Vibration and Noise in Pipeline Pumps: Where They Come From

A pipeline pump should run with little more than motor hum. When it shakes or rattles, the cause is usually one of these.

• Anchor bolts loose, or the base not grouted solid: tighten and fill
• Pipes pulling on the casing, or poor alignment on horizontal pumps: support the pipes, realign
• Cavitation, heard as gravel rattling: lower the suction lift, cut suction losses, check NPSH
• Worn bearings: replace
• Soft or cracked foundation: strengthen it
• Rubbing inside the pump: open and inspect
• Air trapped in the discharge pipe: fit a vent valve at the high point

Vibration isolators

Our catalogue specifies an isolator for each model, from SD41-0.5 pads on small frames to sets of SD61 isolators on the largest. In occupied buildings, fitting them is one of the cheapest ways to keep pump noise out of the rooms.

See also the installation height guide for cavitation.