Common Pump Problems

We’ve all been there, done that, and these are some of the most common causes that result in problems with your Snomax System. All we can say is avoid doing anything on the list below.

Cracked or warped Diaphragm

• You didn’t get to the Snomax System in time to refill it and ran the tank dry, compromising the diaphragm and cracking or stretching it.

• You left a window or door open in your pump house, causing the water in the pump face to freeze solid, cracking the diaphragm. Remember—Snomax enhances the freezing process.

• You start the pump but forget to open the discharge ball valve and dead-head your pump, blowing out and cracking your diaphragm.

• You check the calibration of the system but forget to open the main isolation valve under the tank preventing the pump from getting solution. It’s OK for a few minutes but running the pump without water for an extended period of time will compromise the diaphragm.

Pump is not Building Pressure

• You cleaned the debris out of the check valves on your pump head and when putting back together, put them in upside down, preventing the pump from building pressure. For proper installation, refer to the diagram.

• You cut open a bag of Snomax over the tank and dropped part of the bag in the tank. Eventually, that piece will more than likely clog the check valve in your pump head or Y-Strainer.

• You ran your VFD at less than 30% of capacity for an extended period of time and burned up the motor. For a replacement motor, refer to the page on specific motor specifications.

Additional Possibilities

Y-Strainer is Clogged

• Check the Y-Strainer downstream from the ball valve. Some Y-Strainers can be spun off by hand; others require an adjustable wrench. The Y-Strainer catches debris from the tank and should be cleaned weekly during snowmaking. If clogged, the amount of water the pump is receiving becomes restricted, reducing your injection rate and damaging your diaphragm over time.

Liquid is Oozing From the Top of My Pump

• Sounds like a personal problem but if you have a liquid solution bubbling out of the top of your pump where the oil breather valve is or you’ve noticed a large amount of oil on the floor under your pump, the diaphragm in the pump face has been cracked. This allows water to pass into the pump chamber mixing with the oil until the chamber is full. As the system continues to pump, the water/oil mixture has nowhere to go other than out the top of the pump. If this is the case you’ll need to drain the oil, replace it with Snomax Oil, replace the diaphragm, and prime the pump. Refer to Step 4 of the service manual.

To repair any of these issues, please refer to the Snomax Troublshooting Guide.

If you can add to this list, please email us at tech@annecy.us.