causing it to be less efficient and run longer to accomplish the same flow before it is pulled and cleaned. Both the pulling of a pump and the tolerating of a partial blockage add to its TCO.

A self-priming pump, on the other hand, sets in a conveniently serviceable area above the water level. Quality self-priming trash pumps can be easily unplugged by using simple tools to drain and remove a clean-out cover, which exposes any blockage in the pump and allows easy removal of it.

Since any pump installed above the water level has the potential to lose its prime (loss of water in the suction line), it is important to choose a quality pump that has excellent repriming capabilities. Typically, this pump will only need to be filled with water at installation or if it is intentionally drained. For trouble-free, unattended operation, the pump should be able to re-prime if it loses the suction leg because of debris under the check valve. The more unattended a pump can be, the lower its TCO.

2. Acquire a pump that affords adequate and easy face-clearance adjustment.

Efficiency can be preserved over the life of the pump by maintaining the face clearance. Wear, due to re-circulation, will also be minimized.

Pumps designed with an open-faced impeller should have an easily adjustable wear plate to maintain recommended clearance between the impeller and the wear plate as abrasive particles remove material from them. In addition to maintaining optimum efficiency, the re-prime capability is also assured. Ideally, face clearance should be adjustable without disturbing the mounting of the pump or drive assembly. When looking at pump construction, consider ease of adjustment in the formula to reduce cost of ownership. Pumps in severe applications, where debris must be frequently removed, should also have the capability of being able to lock in the face clearance so time is not lost resetting clearances each time the clean-out cover is removed. Purchasing a pump with two adjustment locations [like Gorman-Rupp’s Super T and Ultra V Series pumps] also opens up the opportunity for twice the adjustment capability, doubling the life of the pump.

3. Buy with ease of maintenance in mind.

A properly designed pumping system will give years of maintenance-free service. Because not every application can be ideal, though, look for ease of maintenance when selecting a new pump.

In addition to ease of adjustment, look for ease of replacing check valves, wear plates, impeller, seals and rotating assemblies. Pumps that can be readily repaired without removing them from the plumbing system will save many maintenance hours. In some super critical applications, keeping a spare rotating assembly could save untold loss in production downtime.

4. Purchase from a supplier that is well equipped with parts and smarts.

Purchase pumps from a well-equipped supplier that has committed to keeping a large inventory of spare parts on hand for the expected life of their pumps. Also, be sure they have a staff committed to meeting customer needs and that they are proficient at troubleshooting problem applications.

The ability to get service and parts is critical. If a pump breaks down, knocking out a line for an hour or a week, the total cost for that pump can rise exorbitantly. Today, the availability of many counterfeit pumps makes it imperative to source from a supplier that can be relied upon to supply genuine, quality repair parts and advice. The wrong parts at the very least, may not fit, and at worst, damage the genuine parts in your pump by stripping threads etc.

To be a value-added partner to your organization, your selected pump supplier should be able to track all changes to form, fit and function. If you call with a model and serial number, you should be able to get repair parts that fit, even if the pump is 20 years old.

5. Lastly, check reputation.

Knowing a company’s reputation is as important when buying a pump as it is in any business decision. Today, more than ever, it is very important for pump customers to know that the company they are buying from is going to get it right the first time. Furthermore, were problems to arise in the future, you would want to know that the company you were buying from would still be around, able to respond quickly, expertly and with knowledgeable service.

One of the easiest ways to determine a company’s reputation is to talk to others in your industry at trade shows or conferences, about the pros and cons of vendors. In addition, don’t forget to get an opinion from the mechanics or technicians that work with the pumps on a daily basis. They are among the best sources for helping to uncover the hidden life cost that’s incurred by skimping on quality when buying a new pump. The “word on the street” can whittle down your prospect list considerably—and quickly.