Walchem® Metering Pump Maintenance Guide

You wanted to invest in quality, which is why you choose a Walchem® chemical metering pump for your water treatment application. Going with a trusted brand is a great start, but other factors are involved in getting the best performance and longevity from your pump.  
Understanding your application requirements and the limitations of the pump model you choose can prevent common issues and costly downtime. Remember, the better you treat your pump, the more life you’ll get out of it.

Prevent Damage from Environmental and Operating Conditions

Metering pumps are made for continuous operation, but they’re still susceptible to breakdown from being overworked. This includes not only overworking the motor but causing tubing leaks and ruptures by operating your pump at incompatible pressure and flow rates. Even the pump housing is susceptible to damage if not cared for properly.  

• Only pump substances that are chemically compatible with your pump material.

• Operate your metering pump within the rated voltage to prevent motor burnout and fire hazards.

• High pressure can tear or rupture the tubing. Never run your metering pump at a higher pressure than the tubing can handle.

• Protect your pump from vibration, environmental elements, and extreme heat/cold.

• Mount your pump near an electrical outlet in an area that is clean, dry, and away from direct sunlight.

• Only install pumps in areas that fall within the manufacturer’s recommended temperature and humidity range.

Walchem® metering pumps come in several models, each with varying maximum discharge capacities. These capacities are rated with clean water, so remember to make adjustments if your application involves slurries or high viscosity chemicals. Also, choose tubing that is compatible with your pumping substance and pressure requirements.

How to Maintain Your Chemical Metering Pump

Your manual has model-specific details for chemical metering pump maintenance, but we will cover some of the basics below. Also make sure you use genuine Walchem® replacement parts for optimal performance and to protect the 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Step 1: Consult Your Pump Manual

Always reference your manual before performing any repairs or buying replacement parts. Intended as a how-to metering pump guide, your manual has important information like part numbers, operating guidelines, and useful diagrams. You’ll also find instructions for setup, installation, operation, and disassembly.
Parts that might require replacement during routing pump maintenance include:

Diaphragm Valve Balls Valve Seat

Valve Seals Gaskets Tubing +

Step 2: Establish a Maintenance Schedule

Performing regular maintenance is critical due to the high-performance demands of chemical metering pumps. This includes visually inspecting the pump housing and all internal components for signs of wear. Visual inspections should be performed weekly at a minimum. Remember, safety first! Always disconnect the electrical supply before opening the housing or removing any components.

• Check Diaphragms, Valves, and Mechanical Parts: The diaphragm is a critical metering pump component. Any signs of wear should trigger immediate replacement to prevent pump failure.  Valves should also be inspected and replaced if worn or damaged.
• Inspect Tubing and Connections: Check your tubing regularly for cracks, splits, and loose connections, both of which can cause wasteful and potentially dangerous chemical leaks. Always make sure the tubing you use is chemically compatible with your metering application. Some operations might also require UV-resistant tubing.
• Calibrate Your Pump: Regularly calibrating your pump is essential to maintain accurate, repeatable dosing.

Keep pump downtime at a minimum by stocking a few spare part kits in your facility. That way, you’re ready to replace components as needed and don’t have to worry about waiting for parts to arrive.

We Have All the Pump Parts You Need

Maverick Pumps stocks the controllers, accessories and parts you need for metering pump operation and maintenance. Need help finding parts online? All we need is your model number to help you find the right repair kit for your chemical metering pump.
Looking for help with your pump repairs? We also offer in-house repair services and calibration for all Walchem® pump models.  Our experienced team is always here to help and will be upfront about repair costs. You never have to worry about hidden repair costs or other surprises. 
Send us a quick message or give us a call, and we’ll get back to you right away.