I have a waterfall I built in the back yard, and my pump packed it in. it was a kal pump. I basically used it one and a half summers and it sounds like the bearings are going.they won't do anything for me, so I asked them if I'm suppose to buy a new pump every two summers for 360.00, (sorry for the rant) does anyone have a good recommendation for a pond pump that last more than 6 months of use. I need one that pumps 5500 gallons an hour. I heard the way to go is a magnetic pump, but they don't seem to pump that much volume.

 

Nothing takes out pump motor bearings faster than a leaking pump shaft seal, and most I have seen do not have a slinger plate on the shaft between the pump and motor to keep any leaking water away from the motor.
In a system where the pump runs a long time, standard ceramic shaft seals WILL wear out and need vigilant service / replacement. Magnet coupled pumps eliminate this issue, but are expensive for an application of that volume.

2 styles of pumps I am familiar with will do your job. Goulds make an IrriGator brand that I have used successfully on a larger volume home sprinkler system application. Although not designed as a well lift/pressure pump, in my case it provides suitable volume for the lift/volume/pressure I need and is easily serviced.
Another pump type you may want to look into is a Spa pump. They are designed for large flow rates and most have 2 speed motors.
Any quality pump with 1 1/2 to 2 inch inlets/outlets should work for your application. Both of the above fit this bill. Do NOT go for a jet style pump as it is not designed for volume applications, but good for lift and pressure specifications.
Something you might install in the system (if you do not already have it) to extend pump life would be a timer to shut the system down for periods of time. This would conserve energy and extend seal life. Using a 2 speed pump, and using a multi cycle would do the same but give a lower water flow during off peak times.

There may be better shaft seals available also, so look into that aspect.
Before jumping off and buying a new pump, see if you can rebuild yours. Most I have seen can have bearings replaces quite easily by dis-assembling the motor. If you cannot or do not want to service it yourself, locate a water well service company in your area and let them give you an estimate.

Good luck
Dialtone

 

I think you could add a back flow preventer also to take some of the strain off the pump.

 

can the bearings be changed in all pumps? or are some a sealed unit. I'm wondering if a shop could install new bearings in mine. How much should you pay for a good quaility pump. maybe I didn't pay enough?

 

Maybe Try a specialty whirlpool bath tub store.

Those pumps are designed to last a while.

 

All common pump motors I have seen are serviceable, meaning the bearings can be changed out. Generally 4 long bolts hold the end plates together. Only a real jerk manufacturer would weld the end caps to the motor body. (I have seen this on some fan motors though)
Also, in most cases, the pump shaft seals are replaceable.

To disassemble most units, start by removing the front half of the pump body. Once removed, hold the shaft between the motor and pump with vise grips, pipe wrench or whatever, and unscrew the impeller from the shaft. (Generally a left hand thread). Remove the seal spring and front seal half from the shaft (slip them off). Next, un-bolt the pump housing back half from the motor and remove it.
To open the motor, remove the back end electrics cover plate. Locate the bolts and remove all. Pull the plates off both ends of the armature shaft. If the front of shaft is crusty/rusty, you may need to dress it up a bit with sandpaper and lube. Take the old bearings to any full service automotive supply and they should be able to supply a suitable replacement.
Common standard pump seal kits can generally be found at most hardware stores (old fashioned full line stores) and even some auto parts / industrial supply stores.

On re-assembly, the key to a good shaft seal is to insure the seal is installed SQUARELY in the housing, and fully seated. Not doing so causes the seal faces to run out of true and puts uneven pressure on the carbon /ceramic face intersection. If so, One of two things will result in premature seal failure and leaking.
1. The carbon seal face will wear at an angle other than 90 degrees to the shaft
2. The ceramic seal disc will crack.

If done right, you should get several years of service from a pump before a seal wears out. If it leaks in the first year of service, most likely the seal was not installed properly, and you will see one of the 2 above when you remove it.

 

maybe try a pool filter pump?

 

I have had a well pump on my waterfall for about 15 years. It was a takeout when pressurized water was put in. What the cabin had was a 1" line dropped into a nearby stream. There was a screened foot valve on the stream end, ran to a tank inside the cabin. The pump was located next to the holding tank.

The people said to just get the stuff out. When the original pump went out on the waterfall, I put the well pump on and it's been running ever since. The only trouble is at the beginning of the season it's sometimes difficult to get the pump primed.

Other than that, I would also suggest a spa type pump. The primary pump is generally a 2 speed, secondary is a single speed. My spa is 13 years old and never had a pump change.........so far!!! Spa pumps also have readily available seals, gaskets, impellers and housings at a decent price.

 

does a pool pump or spa pump move the volume of water I need(5500 per hr) actually cause the pump has to lift the water about 4' it drops to about 5100 per hr. I had to get fancy and build my water fall with three falls in it, so now I need that kind of volume to make it flow nice

 

Where is your pump located? Yes A pool pump will work for the volume you need.
Just remember, it is easier to push water, than pull.

 

Seems like Dialtone has great information for you. Any electric motor shop can replace the bearings for you. The bearings are the 'screeching' sound that you hear coming from the pump. The only issue would be degradation of the motor shaft from water damage, a leaking shaft seal.


I used to replace pool pump motor bearings for $50 bucks in the 90's. That was at a retail pool supply store and electric motor shops always charged less than we did! Shaft seals are about $10.

 

I know nothing about waterfall pumps but would a submersible sump pump work?

 

the pump is in the pond, and push the water up about 3-1/2 to 4' to the top of the waterfall

 

A pool pump wouldn't work then, unless you felt like running some more piping. We have a ITT Flygt sumbmersible pump around our boatdock to help clear leaves and weeds away from the dock. One year it sat in the reservour completely frozen during winter, and it spun right up in the spring.

 

91 gpm is pretty hefty - that's gotta cost a bundle in energy to have that pretty waterfall. There are industrial pumps that will last years running 24/7 in far worse conditions. Wilfley makes good ones, but you won't like the price. Even the cheapest submersible we use is $8 grand, and that'll only do 60 gpm (but at a much higher pressure).