My pump has stopped working. How do I fix it?
Excerpt: A blocked impeller is the most common cause of pump failure. Follow these steps to clean and restart your pump.
Keywords: pump not working, pump stopped, blocked pump, impeller, Sun Shelf pump, Sun Garden pump, hydroponic maintenance, pump troubleshooting
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TL;DR: A clogged impeller is the most common reason a pump stops working. A quick clean in warm soapy water is usually all it takes.
Why this happens
Undissolved nutrients and root debris are the usual culprits. Over time they can jam the small impeller inside the pump or block the filter grille. The good news is it is a quick fix you can do at home.
How to clean your pump
- Unplug the pump from the unit.
- Open the side grille closest to the pump outlet. It may take a little force, but you are unlikely to break anything.
- Locate the white impeller inside and check for any debris caught on it or jammed in the shaft.
- Scrub the grille, filter, and impeller with a toothbrush. This step makes a real difference.
- Wash the impeller and housing in warm soapy water. You can gently pull the impeller to free it if needed.
- Check for root buildup around the pump intake and trim anything getting too close before reassembling.
- Reassemble and replug. You should be good to go.
Never run the pump dry
Always make sure there is water in the reservoir before powering back on. Running the pump without water will shorten its lifespan significantly.
How your pump is meant to run
Pump behaviour varies by product:
- Sun Garden and Sun Shelf: The pump runs on the same timer as the light.
- EcoKitchen, Family Farm, and Terra Garden: The pump runs its own intermittent cycle throughout the day, independent of the lights. If it is quiet while the lights are on, that is completely normal.
Still not working?
If the pump is still not running after a clean, we will get you a replacement part. To make sure we send the right one:
- EcoKitchen, Sun Shelf 1, Sun Shelf 2, or Family Farm: Take a photo of the plug on the pump and send it to us. We have had a few different pump models over the years and need that photo to match the right part.
- Sun Garden or Sun Shelf 3: No photo needed. Just let us know the troubleshooting did not do the trick and we will take it from there.
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