When Pumps Fail: Essential Steps to Avoid Downtime and Costly Repairs

This year, we’ve highlighted the importance of optimising pump systems, investing in innovative technology, and maintaining a robust preventative maintenance plan. But sometimes, despite best efforts, system failure is inevitable. So, what do you do when your pump system fails unexpectedly, and downtime simply isn’t an option?

The Importance of Reliable Repairs

When a pump fails, fast action is crucial. We know that clients want their systems fixed quickly and efficiently. At deckpro pumps, we not only focus on fast repairs but also on identifying and addressing the root cause to prevent future issues.

It can be tempting to rely on a quick fix or let a backup pump keep things running, especially when budgets are tight and you have a portfolio of assets or sites that need managing. But what happens when that backup pump fails too, or the temporary fix doesn’t hold up? Delaying proper repairs can lead to:

Further mechanical damage to the system, resulting in more costly repairs.
Water damage that can extend to other areas of your building.
In the worst-case scenario, the pump may become irreparable, requiring a full replacement, which is far more expensive than addressing the issue early on.

It's essential to choose a supplier who is responsive, well-stocked with parts, and able to mobilise engineers quickly.

A Checklist for Choosing a Pump Repair Partner

When selecting a supplier for reactive pump repairs, consider the following:

Speed of Response: How quickly can they attend to your site?
Comprehensive Diagnosis: Do they investigate the root cause, or just offer a temporary fix?
Parts Availability: Do they have the necessary parts on hand, or will you face delays waiting for shipments?
Clear Communication: Are they transparent about the repairs needed and the solutions available?
Tailored Solutions: Will they provide multiple options for repairs based on your specific needs?

Our team responds quickly, takes the time to thoroughly investigate the issue, and works together to find long-term solutions to help prevent future problems. To give an example of this, at Copleston High School our client was facing issues with a heating circulation pump that was constantly tripping. To our knowledge, the pump installers were unable to remedy the issue at the time and left the school with a single point of failure. The pump manufacturer advised the client to contact deckpro and within just a few days we resolved the issue and had provided an advisory video on how to run the pump going forward.

Practical Guidance: How to Approach Reactive Pump Repairs

Reactive repairs often involve replacing or modifying parts, but challenges like removing faulty pumps or sourcing components can complicate the process. This is where companies with extensive experience and specialist industry knowledge (like deckpro) are crucial, especially compared to less experienced or budget suppliers.

Our five-step reactive repair process:

Attend Site: Identify the problem.
Assess Urgency: Determine how critical the issue is.
Initial Fix: Aim for a first-time fix or provide a temporary solution to keep operations running.
Operations Consultation: Deliver a report detailing any necessary remedial work or long-term solutions.
Ongoing Support: Provide multiple options to prevent future breakdowns.

We also offer a complimentary tagging service for the fastest response times when breakdowns occur. And with our 24/7 helpline (020 3026 3650), we’re always available when you need us.

Case Study: Charing Cross Hospital

Our client at Charing Cross Hospital was dealing with persistent leaks from their pump station, forcing their team to rely on a wet vac for constant cleanups. Frustrated by the ongoing issue, they reached out to deckpro for help.

Within just a few hours of arriving on-site, our engineers got the smaller sump system – the source of the leaks – back up and running, eliminating the need for further manual cleanups. We also provided a quote for remedial work to fix the leaks and ensure the site was fully compliant once again. The client remarked, 'This is why we should be using deckpro.'

Five Tips to Stay Ahead of Pump Failure

Know the Warning Signs: Look for noisy or leaking pumps, which often signal bigger issues ahead.
Act Quickly: Small issues can escalate. Addressing them early prevents more expensive, prolonged repairs.
Regular Inspections: Schedule routine checks to ensure your pumps are functioning efficiently.
Have a Backup Plan: Ensure backup pumps are operational and ready to kick in if needed.
Build Strong Relationships with Suppliers: Reliable suppliers who know your systems can save precious time in emergencies.

For more detailed tips on avoiding pump failures, read our full article here.

About deckpro pumps

At deckpro, we pride ourselves on being highly responsive. Not only do we act quickly, but our team is also creative and knowledgeable, driven by a solution-oriented mindset. In urgent situations, you can trust that we’ll get your site back up and running—whether that’s with a temporary fix or a long-term solution.

When emergencies strike, we’re here to relieve the pressure. Get in touch with us today to find out more.