Inspiration
Pump No Work?
The importance of describing an issue accurately to your service technician.
Jan 21, 2025
What does Pump No Work mean?
Pump No Work is a statement meant to signify the lack of information we may receive when being called for service on an irrigation pump station. Simple statements without any description on when, how, or why the system may not be operating.
Why is a good description important?
A good description of the signs and symptoms that the system may be experiencing is important because it allows the service technician to better prepare for the job at hand. Some service calls may be solved by simply turning a switch, other jobs may require two pairs of hands or special equipment that a service technician may not keep on their truck.
How do I give a good description?
There are a few ways you can start giving better descriptions on a system that is not operating.
Go to the pump station
Simply going to your pump station and familiarizing yourself with your system will give you a good idea on what it should look like and what it shouldn't look like. If something looks out of place or obviously broken, take note and notify the tech that will be handling the repairs.
Take pictures
A picture tells a thousand words. Pictures of your pump station can be used to show damage to specific equipment or relay important information that can be used to prepare for a job. Even if you may not know what you're looking at, a skilled technician can use the information from your pictures to troubleshoot an issue, come to the job prepared, or possibly walk you through a simple fix.
Look for obvious failures
When looking at your pump station, does anything pop out at you?
-Are there any leaks?
-Are there any bad noises?
-Is the intake of the pump leaking?
-Are there any alarm lights on the controller?
-Is anything burnt or on fire?
-Is the system turned off?
-Is there a safety switch that has been turned off?
-Is there any weird smells coming from the station?
These are some questions that can be used to better describe an issue with your pump station.
What happens if you don't give a good description?
A bad description or lack of a description of what is going on with your pump station can lead to a few issues.
Increased troubleshooting times.
Technicians may not have the needed parts for the job
additional visits may be necessary for proper repairs to the station
Technicians may try to make temporary non permanent repairs to get the station back up and running
Conclusion
In conclusion, providing a detailed and accurate description when reporting an issue with your irrigation pump station is crucial for ensuring an efficient and effective repair process. A good description, complete with clear observations, pictures, and information about any noticeable failures, helps technicians prepare for the job and avoid unnecessary delays or additional visits. Without this information, troubleshooting becomes more time-consuming. By taking the time to familiarize yourself with the system and communicate the issue thoroughly, you help expedite the repair process and minimize downtime.