Hearing the motor run does not mean the pump is operating under the right conditions. A lack of water can cause dry running and damage components.
What is dry running?
For a water pump, dry running means operating without enough water inside it. Depending on the equipment, water helps lubricate and cool components, including the mechanical seal. Its absence can cause overheating and failures.
When can it happen?
- Empty tank: the water level falls and the pump no longer receives a sufficient supply.
- A falling level in a borehole or well: during abstraction, the available water may no longer reach the pump inlet.
- Water supply problems: the installation conditions must be checked before putting the equipment back into service.
How can the installation be protected?
Protection must suit the pump type and the system conditions. Water supply and abstraction installations may use level controls, sensors or dry-running protection functions, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Having protection in the control panel is not enough: its settings must be checked and its operation tested. The assessment must cover the water source, the control equipment and the pump’s operating conditions.
The pump stopped because of a lack of water. What should you do?
Do not force repeated starts or override the protection to keep the pump running. First identify the cause, restore the water supply conditions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If there is any doubt or signs of damage, request a technical assessment.
Syst-MP maintenance and technical assistance
Based in Loulé, Syst-MP provides assistance for pumping systems in the Algarve. We assess the equipment and installation conditions to identify the appropriate work and protection.
When contacting our team, provide the pump make and model, the water source and the symptoms observed.
Frequently asked questions
Can a pump running without water fail?
Yes. Dry running can cause overheating and damage the mechanical seal and other components, depending on the equipment.
Do all pumps already have dry-running protection?
Do not assume they do. The presence of protection, its settings and its suitability for the installation must be checked on the equipment and in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Does a float switch cover every situation?
The solution depends on the installation. Level control may be one option, but its selection and settings must suit the system.
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Dry running: the pump is running… but does it have water?