Free Repair Guides
What Is Your Pump Doing?
Pick your symptom below and get straight to the fix — written by a 39-year repair veteran, no fluff.
Pick Your Symptom
- Won’t Turn OnNothing happens when you flip the switch — work through 6 checks before calling anyone. Usually a tripped breaker or dead capacitor.Fix It →
- Keeps Tripping the BreakerBreaker cuts out every time the pump runs — diagnose whether it’s the capacitor, a motor winding, or a wiring fault.Fix It →
- Grinding or Screeching NoiseLoud grinding or screeching while running — usually worn bearings or debris in the impeller. Catch it before the motor goes.Fix It →
- Hums But Won’t Spin UpMotor hums when switched on but the shaft won’t turn — 90% of the time it’s a dead capacitor. A $15 fix that takes 15 minutes.Fix It →
- Weak or No Water FlowPump runs but barely moves water — most common causes are an air leak, clogged impeller, or a closed valve in the line.Fix It →
- Leaking at the MotorWater dripping under the pump housing — a worn shaft seal is a $20 fix if caught early. Left alone it destroys the motor bearings.Fix It →
- Hayward SuperPump ProblemsThe most common SuperPump failure points with step-by-step, model-specific fixes for this widely-used pump.Fix It →
- Pentair IntelliFlo Error CodesEvery IntelliFlo alarm decoded — exactly what the code means and what to check or replace to clear it.Fix It →
Don’t See Your Symptom?
Browse the full troubleshooting guide, check the articles index, or send me your question directly — I read every one.