Troubleshooting

Having a bit of trouble with your product? We’re here to help. Here are some common topics we are asked about. Or need more individualized assistance? Reach out to our Groundwater Support Team!


Groundwater Support
Phone: 1-800-628-2313
After Hours: 260-599-8345
Email: groundwatertech@flintandwalling.com
95 N Oak Street
Kendallville, IN 46755 USA

Please note that the guides below are general in nature. Please refer to your instruction manual for specific information regarding your product.

4″ Submersible Pump

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Incorrect voltage at motor Check for correct wire size. Replace undersize wire. Check line voltage, contact power company if voltage is incorrect
Defective fuse box or incorrect fuses Inspect fuse box wiring and correct. Install the proper fuses
Defective pressure switch Replace pressure switch or clean contacts
Control box malfunction See control box checking and repairing procedures. Replace defective components
Defective drop cable insulation Check drop cable insulation resistance. Pump must be pulled to replace defective cable
Motor malfunction Check motor winding resistance. Pump must be pulled to replace defective motor
Pump malfunction If all above checks are good, then pump is probably bound. Pump must be pulled. Check for sand or pump shaft misalignment. Correct well condition if sand is the problem

Possible Cause Corrective Action
No power to start motor Check voltage at line side of fuse box. Contact power company if no power is reaching box. Check voltage at load side of fuse box and at other control devices in circuit. Make necessary corrections
Defective drop cable or motor Check motor winding resistance. Pump must be pulled to replace defective cable or motor

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Air locked pump Normal delivery may resume if water pump is started and stopped at one minute intervals
Gas or air in well water Connect hose to service valve. Run water thru hose submerged in water in clear jar. Observe for air bubbles from hose outlet. If tank is standard type, the air volume control may be defective – replace; otherwise, have well checked for proper water level as pump may be drawing air. Lower pump and/or correct well condition
Low water level in well or pumping too much from well Throttle pump with gate valve. Lower pump setting if depth of well is adequate
Defective or improperly installed check valve Pump must be raised to replace or reinstall correctly
Leak in drop pipe damaged section Raise pump, check pipe for leak and replace
Pump inlet screen blocked Raise pump and clean screen. Verify that well is clean. Reset pump at less depth if possible
Worn pump Pull pump and replace damaged components
Broken pump shaft or motor shaft or worn coupling Pull pump, inspect shafts and coupling for damage. Replace defective components

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Pressure switch Readjust switch to lower shut off pressure setting, clean contacts or replace switch
Low water level Throttle pump outlet at gate valve or readjust pressure switch to lower shutoff pressure setting
Leak in drop pipe or worn pump Throttle pump output at gate valve or readjust pressure switch to lower shut off pressure setting. If pump does not shut off, pump must be raised and defect repaired

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Pressure switch Readjust switch to wider operating pressure limits; replace defective switch
Air volume in tank incorrect Check pressure in tank. Set at 2 lbs. below turn on pressure of the pressure switch. i.e. 30/50 pressure switch should have tank pressure of 28 lbs.
Check valve defect or leak in drop pipe Throttle pump output at gate valve. If pump does not shut off, pump must be raised and defect repaired

VFD System Trip Code Troubleshooting

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Shorted motor cables Check motor wires and drop cable for shorts or bad connections
Shorted motor Replace motor
Damaged wire insulation Check drop cable for insulation damage
Internal hardware short If motor is disconnected and the fault is present when reset, replace drive

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Motor/pump misaligned Verify pump is mounted flush on motor mounting flange.
Bound pump Check for debris in pump

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Drive set for Switch control, but a transducer signal was detected. Change drive control choice from Switch to Transducer in Control Choice menu

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Drive has detected a short circuit between S1 & S2 terminals Internal short of transducer. Replace transducer.
Switch is hooked up between S1 & S2 Replace switch with transducer.

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Transducer lead not connected properly to transducer (or cut) Check transducer lead connection and/or replace transducer lead wire.
Loose connection on terminals S1 & S2 Check transducer lead connection at drive terminals S1 & S2
Transducer lead wire backwards at S1 & S2 terminals Switch transducer leads at S1 & S2
Transducer failed as an open circuit Replace transducer

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Pump running against a closed discharge. Make sure that there is not a valve closed or obstruction between the pump and pressure switch
Damaged or clogged pressure switch Check continuity across switch contacts without wire connected and replace and/or clean pressure port.
Deadhead sensitivity incorrect Adjust deadhead sensitivity in Underload Protection menu

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Pump running against a closed discharge. Make sure that there is not a valve closed or obstruction between the pump and pressure transducer
Deadhead sensitivity incorrect Adjust deadhead sensitivity in Underload Protection menu
Clogged pressure transducer Check transducer for pressure port and clean
Damaged or inoperative transducer Replace transducer

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Over pumped/dry well Wait for well to recover and automatic restart timer to time out
Blocked pump screen Clear pump screen
Broken pump shaft Replace pump shaft (or pump)
Worn pump Replace pump

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Low line voltage Check line voltage. Report low voltage to the power company
Power was removed from Drive Check voltage is present on all input lines & connections secure

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Loose connection Check connections on drive motor terminals for leg specified
Defective splice Check all splice connections on drop cable for leg specified
Defective cable Check continuity of drop cable for leg specified
Open motor winding Replace motor

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Check that the ambient temperature is not above 125°F
Excessive heating of Drive Check for obstructed or inoperable fan
Check for blocked vents

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Drive has been running without going into standby mode for set time Check for broken or leaking pipe and repair as necessary
Application calls for long run time Increase broken pipe run time in Advanced Feature menu
Turn off Broke Pipe protection in Advanced Feature menu

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Contacts closed on “Alarm In” terminals Check condition of switch wired into “Alarm In” terminals

VFD System Troubleshooting


Possible Cause Corrective Action
Motor/Pump is running backwards. Switch two of the three wires leading from the controller to the 3-phase motor.
Pump capacity cannot supply the demand. Use pump with higher flow rating (if head requirement is still satisfied).
Temperature in the controller is too high. If the controller’s heat exchanger becomes too hot, the controller will reduce the output frequency to the motor to lower the power consumption. Make sure there is at least 4 inches of room around the controller for movement of air. Avoid direct sunlight. Reduce ambient temperature below 104°F (40°C). Increase input voltage if below 230 VAC.
Pump capacity cannot supply the demand. Use pump with higher flow rating (if head requirement is still satisfied).

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Waterlogged tank. Check tank for bladder damage. Replace if necessary.
Reset the tank pre-charge pressure (should be 70% of pressure switch/transducer setting).
Pressure tank is too small for flow rating of the pump. Use larger tank (4 gal. tank minimum).

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Bad pressure switch Check continuity across pressure switch terminals and replace if necessary
Loose pressure switch wire connection or broken wire Check pressure switch wire connections on display board and at pressure switch. Check wire for continuity.
Drive is in switch control mode and transducer is hooked up backwards. Check to ensure transducer brown lead is connected to S1 and blue lead is connected to S2 terminals. Change control mode from switch to transducer.

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Leak in the household or outdoor plumbing. Check for leaky faucets, valves and/or pipe fittings and repair.
Leak in the pitless adapter. Re-seat the pitless adapter. Replace seal as needed.

CJ101, CJ103 Centrifugal Pump Troubleshooting

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Pump not primed Prime unit
Total head too high Shorten suction lift and/or discharge head
Suction head higher than pump designed for Lower pump inlet
Impeller clogged Clean
Incorrect rotation Refer to wiring information
Leak in suction line Repair or replace
Inadequate foot valve Make needed adjustments
Impeller damaged Replace
Foot valve or suction line not submerged deep enough in water Submerge lower in water
Insufficient inlet pressure or suction head Increase inlet pressure by adding more fluid to fluid source
Wrong size piping Make needed adjustments
Casing gasket leaking Replace gasket
Suction or discharge line valves closed Open

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Air leak in suction line Repair
Suction head too high Lower pump inlet
Insufficient inlet pressure or suction head Increase inlet pressure by adding more fluid to fluid source
Clogged foot valve or strainer Clean or replace

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Mounting plate or foundation not rigid enough Reinforce
Foreign material in pump Clean
Damaged impeller Replace
Cavitation present Check suction line for proper size and be certain valve is open. Remove excessive loops in suction line
Worn motor bearings Replace
Bent impeller shaft Replace

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Improperly wired Refer to wiring diagram
Blown fuse or open circuit breaker Replace fuse or close circuit breaker
Loose or broken wiring Tighten connections and replace broken wiring
Impeller clogged Clean
Motor shorted out Replace
Possible Cause Corrective Action
Damaged or worn mechanical seal Replace
Corrosion due to character of liquid pumped Discontinue pumping liquid and consult factory

C22000 Centrifugal Pump Troubleshooting

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Incorrect rotation Refer to wiring diagram
Insufficient inlet pressure or suction head (NPSH Required) Increase inlet pressure by adding more fluid to fluid source. (See Spec’s for minimum NPSH Required)
Total head too high Lower discharge head
Leak in suction line Repair or replace
Impeller clogged or damaged Clean or replace
Wrong size piping Make needed adjustments
Casing gasket leaking Replace gasket
Suction or discharge line valves closed Open
Mechanical seal leaking Replace

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Insufficient inlet pressure or suction head (NPSH Required) Increase inlet pressure by adding more fluid to fluid source. (See Spec’s for minimum NPSH Required)
Clogged strainer Clean or replace

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Mounting plate or foundation not rigid enough Reinforce
Foreign material in pump Clean
Damaged impeller Replace
Cavitation present Check suction line for proper size and be sure valve is open. Remove excessive loops in suction line. (See Spec’s for minimum NPSH Required)

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Damaged or worn mechanical seal Replace
Corrosion due to character of liquid pumped Discontinue pumping liquid and consult factory

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Improperly wired Refer to wiring diagram
Blown fuse or open circuit breaker Replace fuse or close circuit breaker
Loose or broken wiring Tighten connections and replace broken wiring
Impeller clogged Clean
Motor shorted out Replace

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Various Consult qualified electrician
Overloading motor. Too much water delivery Restrict outlet by closing down valve in discharge line
Liquid heavier and more viscous than water Consult factory
Seal binding Replace
Rotor binding Repair or replace
Voltage and frequency lower than rating Reconnect to rated voltage and frequency
Defects in motor Repair or replace

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Cavitation caused by insufficient inlet pressure or suction head (NPSH Required) Increase inlet pressure by adding a higher level of fluid to source or increasing inlet pressure. (See Spec’s for minimum NPSH Required)

Pump Won’t Start or Run at Full Speed

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Manual or solenoid valves plumbed into system restricting flow a. Check all valves on pump inlet and discharge sides of system to be sure they are opened properly to allow flow to and from the pumpb. Bleed trapped air in pump which keeps water from reaching the pump. (Normally due to closed valve in discharge plumbing)
In-line filter restricting flow Check all in-line filters to be sure they are not plugged or restricted
Low line voltage See low line voltage corrective action (above)
Inadequate water supply to booster pump Check pressure on inlet side of booster to be sure positive pressure is maintained to the booster pump
Undersized piping Replace undersized piping
Leak on inlet side of system Make sure connections are tight. Repair leaks as necessary
Inadequate, defective or plugged foot valve and/or strainer Clean, repair or replace as needed
Worn or defective pump parts or pump Replace worn parts or entire plugged impeller. Clean parts if necessary.
Suction lift too great Pump should be operated under
flooded suction only
Pump not primed Prime pump – Make certain inlet pipe is drawn up tight and pump and pipe are full of water
Incorrect rotation, motor running backwards Reverse motor rotation can occur on three phase units. To correct, interchange any two incoming power leads.

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Pump not secured to firm foundation Secure properly
Piping not supported Make necessary adjustments
Restricted inlet line Clean or correct
Cavitation (noise like marbles in pump) a. Reduce speed on direct driveb. Increase inlet pipe sizec. Too viscous (material being pumped too thick
Worn motor bearings Replace bearings or motor

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Worn mechanical seal (leaks at shaft) Replace shaft (rotary) seal
Worn o-ring seals Replace o-ring seals, located inside both ends of the stainless steel shell

City Pressure Booster

Possible Cause Corrective Action
No power supply Connect the electricity supply.
Incorrect voltage Pump is 115 Volt only. It will not start with 230V supply.
Incorrectly plumbed Confirm FIG 1 installation in the instructions is correct. Confirm ball valves #1 and #2 are open in suction and discharge. Confirm ball valve #3 is closed on bypass.
Blocked inlet Check if pump suction inlet screen is blocked. See fig 5 in the instructions.
Insufficient water supply Insure water source is providing sufficient water.

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Pipe leaking Insure all threads have 3 wraps of Teflon tape + hand tight + 1/2 turn with wrench.
Tank pressure is low See FIG 3 in the instructions to check and add air pressure to the tank.
Air in the system Insure all threads have 3 wraps of teflon tape + hand tight + 1/2 turn with wrench. Re-prime unit.

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Blocked check valve See fig 4 in the instructions. Confirm check valve is free of debris and functions freely.

SPJ Irrigation Pump

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Casing not initially filled with water Fill pump casing
Total head too high Shorten suction lift and/or change head
Suction lift too high, or too long Lower suction lift, install foot valve and prime, or shorten length of suction line
Impeller plugged Clean
Hole or air leak in suction line Repair or replace; do not use Teflon tape; use pipe sealing compound
Foot valve too small Match foot valve to piping or install one size larger foot valve.
Impeller damaged Replace
Foot valve or suction line not submerged deep enough in water Submerge lower in water
Insufficient inlet pressure or suction head Increase inlet pressure by adding more water to tank or increasing back pressure
Suction piping too small Increase to pump inlet size or one size larger
Motor wired incorrectly Check wiring diagram
Casing gasket leaking Replace
Suction or discharge line valves closed Open

Possible Cause Corrective Action
No priming water in casing Fill pump casing
Leak in suction line Repair or replace
Discharge line is closed and priming air has nowhere to go Open ball valve
Suction line (or valve) is closed Open
Foot valve is leaking Replace foot valve
Suction screen clogged Clean or replace

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Air leak in suction line Repair or replace
Suction lift too high Lower suction lift, install foot valve and prime
Insufficient inlet pressure or suction head Increase inlet pressure by adding more water to tank or increasing back pressure
Clogged foot valve or strainer Unclog

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Mounting plate or foundation not rigid enough Reinforce
Foreign material in pump Disassemble pump and clean
Impeller damaged Replace
Worn motor bearings Replace

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Improperly wired Check wiring diagram on motor
Blown fuse or open circuit breaker Replace fuse or close circuit breaker
Loose or broken wiring Tighten connections, replace broken wiring
Stone or foreign object lodged in impeller Disassemble pump and remove foreign object
Motor shorted out Replace
Thermal overload has opened circuit Allow unit to cool, restart after reason for overload has been determined

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Worn mechanical seal Replace (see Rotary Seal Replacement)

Shallow Well Jet Pump

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Casing not initially filled with water Fill pump casing
Suction lift too high, or too long Move pump closer to water source
Hole or air leak in suction line Repair or replace. Use pipe tape and pipe sealing compound
Foot valve too small Match foot valve to piping or install one size larger foot valve.
Foot valve or suction line not submerged deep enough in water Submerge lower in water
Motor wired incorrectly Check wiring diagram
Casing gasket leaking Replace
Suction or discharge line valves closed Open

Possible Cause Corrective Action
No priming water in casing Fill pump casing
Leak in suction line Repair or replace
Discharge line is closed and priming air has nowhere to go Open ball valve
Suction line (or valve) is closed Open
Foot valve is leaking Replace foot valve
Suction screen clogged Clean or replace

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Air leak in suction line Repair or replace
Suction lift too high Lower suction lift, install foot valve and prime
Insufficient inlet pressure or suction head Increase inlet pressure by adding more water to tank or increasing back pressure
Clogged foot valve or strainer Unclog

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Mounting plate or foundation not rigid enough Reinforce
Foreign material in pump Disassemble pump and clean
Impeller damaged Replace
Worn motor bearings Replace

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Improperly wired Check wiring diagram on motor
Blown fuse or open circuit breaker Replace fuse or close circuit breaker
Loose or broken wiring Tighten connections, replace broken wiring
Stone or foreign object lodged in impeller Disassemble pump and remove foreign object
Motor shorted out Replace
Thermal overload has opened circuit Allow unit to cool, restart after reason for overload has been determined

Convertible Deepwell Jet Pump

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Casing not initially filled with water Fill pump casing
Suction lift too high, or too long Move pump closer to water source
Hole or air leak in suction line Repair or replace. Use pipe tape and pipe sealing compound
Foot valve too small Match foot valve to piping or install one size larger foot valve
Foot valve or suction line not submerged deep enough in water Submerge lower in water
Motor wired incorrectly Check wiring diagram
Casing gasket leaking Replace
Suction or discharge line valves closed Open

Possible Cause Corrective Action
No priming water in casing Fill pump casing
Leak in suction line Repair or replace
Discharge line is closed and priming air has nowhere to go Open ball valve
Suction line (or valve) is closed Open
Foot valve is leaking Replace foot valve
Suction screen clogged Clean or replace

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Air leak in suction line Repair or replace
Suction lift too high Lower suction lift, install foot valve and prime
Insufficient inlet pressure or suction head Increase inlet pressure by adding more water to tank or increasing back pressure
Clogged foot valve or strainer Unclog

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Mounting plate or foundation not rigid enough Reinforce
Foreign material in pump Disassemble pump and clean
Impeller damaged Replace
Worn motor bearings Replace

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Improperly wired Check wiring diagram on motor
Blown fuse or open circuit breaker Replace fuse or close circuit breaker
Loose or broken wiring Tighten connections, replace broken wiring
Stone or foreign object lodged in impeller Disassemble pump and remove foreign object
Motor shorted out Replace
Thermal overload has opened circuit Allow unit to cool, restart after reason for overload has been determined

Fountain Pond Pump

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Circuit breaker tripped Reset circuit breaker
Low Voltage Verify voltage
GFI Tripped Reset GFI
Excessive Cable Length Verify acceptable maximum cable length
Timer/clock not set Set clock to local time and timers for desired cycle. See Section on Setting Timers

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Blocked screen or nozzle, missing or damaged o-ring, or incorrectly installed nozzle Disconnect power. Clean screen and/or nozzle. Check that o-ring is undamaged and seated in groove. Check that nozzle is installed properly (nozzles are marked “This side up”). Check depth of pond. If less than 5 feet deep, move to deeper section. Restart unit.

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Electrical storm can trip GFI Reset GFI
Short in system Disconnect power and check cord for damage. If cord is damaged contact customer service help line at 1-800-742-5044.
Defective power cable Disconnect power and check cord for damage. If cord is damaged contact customer service help line at 1-800-742-5044.

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Anchor rope(s) loose Check anchor rope(s) and re-attach if necessary

Water Conditioner

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Transformer unplugged Connect power
No electric power at outlet Repair outlet or use working outlet
Defective transformer Replace transformer
Defective PC board Replace PC board

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Switched outlet Use uninterrupted outlet
Power outage Reset time of day
Defective PC board Replace PC board

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Bypass valve in bypass position Put bypass valve in service position
Meter connection disconnected Connect meter to PC board
Restricted/stalled meter turbine Remove meter and check for rotation or foreign material
Defective meter Replace meter
Defective PC board Replace PC board

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Power outages Reset control valve to correct time of day
Time of day not set correctly Reset to correct time of day (A.M./P.M.)
Time of regeneration incorrect Reset regeneration time (A.M./P.M.)
Control valve set at “on 0” (immediate regeneration) Check control valve set-up procedure regeneration time option
Control Valve set at NORMAL + “on 0” Check control valve set-up procedure regeneration time option

Possible Cause Corrective Action
1001 Error Code – Unable to recognize start of regeneration
1002 Error Code – Unexpected stall
1003 Error Code – Motor ran too long, timed out trying to reach next cycle position
1004 Error Code – Motor ran too long, timed out trying to reach home positionIf other Error Codes display, contact the factory		 1. Correct error condition
2. Press “NEXT” and “REGEN” simultaneously for three seconds
Control valve has just been serviced Press “NEXT” and “REGEN” for 3 seconds, or unplug power source jack (black wire) and plug back in to reset control valve
Foreign matter is lodged in control valve Check piston and spacer stack assembly for foreign matter
High drive forces on piston Replace piston(s) and spacer stack assembly
Control valve piston not in home position Press “NEXT” and “REGEN” for 3 seconds or unplug power source jack (black wire) and plug back in to reset control valve
Motor not inserted fully to engage pinion, motor wires broken or disconnected, motor failure Check motor and wiring. Replace motor if necessary
Drive gear label dirty or damaged, missing or broken gear Clean drive gear(s)
Drive bracket incorrectly aligned to back plate Re-seat drive bracket properly
PC board is damaged or defective Replace PC board
PC board incorrectly aligned to drive bracket Ensure PC board is correctly snapped on to drive bracket

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Motor not operating Replace motor
No electric power at outlet Repair outlet or use working outlet
Defective transformer Replace transformer
Defective PC board Replace PC board
Broken drive gear or drive cap assembly Replace piston kit assembly
Broken piston retainer Replace piston kit assembly
Broken main or regenerant piston Replace piston kit assembly

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Transformer unplugged Connect transformer
No electric power at outlet Repair outlet or use working outlet
Broken drive gear or drive cap assembly Replace piston kit assembly
Defective PC board Replace PC board

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Bypass valve in bypass position Put control valve in service position
Meter connection disconnected Connect meter to PC board
Restricted/stalled meter turbine Remove meter and check for rotation or foreign material
Defective motor Replace meter
Defective PC board Replace PC board
Set-up error Check control valve set-up procedure

Possible Cause Corrective Action
Power has been out more than two hours Reset the time of day
The transformer was unplugged and then plugged back into the wall outlet Reset the time of day
The transformer plug was unplugged and then plugged back into the board Reset the time of day
The “NEXT” and “REGEN” buttons were pressed to reset the valve Reset the time of day