Troubleshooting Your Farm Pump Station: 5 Common Issues and How to Fix Them Quickly

Your agricultural pump station is the mechanical heart of your drainage system, essential for removing water from low-lying areas that lack a gravity outlet. When it fails, the consequences are immediate and severe: water backs up, fields flood, and planting or harvesting can grind to a halt.

While complex issues require professional service, many common problems can be identified and quickly resolved by the farmer. This guide outlines the top five issues farmers face and provides actionable tips for farm drainage pump station repair to minimize costly downtime.
 

Safety First: Always Disconnect Power!


Before attempting any inspection or repair on your pump station, ALWAYS turn off the main circuit breaker or disconnect switch to the pump. Treat all electrical components as live until verified otherwise. Safety is non-negotiable when performing farm drainage pump station repair.
 

1. The Pump Runs Continuously or Never Turns Off


This is one of the most frustrating and costly issues, leading to wasted energy and potential motor burnout. This problem typically indicates a switch failure or a flow issue:
 
  • Stuck Float Switch: The 'off' float switch is likely physically hung up on debris, wiring, or the side of the sump.
    • Action: Turn off power, manually check the float to ensure it's free. If it's binding on wiring, adjust the wire tie-offs.
       
  • Faulty Check Valve: The check valve, designed to prevent discharged water from flowing back into the sump, may be stuck open.
    • Action: Listen for water flowing back into the pit after the pump stops (or should stop). A faulty valve prevents the system from draining efficiently and requires replacement.
       
  • Control Panel Error: A relay or contactor in the control panel may be stuck in the "on" position.
    • Action: This requires electrical knowledge. If switches are visibly stuck or you suspect an electrical short, contact a professional immediately.
       

2. The Pump Won't Start or Trips the Breaker


If the pump fails to start when the water level rises, or trips the circuit breaker immediately, you have an electrical or blockage problem.
 
  • Tripped Breaker: This signals an overload or short circuit.
    • Action: Reset the breaker once. If it trips again, DO NOT reset it a second time. This signals a serious issue (like a seized impeller or shorted motor) requiring professional farm drainage pump station repair.
       
  • Faulty 'On' Float Switch: The float switch is stuck in the 'off' position or is defective.
    • Action: Turn off power and manually lift the float switch. If the pump still doesn't engage, the switch or its wiring is likely the culprit and needs replacement.
       
  • Clogged Impeller/Intake: Debris (rocks, heavy silt, stringy material) is preventing the impeller from spinning.
    • Action: Turn off power, pull the pump, and inspect the intake screen and impeller area. Carefully remove all obstructions.

 

3. The Pump Cycles Too Frequently (Short Cycling)

 

Short cycling means the pump is turning on and off rapidly. This significantly increases wear on the motor and electrical components, shortening the pump's lifespan.
 
 
  • Float Switches Too Close: The vertical distance between the 'on' and 'off' float switches is too small, meaning the pump only removes a shallow volume of water before shutting off.
    • Action: Adjust the float tethers to increase the distance between the two set points, allowing the pump to remove a larger slug of water during each cycle.
       
  • Partial Blockage: A partial clog slows the discharge rate, making the pump run longer than expected, then stop, only to have the water quickly rise again.
    • Action: Check for clogs in the discharge piping or check valve area.
       
  • Pump is Undersized: While usually an installation issue, if the pump is too small for the incoming water flow, it may struggle to keep the water down.
    • Action: Consult Ag Tech Drainage to evaluate the flow rate and determine if a larger pump is needed.


4. The Pump Runs But Moves Little or No Water

 

This is often a hydraulic issue, meaning the power is fine, but the flow is blocked or compromised.

Potential causes and solutions:
  • Completely Clogged Intake: Mud, rocks, or heavy debris are completely covering the pump intake screen.
    • Action: Turn off power, pull the pump, and thoroughly clean the intake screen.
       
  • Discharge Line Blockage: The line from the pump to the outlet is blocked (common with ice in winter or debris buildup).
    • Action: Inspect the discharge line and the outlet point. You may need to flush the line or wait for an ice blockage to melt.
       
  • Impeller Damage/Wear: The impeller blades are damaged or heavily worn down, reducing their ability to push water.
    • Action: The pump needs replacement or professional rebuild.


5. Excessive Noise or Vibration

 

Unusual sounds indicate mechanical wear and should be addressed immediately before they lead to motor failure.

If you hear grinding, rattling, or thumping:
 
  • Debris in Impeller: A loose stone or piece of metal is hitting the impeller or casing.
    • Action: Turn off power, pull the pump, and thoroughly inspect the impeller area for debris.
       
  • Worn Bearings: The motor bearings are failing, which is usually indicated by a loud grinding sound.
    • Action: This requires professional pump station service or replacement before the motor seizes.
       
  • Pump Not Secured: If the pump is a submersible unit, ensure it is properly seated on the bottom of the sump or securely fastened to the guide rails.
    • Action: If loose, reseat or secure the pump.


When to Call the Experts

 
While simple checks can save a day of downtime, complex issues—especially those involving electrical components, seized motors, or extensive discharge line clogs—require the expertise and specialized equipment of professionals.

Ag Tech Drainage specializes in the design, installation, and farm drainage pump station repair across the Midwest. If your troubleshooting fails to resolve the issue, or if the breaker trips repeatedly, call us immediately to minimize field flooding and protect your investment.

Need reliable, professional pump station service or a system upgrade?

Contact Ag Tech Drainage today for expert assessment and repair!
Contact Us