Krylbo Elektra on common signs of pump failure – and how to prevent them

Noise, vibrations and other early indicators

One of the most common signs something isn’t right is a change in how the pump sounds or feels. Increased vibration or strange noises often signal imbalance, worn bearings or cavitation – issues that can escalate fast if left unchecked. 

– We often get called in when things have already gone wrong. But with regular monitoring, we can catch many of these issues early and fix them before they cause real damage, says Niklas Englund, CEO at Krylbo Elektra.

According to Krylbo Elektra’s technicians, the most common warning signs include:

• Unusual vibrations or humming noises

• Leaks near the casing or seals

• Rising operating temperatures

• Declining flow rate or pressure

• Frequent on/off cycling

Regular vibration analysis and performance checks are essential. Even small changes in vibration patterns can reveal early mechanical wear before it becomes visible.

Leaks and overheating

Leaks around the casing or shaft seals may indicate worn components or poor installation. Pumps that run hotter than normal could be struggling with blocked passages, poor lubrication or failing bearings — all of which reduce performance and increase wear.

Reduced performance and short cycling

If the pump delivers less pressure or flow than expected, internal wear or a damaged impeller might be the cause. This type of performance loss is gradual, and easy to overlook, without consistent tracking.

Another common symptom is frequent cycling. If your pump starts and stops more often than normal, it could be due to a control system issue or fluctuating demand. In either case, this leads to unnecessary wear and a higher risk of breakdown.

Preventive maintenance is always worth it

Even when everything seems to be running smoothly, preventive checks like vibration measurements, thermal imaging and oil analysis are simple ways to spot problems early. 

Something that’s often overlooked is the importance of proper pump alignment and installation. A pump that’s well-aligned and correctly mounted not only lasts longer – it also consumes less energy compared to a poorly installed one. This makes precise setup just as important as regular inspection.

At Krylbo Elektra, pump renovations and diagnostics are core parts of the job. Our technicians combine deep mechanical knowledge with a proactive mindset to help customers avoid costly failures and keep things moving.

With the broad network of expertise within Nordic Drives Group, we ensure that each customer gets the best solution for their system.