Family Rise Garden: DC40 Water Pump Guide

October 30 2024 9:39pm • Est. Read Time: 3 MIN

Family Rise Garden Water Pump

Your water pump operates 24/7, continuously drawing water from the tank, filtering it, and pumping it to your garden trays. Your Family Rise Garden may have either a DC30 or DC40 Water Pump. 

                                              

DC30 connects to the Control Board               DC40 connects to its power supply HERE                                           


Care & Maintenance


For optimal performance and longevity, cleaning your water pump every six months is essential, along with your Deep Clean, is essential. Follow these maintenance steps:


Tools Needed:


  • Screwdriver

  • Sponge

  • Vinegar Based-Cleaner (EXAMPLE)


Cleaning Steps:


  • Disassemble: Remove the four screws holding the pump cover in place. (For a step-by-step video on how to disassemble the water pumps: DC30 HERE and DC40 HERE). 

  • Rotator Removal: Carefully pull out the pump's rotator.

  • Cleaning: To clean, mix equal parts vinegar and warm water. Use a sponge dipped in this solution to scrub away any buildup on the rotator, inside the pump, and the pump cover. Pay close attention to the inside of the pump connector, removing any debris you find.



After cleaning the pump's interior, rotor, and cover, ensure they are thoroughly clean. Refer to the image below for a visual guide. 


Troubleshooting


Taking proper care of your pump can help prevent issues and ensure optimal performance. However, if you do encounter problems, prompt troubleshooting is essential. Here are two of the most common issues you may face:

Issue 1: Pump Does Not Start


Over time, debris can accumulate within the pump, hindering water flow. If your pump has stopped working, cleaning it is essential. Please refer to our pump cleaning guide above. 

Issue 2: Pump Starts and Stops


If your pump is noisy or has reduced flow, trapped air or debris might be the issue. This can occur during installation, rapid water addition, if the pump runs dry, or nutrient buildup.  

Steps:

  • Unplug: Disconnect the pump from the power source.

  • Remove Filter: Take out the pump filter.

  • Submerge and Tilt: Keeping the pump submerged, tilt it so the intake is facing upwards.

  • Toggle On: Without reattaching the filter, turn on the pump using the button.

  • Swish and Release: Swish the pump around in the water to dislodge any bubbles. Allow the water to flow back into the tank, releasing any trapped air.

  • Reinstall Filter: Once the air is released, reattach the pump filter.

  • Reconnect Power: Plug the pump back into the power source. 

                              

    Pump with incline upwards (DC40)             Pump with incline upwards (DC30)


Issue 3: Pump Is Noisy

A noisy water pump can be caused by wear and tear and the pump's vibration, to address this, see below: 


  • Pump Wear and Tear: Over time, pump components can wear down, leading to increased noise. Cleaning the pump with a white vinegar solution can help restore its performance. Please refer to our pump cleaning guide above. 

  • Pump Vibration: If the pump is vibrating against the reservoir, it can amplify the noise. To mitigate this, try repositioning the pump assembly within the reservoir. Experiment with different placements to find the quietest spot. 


If the previous troubleshooting steps haven't resolved the issue:


  • If you have a DC30: Upgrade to our DC40 Pump Assembly HERE and DC40 Power Supply HERE.

  • If you have a DC40: Purchase a new DC40 water pump HERE