How to Maintain Your Franklin Submersible Pump For Longetivity

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Tired of unexpected downtime and costly repairs? A properly maintained Franklin submersible pump delivers consistent water and outlasts most surface pumps by decades. These pumps are the backbone of residential, industrial, and agricultural systems—and neglecting maintenance can mean expensive consequences. Franklin Electric is dedicated to meeting the needs of customers across residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors worldwide. Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy.

This guide is your go-to resource for preserving pump performance and getting the most value from your investment. Whether you’re relying on Franklin Electric products for residential water wells or high-demand commercial systems, this article covers installation best practices, routine service checklists, energy-saving strategies, and critical FAQs.

What Is a Franklin Submersible Pump?

A Franklin submersible pump is engineered to operate fully submerged in water. Unlike surface pumps that draw water from above, submersible models push water to the surface with multi-stage impellers and sealed motors. This design reduces friction loss and boosts efficiency.

Franklin Electric, the manufacturer, produces a complete line of stainless steel pumps used in residential, agricultural, municipal, and industrial applications. These well pumps are known for their reliability, efficiency, and long service life. Franklin Electric submersible pumps are constructed using stainless steel and thermoplastic materials for durability. To learn more or to shop, visit the official Franklin Submersible Pump product page. The product ships directly from the manufacturer or supplier, ensuring fast and reliable delivery.

Applications include:

  • Residential wells and irrigation
  • Agricultural water systems
  • Municipal supply lines
  • Commercial and industrial installations

Franklin Electric serves customers worldwide in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications.

  • Residential wells and irrigation
  • Agricultural water systems
  • Municipal supply lines
  • Commercial and industrial installations

The line is designed to meet a wide range of demands, including systems requiring high pressure, variable flow rates, and long vertical lift.

Key Components & How They Work

Motor & Drive Unit

  • Uses a sealed motor cooled by water flow
  • Three phase or single phase models available for flexible applications
  • Franklin Electric’s motors are powered for deep-set use and precision-matched with pumps
  • Designed for compliance with NEMA standards
  • Pump efficiency can be improved by using unique hydraulics in the design of the pump

Impellers & Stages

  • Multi-stage stainless steel impellers ensure maximum head and efficiency
  • Floating stage hydraulics offer protection against abrasives like sand
  • Each model fits into a standard inch submersible configuration

Check Valves, Cable, and Pipe Components

  • Torque arrestors protect against startup shock
  • Cable clamps are installed every 10 ft for safety and order
  • Stainless steel check valves prevent backflow and extend motor life
  • All components are engineered to pass tough endurance tests

Choosing the Right Franklin Submersible Pump

Selecting the ideal Franklin Electric submersible pump is crucial for achieving optimal performance and long-term reliability in your water system. Franklin Electric offers a complete line of submersible pumps, including popular models like the 3200 Series and V Series, designed to meet the diverse needs of residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial applications. The FPS Series V submersible pump features unique hydraulics that improve efficiency and minimize wear even when pumping abrasives.

When choosing a submersible pump, start by evaluating your specific requirements—consider the desired flow rates, total dynamic head, and the horsepower needed for your application. For irrigation or high-demand commercial systems, a three-phase motor may be necessary to handle higher loads and ensure consistent operation. Material selection is also important; pumps constructed from stainless steel offer superior durability and resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for challenging environments.

Consulting the factory or a qualified professional can help you match the right model to your needs, whether you’re installing a new system or upgrading an existing one. By carefully selecting from Franklin Electric’s complete line of submersible pumps, you can minimize the risk of failure, reduce downtime, and ensure your system operates efficiently for years to come.

Installation Best Practices

For a long-lasting system:

  • Install at least 10 ft below drawdown to ensure proper motor cooling
  • Use stainless steel drop pipe and support clamps
  • Align with electrical grounding and surge protection as recommended by the factory
  • Hire a licensed contractor or consult factory support before setup

Follow the AIM Manual to ensure full compliance with installation procedures. Proper electrical wiring, controls, and accessories protect your system from overload or failure.

For installation questions, placing orders, or receiving assistance, please visit our sales counter or contact our sales support team.

Pre-Maintenance Checks

Before you begin any maintenance on your Franklin Electric submersible pump, it’s important to perform a series of pre-maintenance checks to ensure both safety and efficiency. Start by thoroughly reviewing the pump’s manual to familiarize yourself with all components, including the motor, controls, and any accessories specific to your model.

Inspect all electrical connections to confirm they are secure and meet the required specifications. Check the intake and discharge valves for blockages caused by sand, debris, or other abrasives that could impact performance. Examine the pump housing and all visible components for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage, and replace any parts that do not meet operational standards.

By conducting these pre-maintenance checks, you can identify and address potential issues before they escalate, ensuring the maintenance process goes smoothly and your submersible pump continues to operate at peak efficiency.

Routine Maintenance Checklist

1. Visual Inspections (Monthly)

  • Check for cable wear, fittings, and corrosion
  • Use a megger to test insulation resistance

2. Clean Mechanical Parts

  • Flush out abrasives and sediment
  • Clean suction screens regularly

3. Electrical System Review

  • Monitor amp draw and voltage levels with a multimeter
  • Inspect controls, capacitors, and breaker panels

4. Seasonal Maintenance

  • Winterize before freezing conditions
  • Perform spring startup inspections

5. Replace Components on Schedule

  • Check valves every 2–3 years
  • Replace bearings, seals, and shaft sleeves by year 5, or if performance declines

Well Pump Considerations

When selecting and maintaining well pumps, it’s essential to consider the unique requirements of your water system. Franklin Electric provides a full line of well pumps, including both submersible and surface pumps, engineered to serve residential, commercial, and agricultural applications.

Key factors to evaluate include the well’s depth, diameter, and water yield, as these will determine the type and size of pump needed. Make sure the pump you choose can handle the required flow rates and pressure for your specific application. Opting for pumps made from stainless steel ensures greater durability and resistance to corrosion, which is especially important for long-term reliability.

By choosing the right Franklin Electric well pump and adhering to recommended installation and maintenance practices, you can achieve dependable water delivery and minimize costly downtime across a wide range of applications.

Safety Precautions for Maintenance

Safety should always be your top priority when maintaining your Franklin Electric submersible pump. Before starting any maintenance process, disconnect the power supply to prevent electrical shock, and verify that the pump and all motors are properly grounded.

Wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, to shield yourself from sharp components or unexpected debris. When handling heavy parts like motors or pumps, use correct lifting techniques or seek assistance to avoid injury. Keep your work area clean and dry, ensuring there are no water or oil spills that could create slip hazards.

By following these safety precautions, you can protect yourself and others while ensuring that your maintenance process is both safe and effective, keeping your Franklin Electric submersible pump in top working condition.

Common Issues and Solutions

Overheating and Low Flow

  • Caused by sediment, low water levels, or obstructed inlets
  • Solution: Clean screens, test water levels, and check for backflow

Cavitation and Noise

  • Happens from insufficient flow rates or improper sizing
  • Fix: Adjust NPSH or consult factory support

Seal Breaches

  • Signs: moisture, rust, or system shutdowns
  • Replace seals and verify motor grounding

Electrical Faults

  • Tripped breakers or burnt smells point to voltage issues
  • Use a clamp meter to monitor amp draw

Short Cycling

  • Results from improper tank sizing or low pressure settings
  • Solution: resize the pressure tank or add an accumulator

Boosting Energy Efficiency

  • Select models with high-efficiency motors
  • Install timers and controls to reduce idle runtime
  • Regular service prevents amperage spikes that increase energy bills

Environmental Considerations

Franklin Electric is dedicated to environmental responsibility, engineering its submersible pumps to deliver high efficiency and reliability while minimizing ecological impact. When selecting a submersible pump, consider not only your operational needs but also the environmental footprint of your choice. Franklin Electric is recognized as a technical leader in products and services for water and energy movement.

Franklin Electric’s pumps are designed to operate efficiently, reducing energy consumption and the risk of environmental contamination. Their products are built for long service life, which means fewer frequent replacements and reduced waste. When your pump reaches the end of its life, explore recycling and proper disposal options to further minimize environmental harm.

By choosing Franklin Electric submersible pumps and following responsible maintenance and disposal practices, you support sustainability and help ensure a cleaner, more reliable water supply for future generations.

Data Points & Real-World Results

  • Case study: A residential user replaced a worn impeller, cutting amp draw by 8% and reducing monthly utility costs
  • Commercial farm added check valves every 30 ft, extending pump life by 3 years

More on Franklin Electric Submersible Pumps

FAQ – People Also Ask

Who makes Franklin submersible pumps?

Franklin Electric manufactures these submersible systems. They also provide a full line of motors, controls, and accessories.

Which is the No. 1 brand of submersible pump?

Many professionals consider Franklin Electric to be the industry leader due to their durable construction and global availability.

What is the life expectancy of a submersible well pump?

With proper service, these products last 15–25 years, depending on water quality and usage.

Are Franklin well pumps any good?

Yes. Known for their high performance, reliability, and engineering, these pumps are preferred in both residential and industrial systems.

How can I test submersible motor windings?

Use a megger and follow Franklin Electric’s installation guidelines.

When does the warranty for a Franklin submersible pump begin?

The warranty start date is the shipment date of the product. This means warranty coverage begins from the date the pump is shipped, not the installation or purchase date.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Whether you’re managing a residential home or a high-volume industrial application, staying on top of maintenance ensures your Franklin Electric system lasts decades.

Follow this checklist monthly, test key systems, and replace worn parts proactively to avoid unexpected downtime.

To explore more Franklin Electric models or for professional support, contact our support team or add to cart from our online catalog. Each product includes complete specs and availability info to help you make the right purchase.