Intermittent pump

[twier]

I have a timer on my frog spitter's pump. Off for two minutes then on for 15 seconds. The problem is after three months all the pumps I have purchased quit working. They will run continuously if you flick the impellor but as soon as they stop, they will not start again on their own. Any ideas?

 

[mrsclem]

Most pumps are designed to run continuously. Frequent powering off and on shortens the life.

 

[Stephen Noble]

100% agree with @mrsclem. Have you tried running one continuously for more than 3 months? Try it and see what happens. Another thing, those little fountain pumps are not long-lasting anyway so keep the fountain very clean to extend its life.

 

[twier]

Thanks for the replies.

 

[DrDave]

You might also check around the shaft to see if string algae is stuck around it causing drag. I agree with others, cheap pumps are better off running continuously. Are you worried of the energy cost to run it 100% of the time?

 

[j.w]

I would just allow it to keep running all the time. I have one in my little frog pond that has a tall spout sticking up out of the water from the pump and I put netting around the pump part and then put it all in a pot w/holes and set it in the pond. Runs forever like that (a whole year at least). After a very long time if it looks like it is slowing down I pull it out and clear the gunk away and back to running it goes. Had it that way for years and it is a small pump! No fish in that pond so if fish in there you might need to clean more often.