When a pump or motor fails, the first question is always "can it be fixed, and is it worth it?" Here's exactly what happens when your equipment comes through our shop – and why we test it twice.
In this guide
1. Check-in and identification
We record the nameplate data – make, model, serial number, horsepower, voltage, frame and, for pumps, the size and impeller diameter – along with what you saw happen: tripping, noise, leaking, overheating or not starting. That information shapes every test that follows.
2. Incoming electrical tests (motors)
Before anything is taken apart, the motor is tested so we know its true condition:
- Line-to-line resistance – checks that all three windings are balanced. An imbalance points to shorted turns or a bad connection.
- Insulation resistance (megohm test) – measures how well the windings are insulated from the frame. Low readings mean moisture, contamination or breakdown.
- Hi-pot test – applies a higher test voltage for a set time to confirm the insulation can withstand stress. Recorded as pass or fail.
3. Teardown and inspection
Next we open it up and look at the parts that actually wear:
- Bearings and bearing housings – including signs of the bearing spinning in its housing, which means the housing needs repair, not just new bearings.
- Laminations and rotor – rubs, hot spots or damaged bars.
- Pump end – impeller, wear rings, shaft, shaft sleeve and mechanical seal faces for wear, erosion, cavitation damage or corrosion.
- Missing or damaged parts – noted so we can quote the full job up front.
4. Quote and approval
You get a clear quote with what's wrong and what it takes to fix it – and, if the repair doesn't make sense, an honest recommendation to replace instead. No work starts until you've approved the price.
5. Repair
Typical repairs include new bearings, mechanical seals, wear rings and gaskets, shaft or sleeve replacement, and genuine Bell & Gossett or Armstrong parts where available.
6. Outgoing tests
Before it leaves, the motor is tested again – resistance, megohm and hi-pot – and run with no load while we record the voltage and amp draw on each phase. Balanced amps confirm the motor is healthy and correctly assembled. The results go on your inspection report.
From the shop: Send us the failure symptoms with the equipment. "Tripped the breaker on start-up" or "screeching for two weeks before it stopped" tells us where to look first and often speeds up the diagnosis.
FAQ
Should I repair or replace my pump?
It depends on age, parts availability and the cost of downtime – see our guide Repair or replace?.
Do you work on brands other than B&G and Armstrong?
Yes, Contact us with the nameplate details and we'll let you know.
What information should I send?
A photo of the motor and pump nameplates, a description of the problem, and how long it's been in service.
Related reading
Need a pump or motor looked at?
Bring it in or send us the nameplate details – we supply and service Bell & Gossett and Armstrong equipment. Call (416) 236-2338 or email sales@bramhambros.com.