Storage of Mud-Sucker Pumps by Contractor/Owner

Indoors: Mud Sucker Diaphragm Pumps should be stored inside a building which will have a temperature between 50°F and 120°F (10°C and 50°C).
The building should be clean and dry with good air circulation, and the temperature should not vary widely or rapidly.

Outdoors: If no building is available, and outside storage is the only alternative, the equipment should be properly supported and adequately protected with a covering which will give protection similar to that provided by a building.

Equipment should be stored and elevated eighteen (18) inches above the ground (or higher if necessary to keep equipment out of high water levels) using properly sized timber beams and planks for support. Larger Mud-Sucker pumps are skidded at the factory for this reason.

Waterproof fabric or fabric reinforced plastic or rubber tarpaulins should be used to enclose the equipment down to the timber supports.  The tarpaulins should be securely fastened with ropes to prevent ballooning or blowing off.  The ropes should be fastened to allow easy untying for inspection and possible maintenance work.

Immediately after the equipment is placed on the timber supports and before it is covered with tarpaulins, your pump should be inspected to ensure that all painted surfaces and shafts are free of dirt.

Equipment Support

Pumping equipment should be level in all directions, and with sufficient support to eliminate distortion or sag of frames or bases.

Surface Protection

Painted Surfaces (for customers who have requested only a primer paint coat): All equipment, which is prime coat painted should be finish coat painted as soon as it is practical to do so.  Every three months, or more often if necessary, the condition of the painted surfaces should be checked.  Deteriorated areas should be spot primed or finish painted, as required, using appropriate surface preparation (e.g., sanding off rusted areas or loose paint) and a compatible primer or finish coat.

Rubber Components: Rubber components such as check valve and diaphragm should be protected from sunlight and welding fumes by being kept covered in a well ventilated area away from extensive welding activity (light, fumes, spatter, etc.).

Unpainted or machined metal Surfaces: These are coated with anti-seize lubricant.  They should be inspected frequently (at least monthly) and additional equivalent coatings applied if necessary.