Maintenance Tips for Vertical Openwell Submersible Pumps
A Vertical Openwell Submersible Pump is one of the most important pieces of equipment on a farm or in a home water system. It works hard every day — pulling water from open wells, canals, tanks, and reservoirs to keep crops alive, homes supplied, and businesses running.
But like any machine, a submersible pump also needs proper care. If you look after your pump well, it will serve you for many years without any big problems. If you ignore small issues, they can turn into costly repairs or even a full pump breakdown — at the worst possible time.
In this blog, we share simple and practical maintenance tips for your Vertical Openwell Submersible Pump. These tips are easy to follow, even if you are not a technical expert. Whether you use an Orbit pump or any other brand, these steps will help you keep your pump in top condition.
Why Regular Maintenance is Important
Many farmers and homeowners make the mistake of only thinking about their pump when something goes wrong. By that time, the damage is already done. Regular maintenance helps you:
Catch small problems before they become big ones
Keep the pump running efficiently and save electricity
Extend the life of the pump by many extra years
Avoid sudden breakdowns during important irrigation seasons
Save money on expensive repair or replacement costs
A well-maintained Orbit Vertical Openwell Submersible Pump — built with cast iron body, stainless steel shaft, water-lubricated bearings, and anti-corrosive epoxy coating — can deliver years of smooth, reliable service. But even the best-built pump needs a little care from time to time.
Top Maintenance Tips for Vertical Openwell Submersible Pumps
01 Check the Water Level in the Well Before Starting the Pump
This is the most basic but most important tip. Never run your submersible pump when the water level in the well is too low or the well is dry. Running the pump without enough water — called "dry running" — is one of the fastest ways to damage the motor.
The Orbit Vertical Openwell Submersible Pump uses a water-cooled motor (IP58 rated). The water around the pump keeps the motor cool while it works. If there is no water, the motor overheats and can get permanently damaged.
Always check the water level before switching on the pump
If the well is low during summer, reduce pumping hours
Consider installing a dry-run protection device for automatic safety
02 Inspect the Delivery Pipe and Fittings Regularly
The delivery pipe carries water from the pump up to the surface. Over time, pipes can develop small cracks, loose joints, or blockages. These problems reduce water output and put extra stress on the pump motor.
Check all pipe joints for leaks every month
Look for any visible cracks or damage in the pipe
Make sure there are no kinks or blockages in the pipe
Tighten any loose fittings with the right tools
A leaking pipe means the pump has to work harder to deliver the same amount of water. This wastes electricity and wears out the pump faster.
03 Monitor the Electrical Connections and Cables
Electrical problems are one of the most common causes of pump damage in India. Water, moisture, rodents, and poor-quality wiring can all cause electrical failures that damage the pump motor.
Inspect the power cable running into the pump for any cuts or damage
Check that all electrical connections are tight and free from corrosion
Make sure the cable is not pinched or bent at sharp angles inside the well
Use a proper waterproof cable gland where the cable enters the pump
Ensure the cable length is sufficient — do not use very short or overly joined cables
The Orbit pump uses PVC and polyester insulated copper winding for the motor, which provides good electrical protection. But the external cable and connections still need regular inspection.
04 Check Voltage and Power Supply Before Starting
Low voltage is a very common problem in rural India, and it is a major cause of pump motor burnouts. The Orbit Vertical Openwell Submersible Pump is designed to handle wide voltage fluctuations, but it still operates best within its rated voltage range.
Use a voltmeter to check the voltage at the pump panel before starting
If voltage is very low, wait until it improves before running the pump
Install a voltage stabilizer or motor protector for extra safety
Avoid running the pump during peak load hours when voltage drops severely
A motor protector is a small investment that can save you from a very expensive motor rewinding or replacement.
05 Lift the Pump Out for Inspection Once a Year
Even if the pump seems to be working well, it is a good idea to pull it out of the well once a year for a proper physical inspection. This allows you to check parts that you cannot see when the pump is submerged.
Check the impeller for any wear, damage, or blockage from sand or debris
Inspect the pump body and casing for any signs of rust or corrosion — the epoxy coating should be intact
Look at the bearings for any signs of unusual wear
Check the shaft for any bending or damage
Clean any dirt, algae, or mineral deposits from the pump body
If you notice any damaged parts during this inspection, replace them before putting the pump back into service. Catching a worn impeller or damaged bearing early is much cheaper than waiting for the pump to fully break down.
06 Keep the Well Clean and Free from Debris
The condition of your well directly affects the life of your pump. If the well has a lot of sand, mud, silt, or floating debris, these particles can get pulled into the pump along with water. Over time, they scratch the impeller, wear out the bearings, and reduce pump efficiency.
Do not allow garbage or chemicals to fall into the well
Cover the well with a proper lid when the pump is not in use
If the well has excess sand or silt at the bottom, get it cleaned periodically
Install a strainer or filter at the pump inlet to block large particles
07 Watch for Warning Signs and Act Quickly
Your pump will often give you warning signs before it breaks down completely. Learning to recognise these signs early can save you from a major repair bill.
Reduced water flow — could mean a worn impeller, blocked pipe, or low water level
Unusual noises like rattling or humming — could mean bearing problems or foreign objects in the pump
Motor tripping frequently — could mean voltage issues, overloading, or motor winding problems
Vibration from the pump or pipe — could mean unbalanced rotating parts or loose fittings
Increase in electricity consumption — could mean the pump is working harder than it should
If you notice any of these signs, switch off the pump and get it inspected by a qualified technician. Do not continue running a pump that is showing warning signs, as it will make the damage worse.
08 Service the Pump After Every Irrigation Season
In India, pumps are often used very heavily during the kharif and rabi irrigation seasons. After each season ends, it is the perfect time to do a proper service of the pump before storing or reducing its use.
Have a technician check the motor winding resistance
Test the insulation of the motor winding with a megger (insulation tester)
Lubricate any above-ground mechanical parts if applicable
Check and tighten all electrical connections
If the pump is not going to be used for a long time, run it for a few minutes every two weeks to prevent seizing
A Note About Orbit Vertical Openwell Submersible Pumps
Orbit Submersible Pumps & Motors, manufactured by Vishvakarma Engineering Works in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, builds their vertical openwell pumps with features that naturally reduce maintenance needs:
Dynamically balanced rotor — reduces vibration and extends bearing life
Vacuum impregnated and epoxy coated stator and rotor — protects against moisture and corrosion
Heavy-duty sleeve and thrust bearings — designed for long-lasting smooth operation
Every pump is fully tested before dispatch — so it arrives in perfect working condition
Even with all these built-in protections, following the maintenance tips above will ensure your Orbit pump gives you the longest possible service life.
For service, spare parts, or technical support, contact Orbit Submersible Pumps at +91 97144 63329 or email [email protected].
Conclusion
Taking care of your Vertical Openwell Submersible Pump does not require a lot of time or money. Simple steps like checking the water level, inspecting pipes and cables, monitoring voltage, and doing a yearly physical inspection can make a huge difference in how long your pump lasts.
Think of your pump like a vehicle. If you service it regularly, it runs smoothly for many years. If you ignore it, small issues turn into big breakdowns — usually at the most inconvenient times, like the peak of the farming season.
A well-maintained pump means consistent water supply, lower electricity bills, fewer repairs, and peace of mind. Whether you are using your pump for agriculture, home water supply, or any other purpose, give it the care it deserves.
For more information about Orbit Vertical Openwell Submersible Pumps, visit orbitsubmersiblepump.com or call +91 97144 63329.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How often should I service my Vertical Openwell Submersible Pump?
You should do a basic check every month — inspecting pipes, cables, and water levels. A proper physical inspection and service should be done at least once a year, ideally after the peak irrigation season ends.
Q2. What happens if I run the submersible pump without enough water in the well?
Running the pump dry — without enough water — causes the motor to overheat because it depends on surrounding water for cooling. This can permanently damage the motor winding. Always check the water level before starting the pump.
Q3. How can I protect my pump from low voltage damage?
Check the voltage with a voltmeter before starting the pump. If voltage is too low, wait for it to improve. You can also install a voltage stabilizer or motor protection relay to automatically protect the pump from low or high voltage situations.
Q4. What are the signs that my submersible pump needs maintenance?
Common warning signs include reduced water flow, unusual noises (rattling or humming), the motor tripping frequently, vibration in the pump or pipes, and an unexplained increase in electricity consumption. If you notice any of these, get the pump inspected immediately.
Q5. Can sand and silt in the well damage the pump?
Yes. Sand, silt, and debris can enter the pump along with water and scratch the impeller, wear out the bearings, and reduce efficiency over time. Keep the well clean, cover it when not in use, and consider installing a strainer at the pump inlet.
Q6. How do I know if the pump cable is damaged?
Visually inspect the cable from the control panel down to where it enters the well. Look for cuts, cracks, burns, or signs of rodent damage. Also check all connection points for corrosion or looseness. A damaged cable should be replaced immediately to prevent electrical faults.
Q7. How often should I pull the pump out of the well for physical inspection?
It is good practice to pull the pump out for a full physical inspection at least once a year. This lets you check the impeller, casing, shaft, bearings, and epoxy coating for any wear or damage that cannot be seen while the pump is submerged.
Q8. What should I do if my pump stops working suddenly?
First, check the power supply and fuse. Then check the water level in the well. If both are fine, the problem could be with the motor winding, impeller, or electrical connections. Call a qualified pump technician for diagnosis and do not try to fix motor issues yourself.
Q9. Is it necessary to service the pump even if it is working fine?
Yes. Many pump problems develop slowly and are not obvious until the pump fails. Preventive maintenance catches small issues — like slight impeller wear or a loose cable connection — before they cause a major breakdown. It is always better to prevent than to repair.
Q10. Where can I get service or spare parts for my Orbit Vertical Openwell Submersible Pump?
You can contact Orbit Submersible Pumps & Motors directly for service support and genuine spare parts. Call +91 97144 63329 or +91 99984 07644, email [email protected], or visit orbitsubmersiblepump.com.