Rules for Connecting Pipes to the Pump

The service life of a pump directly depends on the correct connection of the piping system.

Basic piping requirements:

• remember that the diameter of the pump flanges/nozzles should not be used as the basis for selecting the diameter of the connected pipe (see information here: Selection of pipe diameters connected to a pump);
• the suction pipeline should be as short as possible, without elbows, bends, or reductions in diameter;
• if the pump operates in suction mode from a tank or reservoir while positioned above the liquid level, a check valve must be installed at the end of the suction pipeline to prevent the liquid from draining out of the pipe after the pump stops;
• always use coarse filters if there is a risk of contaminants entering the system and damaging the pump's working components (mechanical seal, impeller);
• maintain the proper pipeline slope. If the pump operates in suction mode, the pipeline should slope toward the water source to prevent the formation of air pockets. If the pump operates under flooded suction conditions, the pipeline should slope toward the pump;
• install shut-off valves on both the suction and discharge lines (butterfly valves, ball valves, gate valves, etc.). This is necessary not only for maintenance purposes but also, in the case of centrifugal pumps, for start-up and flow regulation;
• if the pump is a high-pressure model and the discharge pipeline is relatively long, use a check valve on the discharge line to prevent water hammer;
• regularly check the tightness of the piping system and prevent air leakage into the suction line, as this not only reduces pump efficiency but also accelerates wear of the pump’s working components;
• do not allow the weight of the pipes and shut-off valves to be transferred to the pump casing.

Use flexible connectors, supports, and pipe stands. When pumping hot liquids, use axial bellows expansion joints to compensate for thermal expansion.