When You Need Pump Repair
Don't wait for complete failure. These symptoms indicate your pump needs professional repair:
- Excessive Vibration or Noise: Grinding, squealing, rattling, or abnormal sounds indicate bearing wear, misalignment, or internal damage.
- Reduced Flow or Pressure: Pump not delivering rated capacity. Performance degraded by 10% or more from baseline.
- Seal Leaks: Visible leaking from mechanical seal or packing gland area. Excessive seal water consumption.
- Bearing Failure: Hot bearings (>180°F above ambient), loose shaft play, bearing noise, grease contamination.
- Cavitation Damage: Loud popping/crackling sounds, vibration, erosion damage to impeller and casing.
- Impeller Wear: Clearances increased, efficiency decreased, uneven wear patterns, corrosion or erosion damage.
- Shaft Damage: Scored, bent, or worn shaft surfaces. Excessive runout. Coupling damage.
- Casing Corrosion: Internal corrosion, erosion, cracks, or material degradation affecting performance.
- High Power Consumption: Motor drawing excessive current for given operating conditions.
- Short Seal or Bearing Life: Repeated failures within months indicate underlying problems needing correction.
Our 7-Step Repair Process
We follow a systematic process that ensures quality results and prevents repeat failures:
Intake & Documentation
Complete documentation of pump condition and failure history before disassembly.
- Photograph pump from multiple angles
- Record all nameplate data (make, model, serial number, specifications)
- Document operating conditions and failure symptoms
- Interview operators about failure circumstances
- Review maintenance history if available
- Assign unique job number for tracking
Complete Teardown & Measurement
Systematic disassembly with precision measurements at every step.
- Photograph each stage of disassembly
- Measure all clearances and record deviations from specifications
- Inspect every component for wear, damage, or corrosion
- Tag and organize all parts for reassembly
- Clean components for detailed inspection
- Document wear patterns and failure modes
Inspection & Root Cause Analysis
Identify not just what failed, but WHY it failed to prevent recurrence.
- Detailed inspection of all components under magnification
- Bearing analysis - wear patterns, contamination, lubrication failure
- Seal face examination - heat checking, chipping, wear patterns
- Shaft inspection - straightness, surface finish, wear, corrosion
- Impeller analysis - erosion, corrosion, cavitation damage, balance
- Casing inspection - erosion patterns, corrosion, stress cracks
- Root cause determination - installation, operation, or maintenance issues
Written Quote & Customer Approval
Detailed quote with scope of work, no surprises or hidden costs.
- Itemized list of all repairs needed
- Parts list with pricing (OEM or approved equivalent)
- Labor hours and rates clearly stated
- Estimated turnaround time
- Photos of damaged components with explanations
- Recommendations for upgrades or improvements
- Customer approval required before proceeding
Precision Repair & Machining
Expert repair using proper procedures, quality parts, and precision tools.
- Impeller: Repair, re-balance, or replace as needed
- Shaft: Machine, straighten, build up worn areas, or replace
- Bearings: Replace with quality bearings, proper clearances
- Seals: Install new seals with proper materials for application
- Wear Rings: Replace, machine to proper clearances
- Casing: Repair cracks, bore worn areas, install sleeves if needed
- Coupling: Replace worn elements, check alignment
- Baseplate: Repair or replace if damaged
Assembly & Dynamic Balancing
Careful reassembly with proper clearances, torques, and balance verification.
- Assemble per OEM procedures and specifications
- Verify all clearances within tolerance (±0.002" typical)
- Torque all fasteners to specification
- Dynamic balance rotating assembly to ISO 1940 G2.5 standard
- Install new gaskets, O-rings, and seals
- Apply proper lubricants to bearings and seals
- Final inspection before testing
Performance Testing & Documentation
Every pump is tested before return. We verify proper operation.
- Shop performance test (when possible) - verify flow and head
- Vibration testing - confirm levels within acceptable limits
- Leak test - verify no leaks at seals or connections
- Bearing temperature check during run-in
- Final quality control inspection
- Complete documentation package:
- As-found condition report with photos
- Detailed work performed summary
- Parts list and specifications
- Test results and measurements
- Recommendations for installation and operation
Comprehensive Repair Services
We repair all pump components with precision machining and quality parts:
Impeller Repair & Replacement
- Erosion/Corrosion Repair: Weld buildup and re-machine worn areas. Restore to original dimensions.
- Cavitation Damage: Repair pitting and material loss. Address root cause to prevent recurrence.
- Dynamic Balancing: Balance to ISO 1940 G2.5 standard. Reduces vibration, extends bearing life.
- Impeller Replacement: Source OEM or equivalent impellers. Verify proper fit and performance.
- Impeller Trimming: Reduce diameter to match system requirements, improve efficiency.
Shaft Machining & Repair
- Shaft Straightening: Precision straightening to <0.002" runout TIR.
- Surface Machining: Machine seal and bearing areas to 32 RMS or better surface finish.
- Chrome Plating/Buildup: Build up worn shaft diameters with chrome plating or metalizing.
- Shaft Sleeves: Install renewable sleeves for seal areas. Protects expensive shafts.
- Shaft Replacement: Fabricate new shafts when repair not economical. Match OEM specifications.
Bearing Housing Repair
- Bearing Bore Machining: Machine worn bearing bores back to standard size or oversize.
- Bearing Housing Replacement: Replace cracked or severely damaged housings.
- Bearing Replacement: Install quality bearings (SKF, Timken, NSK, FAG) with proper clearances.
- Lubrication System Repair: Repair oil rings, constant level oilers, or grease fittings.
Seal Chamber Repair
- Seal Chamber Facing: Machine seal chamber face perpendicular to shaft (within 0.002").
- Chamber Boring: Machine worn seal chambers to accept larger seal components.
- Flush System Repair: Repair or upgrade seal flush systems per API Plan requirements.
- Seal Sleeve Installation: Install or replace renewable seal sleeves.
Casing Repair
- Crack Repair: Weld repair cracks in cast iron or steel casings. Stress relieve as needed.
- Erosion/Corrosion Repair: Weld buildup eroded areas. Machine back to original contour.
- Casing Boring: Machine casing to accept oversize wear rings or impellers.
- Sleeving: Install stainless steel sleeves in worn areas for corrosion/erosion resistance.
- Nozzle Repair: Repair damaged suction or discharge nozzles, flanges, or threads.
Wear Ring Replacement
- Casing Rings: Replace worn casing wear rings. Machine casing bore if needed.
- Impeller Rings: Replace impeller wear rings or entire impeller if severely worn.
- Clearance Verification: Set proper clearances per OEM specifications (typically 0.010"-0.020").
- Upgraded Materials: Install hardened stainless or carbide rings for abrasive services.
Coupling & Baseplate Repair
- Coupling Repair: Replace elastomeric elements, repair or replace hubs, balance if needed.
- Baseplate Repair: Repair cracks, straighten warped plates, re-machine mounting surfaces.
- Grout Repair: Remove old grout, prepare surfaces, re-grout with non-shrink epoxy.
Pump Types We Repair
We repair virtually any pump type from any manufacturer. Over 50 years of experience means we've seen it all:
Centrifugal Pumps
- End Suction (ANSI, API 610)
- Split Case (Horizontal & Vertical)
- Vertical Turbine (Deep well, can)
- Submersible (Well, sump, sewage)
- Multi-Stage (Boiler feed, high pressure)
- Self-Priming
- Axial Flow (Propeller pumps)
- Mixed Flow
- Recessed Impeller (Solids handling)
- In-Line (Circulator, booster)
Positive Displacement
- Gear Pumps (External, internal)
- Lobe Pumps (Rotary, sanitary)
- Progressive Cavity (PC, screw)
- Piston Pumps (Plunger, triplex)
- Diaphragm Pumps (AODD, hydraulic)
- Peristaltic (Hose, tube)
- Vane Pumps
- Screw Pumps (Twin, triple)
Specialty Pumps
- Magnetic Drive (Sealless)
- Canned Motor (Hermetically sealed)
- High Pressure (>500 PSI)
- Slurry Pumps (Abrasive service)
- Chemical Pumps (Corrosive fluids)
- Sanitary Pumps (Food, pharma)
- Metering Pumps (Dosing, injection)
- Fire Pumps (NFPA 20 certified)
- Cryogenic Pumps
- High Temperature (>400°F)
Brands We Service (100+)
We service pumps from all major manufacturers. This is just a sample:
Don't see your brand? We service 100+ manufacturers. If it's a pump, we can repair it. Call us for a free diagnostic evaluation.
Precision Machining Capabilities
Our in-house machine shop provides the precision machining needed for quality pump repairs:
CNC Machining
- CNC Lathe: Up to 24" diameter, precision turning, threading, boring
- CNC Mill: Complex contours, facing, drilling, tapping
- Surface Grinder: Flat surfaces to 16 RMS finish
- Cylindrical Grinder: Shafts and cylindrical surfaces
Specialty Equipment
- Dynamic Balancer: Up to 5,000 lbs, ISO 1940 standards
- Shaft Straightening: Precision to <0.002" runout
- Welding: TIG, MIG, stick - cast iron, steel, stainless, aluminum
- Bearing Installation: Hydraulic press, induction heater, proper tooling
Quality Standards We Follow:
- Tolerances: Machine to ±0.001" precision on critical dimensions
- Surface Finish: 32 RMS or better on seal and bearing surfaces
- Balance: Dynamic balance to ISO 1940 G2.5 standard
- Clearances: All clearances per OEM specifications or industry standards
- Materials: OEM parts preferred, approved equivalents when cost-effective
- Procedures: Follow Hydraulic Institute and API standards
Turnaround Time & Pricing
Typical Repair Turnaround:
Pump Size | Minor Repair | Major Overhaul | Rush Service |
---|---|---|---|
Small (<10 HP) | 3-5 days | 5-10 days | 24-48 hours |
Medium (10-100 HP) | 5-10 days | 10-15 days | 48-72 hours |
Large (>100 HP) | 10-15 days | 15-30 days | 3-7 days |
Note: Turnaround assumes parts availability. Unusual or obsolete parts may extend timeline.
Repair Pricing Ranges:
Repair Type | Small Pump | Medium Pump | Large Pump |
---|---|---|---|
Seal Replacement Only | $300-800 | $600-2,000 | $1,500-5,000 |
Bearing Replacement | $400-1,000 | $800-2,500 | $2,000-6,000 |
Minor Overhaul | $500-2,000 | $2,000-8,000 | $8,000-20,000 |
Complete Rebuild | $1,000-5,000 | $5,000-15,000 | $15,000-50,000+ |
Free Diagnostic Inspection:
We provide free tear-down and inspection with detailed written quote. You pay nothing until you approve the repair scope and pricing. If you decline the repair, you only pay a small inspection fee ($150-300) which is waived if you proceed with repairs.
Repair vs. Replace: Making the Right Decision
Not every pump should be repaired. We provide honest recommendations:
When Repair Makes Sense:
- Cost: Repair costs 30-50% of replacement cost
- Quality Pump: Well-built pump from reputable manufacturer
- Proper Size: Pump is correctly sized for application
- Parts Available: Repair parts readily available at reasonable cost
- Not Obsolete: Technology still current and efficient
- Quick Turnaround: Repair can be completed in reasonable timeframe
When Replacement May Be Better:
- Repair Cost High: Repair exceeds 60-70% of new pump cost
- Multiple Failures: Pump has failed repeatedly with expensive repairs
- Obsolete Technology: Newer pumps offer significant efficiency gains
- Wrong Size: Pump is significantly oversized or undersized
- Parts Unavailable: Manufacturer out of business, parts scarce or very expensive
- Severe Damage: Casing cracked beyond repair, major component failures
💰 Case Study: Municipal Water Treatment Plant
The Problem
Equipment: 150 HP vertical turbine pump, raw water service
Failure: Severe vibration, noise, reduced flow. Bowl bearings damaged, lineshaft worn, impellers eroded.
Downtime Impact: Critical pump for water supply - rental pump required at $800/day
Our Solution
Repairs Performed:
- Replaced all 6 bowl bearings
- New lineshaft and couplings
- Rebuilt/balanced 4 impellers
- Machined bowl wear rings
- New discharge head bearing
- Complete performance test
Results
Repair Cost: $22,500 (parts & labor)
New Pump Cost: $68,000
Money Saved: $45,500 (67% savings)
Performance: Restored to 92% efficiency (like-new)
Turnaround: 14 days including testing
Additional Benefits
Extended Life: Rebuilt pump expected to run 10-15 more years
Improved Reliability: Root cause analysis prevented future failures
Budget Relief: Unplanned $68K capital expense avoided
Warranty & Guarantees
1-Year Parts & Labor Warranty
Covers:
- All repair workmanship
- Parts we supplied
- Failure of repaired components
- Performance not meeting specifications
We will: Return to facility, diagnose issue, make corrections at no charge for labor or materials related to our repair work.
Lifetime Craftsmanship Guarantee
We guarantee:
- Quality workmanship for life of pump
- Proper procedures followed
- Correct parts and materials used
- Proper clearances and specifications
If our workmanship fails: We'll make it right, even after warranty period.