“Run Dry” does not necessarily mean that your pond or waterfall had no water in it. It can also mean that the pump – wherever it sits - was deprived of water for a period of time. Below are some examples of how the components of some of the AquaSurge, SLD & AquaForce pumps can be affected if they are deprived of water.
- Low water level – Insufficient water in a pond, skimmer, Pondless® Waterfall Vault, or intake bay
- Blocked water flow – Water movement to the pump is restricted by build up on the intake of the pump, skimmer baskets full of leaves or debris, and filter mats that are clogged and need cleaning.
Preventive Measures
- Perform regular maintenance to ensure unrestricted water flow.
- Empty skimmer baskets and clean filter mats, especially during heavy debris seasons.
- Inspect the pump’s protective cage or intake regularly to ensure it remains free of leaves and debris, allowing proper circulation through the pump.
- Maintain proper water levels in ponds, underground basins, and intake bays. Consider adding an automatic water fill valve if you find it difficult to maintain the proper water level manually.
- Do not wait until you hear the pump gurgling or see reduced water flow to add water or perform maintenance. Hearing the pump gurgle or make unusual noise indicates it is already at risk of operating under low water flow conditions.
Signs of insufficient water to a pump
Internal ceramic bearings and plastic bearing housing can become distorted or dislodged from exposure to high temperatures.
Not all Aquascape products are available in every country. Availability may vary due to regional requirements, local regulations, and other market-specific conditions. In some cases, products may be marketed under different names based on imperial or metric measurements, or due to country-specific product naming regulations and labeling requirements.
To determine which products are available in your region, please visit the product pages specific to your country on the Aquascape site.