Debate: Should we run pumps dry to clear lines or always keep them wet?

Old timer at the Port of Baton Rouge last month swore by running pumps dry for 30 seconds to clear clogs. I've always kept them submerged to avoid seal damage. Which side do you land on and why?

3 comments

3 Comments

dianaanderson6d ago

I worked on a irrigation pump for years at my uncle's farm in Mississippi and always kept it submerged. One time we had a dry spell and tried running it dry for about 20 seconds to clear some debris, and it started making this awful grinding noise. Cost us $400 for a new seal kit after that. Since then I just pull the intake screen and clean it manually, even if it takes a little longer.

murphy.abby6d ago

Oh yeah, I totally agree! I actually had a pump blow a seal last year after we tried running it dry for just a few seconds. Keeping them wet has saved me a ton of headache and money on repairs since then.

the_lee6d ago

Whoa, @murphy.abby you hit the nail on the head with that one - I've noticed the same thing with lawn mower engines and even my old truck. Seems like people always want to push things to the limit instead of just keeping them well maintained, which always ends up costing more in the long run. It's like that old saying about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure really applies here.