Step One:

Place your pump on a firm, level foundation above the source of liquid.
This is necessary in order to check proper valve operation and pump performance. Leave sufficient space around the pump for future servicing.  Best pump operation is achieved by locating the pump as close as possible to the liquid source. 

Important! Consult your owners manual for your specific Mud-Sucker model's priming capabilities.

CAUTION:  Do not exceed static discharge head abilities of the pumping unit. Contact your Mud-Sucker® dealer for detailed information or our technical support help-line.

Starting

Follow the motor or engine manufacturer’s instructions carefully that shipped with your pump. The pump gear box, engine crankcase, and engine gear box are filled to the proper level at the factory. However, check oil levels before starting.  Your pump has been designed to prime itself in a few minutes. High suction lifts will require additional time and will reduce the performance of the pump. In order to facilitate priming at high suction lifts, it may be advantageous to stop the pump after a few minutes of operation and fill the pump body with liquid. To do this, remove the discharge ball valve and cover and then start the pump.  Should you have difficulty, refer to the trouble shooting section.

Pumping

Under normal conditions at sea level, your Mud-Sucker pump is capable of handling water up to a 20 ft. suction lift. Your pump will operate best with some pressure on the discharge side. If operating with the discharge below the pump, the discharge hose can be carried over a barrel or sawhorse.  Should the pulsating effect of the pump become objectionable, it may be that air chambers are required.
If your pump was supplied with air chambers it may be that the air chambers have become waterlogged. Drain the excess liquid from the chambers. Tighten all plugs securely after draining.

Hose Connections

Connections at the easily accessible suction port should be made with strongly reinforced suction hose see genuine Wastecorp Mud-Sucker hoses. This type of hose will not collapse during operation.  Collapsible hose may be used on the discharge side.  New hose washers should be used at the couplings to prevent trouble-causing air leaks.  All hose should be independently supported to eliminate excessive strain on the pump.  Make sure that the hose does not rest on sharp edges of boards or stones. 

Piping

All piping, especially the suction line, should be as short as possible with the fewest elbows to reduce friction loss. Installations with long pipe lines or when handling hot liquids, require expansion and contraction relief provisions and adequate support to eliminate severe strains on the pump.

Suction and discharge hose should be of the nominal pipe size of the pump connections.

It is important that suction piping should continuously rise to the pump to avoid air pockets. Gate valves should not be used on the discharge side for flow control. Capacity may be altered by pump speed (engine and variable speed drives only).

Strainer Advisable

Protect your Mud-Sucker investment; use a strainer.  Strainers are attached to the suction line to prevent stones and foreign debris from clogging the pump.  A large overall straining area is necessary and should be kept clear of debris.  Keep the strainer from working into the sediment by suspending it from a rope.  If you do not have a strainer, your Wastecorp Mud-Sucker dealer can supply one in the correct size learn more >

Control

When there is little liquid to pump, the motor speed may be reduced if your pump is equipped with a variable speed drive; or “V” belt drive ratio to be altered.

If your pump is engine driven, throttle down the engine on shallow lifts or where full power is not required for efficient pumping.  It is recommended that the pump operate between 48 and 60 strokes per minute for efficient lubrication and cooling of the engine.