Below we have included maintenance tips from the manufacturer (Pumptec) for keeping your piston pumps in proper working order.
1) Pumptec pumps are intended to pump ambient temperature clear water and water-based solutions in the 7 pH range (Standard chemicals). Solutions that do not fit this description may be able to be pumped, with additional care and consideration (Non-standard chemicals). Under no circumstances is it recommended to pump volatile chemicals like gasoline, acetone, etc... These high VOC chemicals are prohibited.
2) After use with a non-standard chemical, the pump should be flushed with clear water and left with only clear water inside until the next use. Chemicals left inside the pump can corrode and damage internal parts and surfaces resulting in rapid wear.
3) Hot liquids, greater than 120 F, can cause damage in the pump and erosion failure. Hot water is unstable and can flash to gas during the pumping process causing cavitation which will erode and pit the pump body parts. If hot water must be used, it needs to be pressurized either by placing the tank above the pump (up to 130F) or by the use of a booster pump (beyond 130F).
4) All the wear parts in Pumptec pumps are contained in 3 standard kits for each pump series. Mytee does not stock these repair kits, contact Pumptec to acquire. These kits are typically described as Kit A (plunger and seals), Kit B (valves) and Kit C (cam & bearing). Recommended service intervals for kits are as follows: Kit A - every 500 hours for stainless steel plunger and 1,000 hours for ceramic; Kit B - every 1,000 hours; Kit C - 500 to 1,000 hours depending on environment of use. All kits should exceed these intervals, but they will not likely go twice as long. For example, Kit A with a stainless steel plunger will not likely make 1,000 hours. It is not typically necessary to perform a grease lubrication service outside of normal kit replacements, except in humid or moist environments. The frequency of this service will depend on severity of the humidity.
5) Operating pumps in dusty or humid environments is not recommended. Pumptec’s design has an unsealed crankcase and humidity, moisture and dirt can enter resulting in damage. Care must be taken to protect pump from water spray or splashing. If pump becomes wet, it will be necessary to remove pump and wipe out crankcase, plunger slot and bearing. Then install fresh grease into plunger slot and remount pump.
6) Pumps need to have adequate liquid in order to perform properly. Operating without any liquid will damage plunger and seals, although some dry running is tolerated depending on pump model. Restricting fluid flow as result of plugged filters or undersized hose will have the same effect as hot water in terms of cavitation damage.
7) Flow control valves like regulators and unloader valves bypass excess fluid. It is important to have this bypass fluid return back to a tank and not back into pump inlet. Bypass fluid typically has numerous small air bubbles that need to be dissolved back into liquid before entering the pump. If this bubbly water stream were to return back to pump inlet, then cavitation damage will occur.
8) Maintain and replace flow control valves BEFORE they malfunction. Their system function is control and protection, and failure of these critical components will result in damage to pump and other system components.
9) Protect from freezing and do not operate if frozen. A mixture of anti-freeze and water can be used for short-term storage in cold climates. If extended storage is required, it is better to empty the pump and system completely of fluid. At the time of reuse, pump clear water through system to clean out scale and debris prior to using the system.