9
VACUUM PUMP RUNS CONTINUOUSLY OR FAILS TO
PRODUCE SUFFICIENT VACUUM*
1. Selector switch is set on “continuous” or “hand”.
2. The temperature of the condensate is too high. Normal 
operating condensate temperature should not exceed 
160°F for rated capacities. Correct the cause for high 
temperature condensate.
3. There are excessive leaks in the system piping preventing 
the pump from producing sufficient vacuum to satisfy the 
vacuum switch setting. To confirm this, make sure pump is 
primed, close inlet valve, close equalizing line valve, plug 
other check valve on this line, replace vacuum breaker with 
plug and observe shut-off vacuum while pump is running.
4. The vacuum or float switch electrical contacts remain in 
closed position. Adjust controls.
5. The nozzle, strainer, or impeller passageways are clogged 
with foreign matter. Refer to instructions for cleaning.
6. A vacuum breaker is set too low. It should not admit air at a 
vacuum within the range of the vacuum switch setting.
7. The pump has lost its “hurling” water. There should never 
be less water than shown on float adjustment sketch. Loss 
of “hurling” water may be caused by: 
(1) Solenoid discharge valve lleaks due to dirt or worn seat. 
(2) Solenoid discharge valve stuck in “open” position. 
(3) Check valve in nozzle body is leaking.
8. Check valve in equalizer line or air vent line from receiver or 
accumulator tank leaks, or is installed backwards.
9. One nozzle body check valve, Figure 2, page 2, on duplex 
pump remains open, permitting air to recirculate.
10. Pump is too small for the system.
11. Lower float switch does not turn off. Float rests on receiver 
bottom and should be raised.
PUMP STARTS AND STOPS IN RAPID SUCCESSION
1. A check valve in return line. Remove.
2. A partially closed inlet valve. Valve should be a gate valve 
rather than globe.
3. A lift in return line at or near the pump. Low return lines will 
fill with condensate between pump operations. The inertia 
of the collected water may be quite great, and before the 
vacuum suddenly produced by starting of the pump can set 
the water in motion, the vacuum at the pump may reach the 
cut-off point of the vacuum switch, thus stopping the 
pump. The vacuum quickly recedes as the condensate 
moves into the receiver and the pump “trips in” on vacuum 
control again, thus repeating this “hunting action”. 
There are two ways to correct this difficulty: 
(1) If the vacuum sensing line can be relocated away from
the vacuum switch(es), connect this sensing line into the 
nearest “dry” point in the return main so that the operation of the unit may be governed by the vacuum in the 
system.
(2) If the nearest “dry” point on the return main is more than
2 ft. above the vacuum switch, relocate and reconnect 
the switches to sense the vacuum at this point. If a 
separate selector switch for “FL-Vac,” “Float,” “Hand” 
operation is not already furnished with the unit, one 
must be provided for each vacuum switch for installation 
in control panel.
4. Elbow in return line too close to unit inlet. Correct as 
described in item 3, or if there is no lift in the return line at 
or near the pump, extend the 
3
/4" equalizing line to top of
“dry” point on return main.
5. Equalizer line is improperly connected.
6. Strainer clogged with dirt. Clean strainer.
PUMP MAKES NOISE
1. The pump is working against a lower pressure than
designed for. While pump is discharging, adjust square 
headed steam cock in discharge line until pressure at pump 
approaches pump rated pressure. Secure adjustment of 
steam cock by tightening lock nut.
2.Excessive condensate temperature. Correct system 
conditions.
3. Magnetic hum or bearing noise in motor. Consult motor 
manufacturer’s authorized service station nearest pump 
location.
4. Starter chatters. Trouble is caused by low line voltage, poor 
connections, defective starter coil, or burned contacts.
5. Pump is running backward.
6. Water hammer when discharge valve closes:
(1) Adjust steam cock to reduce discharge velocity or 
(2) Install surge chamber on boiler side of discharge check
valve or 
(3) Install additional check valve near boiler or 
(4) Install discharge piping 1 or 2 sizes larger.
THE SYSTEM IS NOISY
1. Banging in the steam mains is usually caused by
“imploding” in condensate lying in low points in lines. These 
pockets can be eliminated by “dripping” low points, 
properly supporting the pipe, or by increasing the pitch of 
the lines.
2. Improper dripping of the steam mains and risers. Where 
there is a rise in the steam main, or where it branches off 
into a riser, a drip trap must be installed to the drain line.
3. The piping is too small to drain properly.
4. A defective trap is holding condensate in radiation.
5. A priming boiler is permitting a carry-over of water with the 
steam. A priming boiler is caused by:
(1) Oil or other foreign matter. Clean boiler thoroughly. 
(2) A reduction of the steam liberating area due to too high
water level in the boiler. Reduce water line. 
(3) Overloading. Reduce firing rate. 
(4) Undersized steam outlet area, resulting in velocities in
excess of 15 to 25 ft. per second.
*Product life and product efficiency are greatly affected by system maintenance. A 
tight (leak-free) system with properly functioning traps is essential for efficient 
operation.