Welcome To MASTRA PUMP
You are here: Home / Technology / Industry News / How To Check A Submersible Pump Motor?

How To Check A Submersible Pump Motor?

Views: 5     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-06-23      Origin: Site

Submersible pump motors are essential for water supply in residential, industrial, and agricultural systems. Since these motors are submerged in fluids during operation, regular checks are vital to ensure they remain efficient and functional. If you're wondering how to test your submersible pump motor for potential issues, this guide will walk you through every step needed to pinpoint problems and maintain optimal performance.  


By the end of this blog, you'll know exactly how to inspect your submersible pump motor and take measures to prevent costly repairs or replacements.


What is a Submersible Pump Motor?  

Before jumping into the inspection process, it’s important to understand what a submersible motor is. A submersible pump motor powers the pump that moves fluids, such as water, from a submerged location like a well or tank to an external system for use.  


These motors are designed to work underwater, ensuring efficient cooling and eliminating air interference. Whether you're using it for irrigation, industrial processing, or a domestic water table system, ensuring the motor runs smoothly is non-negotiable.  


Why Regular Motor Checks Are Important  

Submersible pump motors are subject to wear and tear due to constant exposure to water and other environmental factors. Here’s why regular checks are crucial:


● Prevent Malfunctions: Early detection of issues minimizes downtime, ensuring continuous system operation.  

Extend Motor Lifespan: Regular maintenance can considerably increase the lifespan of your motor.  

Reduce Energy Costs: Faulty motors are less efficient and consume more power, driving up your utility bills.  

Save on Repairs: Identifying and fixing small issues early prevents extensive (and costly) damage later on.


Step-by-Step Guide to Check a Submersible Pump Motor  

1. Inspect the Power Supply  

The first step in troubleshooting is inspecting the motor’s power source.  

Check Voltage: Using a multimeter, verify that the voltage supplied matches the motor’s specifications. Incorrect voltage can affect performance or damage the motor.  

Inspect Connections: Ensure all electrical connections, including wiring and terminal blocks, are secure and free of corrosion.  

Test the Circuit Breaker: Make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped due to electrical faults.


2. Test Motor Insulation  

The insulation in the motor ensures it operates safely underwater. A breakdown in insulation can lead to short circuits or electric shocks.  


Use a megohmmeter (insulation tester) to measure the resistance of the motor windings to ground.  

The values should align with the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you notice low reading values, the insulation may need attention or replacement.  


3. Check the Motor Windings  

The motor winding is crucial for converting electrical energy into mechanical motion. Faulty windings can cause motor failure.  

Employ an ohmmeter to test continuity and measure the winding resistance.  

Uneven readings between different windings could indicate internal damage or imbalances.  


4. Examine Thermal Protection  

Many submersible motors have built-in thermal protection systems. If the motor shuts off frequently, the thermal overload protector may be malfunctioning.  

Inspect sensors and thermal protection circuits to ensure they are working correctly.  

Replace faulty components to prevent overheating.  


Submersible Pump Motor


5. Evaluate Liquid Levels  

A submersible pump motor relies on being fully submerged for effective operation, as this prevents overheating.  

Check the liquid levels in the well, tank, or reservoir. Insufficient levels can expose the motor and lead to premature wear.  

If necessary, install a level sensor to automate level monitoring.  


6. Monitor Noise and Vibrations  

Strange noises or excessive vibrations can indicate mechanical issues, such as worn-out bearings or misaligned parts.  

Listen for unusual sounds during operation. Loud humming, grinding, or knocking noises are red flags.  

Excessive vibrations might signal loose components or unbalanced impellers.  


7. Inspect Pump Efficiency  

The efficiency of the pump directly relates to the motor’s health.  

Measure flow rate and pressure. If either falls below the motor's specifications, there may be clogging, impeller damage, or motor performance issues.  

Clean filters, and ensure that there are no blockages in the pipeline or pump.  


8. Review Maintenance History  

Assess any past maintenance records for recurring issues. If specific problems keep cropping up, they likely require deeper investigation or permanent fixes.  


Maintenance Tips for Submersible Pump Motors  

These tips can help you optimize performance while minimizing wear and tear:


1.Clean Debris Regularly: Keep the motor and surrounding area free of debris to avoid clogging and overheating.  

2.Lubricate Moving Parts: Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for lubrication schedules to reduce friction and wear.  

3.Store Spare Parts: Always have replacement parts like seals, impellers, and bearings on hand to avoid prolonged downtime during repairs.  

4.Schedule Professional Servicing: While regular DIY checks are important, annual professional servicing ensures a thorough inspection and maintenance routine.  


Common Signs Your Submersible Motor Needs Attention  

Noticing these signs? It’s time to check your motor.  


Decreased water flow or pressure  

Frequent circuit breaker trips  

Unusual noise or excessive vibrations  

Increased energy bills  

Motor overheating or shutting off  


If any of these occur, inspect the motor following the steps above or consult a technician.  


Final Word: Keep Your Motor Running  

A well-maintained submersible pump motor is the heart of an efficient fluid supply system. By performing regular checks and following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll ensure that your motor provides reliable service for years to come.  


Want to ensure top-tier efficiency? Bookmark this guide or share it with your team to keep your submersible pump motor running smoothly.  

Submersible Pump Motor

Submersible Motor

submersible water pump motor

We use cookies to enable all functionalities for best performance during your visit and to improve our services by giving us some insight into how the website is being used. Continued use of our website without having changed your browser settings confirms your acceptance of these cookies. For details please see our privacy policy.
×