Squeaky pump question.

[nam2212]

I have an external pump hooked up to two 1/2" Seaswirls on my 75G. The pump was extremely quite for the first couple of months, but it has since developed a really loud squeak. Is there any way to quite it? Should I be worried about the pump going out? Thanks.

Nick

 

[aharvey]

do you have a ball valve on the output side?
if so decrease the flow slightly and figure out if the noise gets louder.
What kind of pump is it?

 

[nam2212]

Yes, I have a ball valve on both sides. The input valve is open fully and the output is open about 75%. The pump is a Tiny Might pool pump. It is the pump that came with the tank. It pushes around 1200gph.

 

[boofer]

It could be bearings in the motor, but its hard to say w/o hearing it.
Youd be better off closing the intake valve some and leaving the return valve all the way open. It creates less stress on the pump. See if that helps.

 

[Rendos]

Huh? Closing the intake valve? I thought you were never supposed to restrict input flow to the pump...only the output. The pump is fan cooled if I remember correctly. Could it be the fan making noise?

 

[boofer]

If its the kind of pump I think it is, it could help the noise to restrict the flow from the intake than having it valved down after the pump. It creates less back pressure on the pump. Especially if its pressure rated.

 

[aharvey]

I am pretty sure you never want to restrict to input flow. This causes the pump to have to work much harder than designed. The ball valve is placed on the output side to control flow. The noise can be caused by cavitation or could be caused by the fan that cools the drive.

 

[boofer]

Ideally you dont want to restrict either side, but the intake side can be (a little) if needed. Most restrict the input whether they know it or not Regardless of that I was trying to troubleshoot his noise problem, not tell him to run his pump intake partly closed ALL the time...
Cavitation doesnt squeak....its most likely the motor/bearings, impeller rubbing on something or possibly the fan, but like I said, its hard to say w/o hearing it in person.

Nick, any luck?

 

[nam2212]

I don't think the pump has a fan. I have never had one with a fan, so I don't know what to look for but when I put my hand next to it, I feel no exhaust from a fan. Strangely, the power flickered on and off today and the noise seems to have gone away. Thanks.

Nick