Strangely noisy pump: Pentair QuietOne 3000

[japes]

Hey guys,

I've had a problem since setting up my sump a few months back. It's being run by a Pentair QuietOne 3000, which returns water to the tank at a head height of about 1.5m through 1" ribbed flexible tubing and 1" PVC. The pipe isn't limited in any way, it has a ball valve but it's fully open at all times, and the pump sits on foam not touching any edges of the sump. Any places where the tubing or piping contacts the tank are padded with foam and I've narrowed down the sound to just being the pump. Now this is apparently a 'quiet' pump, and I'll admit it isn't bad, but the strange level of noise is starting to get to me.

Due to my sump design it's also impossible for it to suck air as it's right beside a baffle that is twice its height and the water level never gets anywhere near low enough. This baffle also acts as a bubble trap of sorts.

The pump will alternate how noisy it is, sometimes it will be a bit clicky or give off vibration noise, other times it will be dead silent and beautiful (which is rare), and it varies inbetween. I've checked the assembly of the impellor multiple times, tried different angles, but I can't seem to control how noisy it is.

Any ideas?

 

[rallysman]

Sounds like part of the impeller assembly is missing. There could be some play around the ceramic shaft or the parts that seat the shaft into the housing could be worn or missing.

 

[Alan Russell]

I couldn't tell you what the problem is, but when my stuff starts making funny noises I replace it asap. Imo funny noises are a warning sign of more problems to come and eventually failure.

 

[japes]

I've got two that are doing it, exactly the same, both bought months apart. Might have a play around with the shaft and make sure everything's fine. Both have done it from the start.

It's not a "it's breaking" noise as far as I can tell. Just different audible level.

Edit: Just to clarify, when I say noisy, it's because it's not always as quiet as it can be, it doesn't sound like a jet or prop engine, or machine gun . It wouldn't be 'loud' by anyone's standards, but I'd ultimately like it to be as quiet as possible, as much as possible.

 

[VLDesign]

Never had any luck with these pumps.. Get a new brand.

Mags rule!