If a pump will not start, which item should be checked FIRST?

If a pump will not start, which item should be checked FIRST?

• A. The circuit breaker is tripped
• B. The pump is primed
• C. Water is available to the pump
• D. There is debris in the impeller housing

Answer: (A)

Power supply status is checked first. If the circuit feeding the pump has tripped, the motor isn’t getting power, so the pump won’t start regardless of other conditions. Resetting the breaker (and addressing the underlying cause, like an overload or fault) is the immediate action. Only after power is confirmed should you look at other potential causes—priming the pump, ensuring water is available at the suction, and removing any debris in the impeller housing—since those issues can prevent starting or damage the pump once power is restored.

Power supply status is checked first. If the circuit feeding the pump has tripped, the motor isn’t getting power, so the pump won’t start regardless of other conditions. Resetting the breaker (and addressing the underlying cause, like an overload or fault) is the immediate action. Only after power is confirmed should you look at other potential causes—priming the pump, ensuring water is available at the suction, and removing any debris in the impeller housing—since those issues can prevent starting or damage the pump once power is restored.