How to troubleshoot a misting system

To trace and correct faults in any mechanical system is no easy task, but as with outdoor misting system this is may not be the case and in some cases it may be. However, chances are there for the problem appears to be simple, so always look out for the obvious things first. The mechanism of a misting system is simple, comprised of tubing and pipes through which water is delivered by compressed air to form a mist, most malfunctions show up because of a blocked nozzle or tube, in some cases it might be because of the fault of the electrical system. Listed below are some of the common issues that you may be experiencing with your outdoor misting system and its troubleshooting techniques.

When the pump doesn't turn on, check

If the on/off switch is turned on
If whether there is power at the on/off switch connections on the pump
The outlet for power and proper voltage together with if it is plugged into a standard voltage outlet; also check the hard wired unit.
If all wirings are properly connected and is the wiring in the pressure switch is properly connected.
If the pressure switch setting is whether unfastened, if so fasten it. There will be a reduction in the required pressure in closed contact and operation of the pump if the set's nut on the pressure switch is loosened.
If there is sufficient pressure in the line close to the connector; as with the low pressure safety switch, this might be a concern.

When the pump turns on and you experience trips the breaker

Check the amp draw, especially at the breaker and pump; however, make sure that the unit is turned on.
Check if the wires are melted and look out for signs of electrical arcs in the motor junction box
Check for the breaker size, it must be 1.5 times the full load Amp draw of the system. In case, if you find it to be faulty, without any ado replace it.
Make sure that the system is connected to an individual circuit. The unit without a dedicated circuit may draw more current than the circuit can knob which results in multiple problems like tripping breakers, blowing fuses, together with overheating wire insulation which leads to breakdown and possibility of electrical fires.
Is a power extender used for the pump to bring electric power? If yes, then breaker tripping may be because if an over amp condition, having said that, as with extension cords, you will also have to check for wire size and length, if it doesn't meet its requirement, then there are chances for melting of wire that may cause an over amp condition and trip the breaker.
Check for the whole electrical connections in the unit for shorts; seizing of a motor or pump will also cause tripping of breakers or tripping of a thermal overload in the motor.
If it's a potential difference unit, disconnect the power, turn off the water and check for seizing. You can check if the pump is seized by rotating the pulleys by hand, if it doesn't revolve then the pump or the water may be seized. In order to come to a conclusion on what is seized, whether the pump or the motor, do away with the pulley belt and see if they can be turned by hand, if it doesn't turn then they need a replacement.
Check for signs of crankcase failures, i.e., look out for oil in the pump, water in the oil and also check if there are metal shavings in the oil.
The motor should be replaced if it doesn't turn on freely or seized.

When the pump leaks water:

Inspect all hoses and fittings and figure out where the water is exactly coming from and replace the part causing this water seepage issue.
Do a thorough check with all the internal parts like the pump seals, the pistons and also check the pump crankcase if there is water in the oil.

When the motor leaks oil:

Determine where the oil is coming leaking from. Worn crank seals, crankcase cover seal or drain plug are the probable cause of oil leaks. In this case, replace the seals. In addition, check for the oil drain plug and make sure they are secured.
Depending upon the severity of the pump damage, sometimes you will have to replace the pump oil seals or the entire pump.
In some cases, you will have to replace or restructure the pump, mainly when you see if water has leaked into the covering enclosing a crankshaft forcing oil out all the way through the dipstick opening. This means that there is a low pressure water seal failure.

Following these simple rules will help save time and trouble. If you still experience problems with your misting system, then without any further delay, call the experts and get the issue fixed.