FAQ AND ANSWERS FOR WATEROUS FIRE PUMPS
Below you will find some of the frequently asked questions (FAQ) we receive in regards to servicing Waterous firefighting products. If you don’t find the answers for everything you’re looking for, check the Service-Tips Archive or feel free to give us a call at 651-450-5200 and to talk to one of our service representatives. They’ll be more than happy to help you out.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
- How can I upgrade my pump to meet current NFPA Standards?
- Can I return this part?
- Can I send my pump to Waterous for repairs?
- Can my pump be changed from packing to mechanical seals or vice versa?
- Do you have an MSDS sheet for PrimeSafe?
- How can I tell if my pump has Mechanical Seals or Packing?
- How do I find out the status of my parts order?
- How long will it take to get my repair parts?
- How often should I be testing my Waterous Pump?
- How often should I check/change the lubricant in my pump transfer case and what type and quantity of lubricant should I use?
- My discharge relief valve isn't working properly, what should I do?
- What is PrimeSafe?
- What is the correct drip rate for my pump if it has packing?
- Where can I find my pump's serial number?
- Where can I purchase repair parts?
- Why do Waterous service parts drawings only show reference numbers instead of part numbers?
- Why do you ask for a serial number when I order parts for my Waterous product?
How can I upgrade my pump to meet current NFPA Standards?
As noted in NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus (Annex D), to maximize firefighter capabilities and minimize risk of injuries, it is important the fire apparatus be equipped with the latest safety features and operating capabilities. In the last many years, much progress has been made in upgrading functional capabilities and improving the safety features of fire apparatus. Apparatus manufactured prior to 1991 usually included only a few of the safety upgrades required by the recent editions of the NFPA fire department apparatus standards or the equivalent Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC) standards. Because the changes, upgrades and fine tuning to NFPA 1901 have been truly significant, especially in the area of safety, fire departments should seriously consider replacing apparatus that were manufactured prior to the adoption of the 1991 edition of NFPA 1901.
Waterous has products available for upgrading or refurnishing fire apparatus to improve safety and performance. These safety upgrades, along with various environmental and performance upgrades are highlighted in the brochure titled: How To Get Your Fire Truck Up To Speed, Safely.
Can I return this part?
Waterous requires a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number prior to returning any part or product to Waterous (Contact our Service Department to attain an RMA number.) In addition, the customer should properly package the item being returned to prevent damage during transit. Please mark the RMA number on the outside of the shipping container, identify each part with a part number (when possible) and specify the reason for the return. We will apply a return handling fee of 25% of invoice price, plus any labor and material cost to put the item(s) in restockable condition. In addition, we may elect to increase the restock fee if a particular situation demands a higher charge. The return of electrical parts or painted material for non-warranty issues is not allowed. Any material that has been abused or is not in restockable condition, will be returned to the customer, or with the customer's permission, be scrapped at Waterous.
Can I send my pump to Waterous for repairs?
Yes. We do repair pumps and transmissions at our factory; however, we are represented by Factory-trained Service Centers who are very capable of repairing our product(s) as well. Contact the pump Service Department for a service center near you.
Can my pump be changed from packing to mechanical seals or vice versa?
The answer to this question depends on the pump you have. Contact the Waterous pump Service Department with your pump serial number and we will be happy to get that information for you and provide a parts quote for the parts necessary to convert your pump.
How can I tell if my pump has Mechanical Seals or Packing?
Contact our Service Department, provide us with the model and serial number of the pump and we will have an answer for you in just a moment or two. Or you can look for the packing glands, nuts, and studs on the pump around the impeller shaft. If these are present, your pump has packing.
How do I find out the status of my parts order?
If you would like to know the status of your parts order, log onto MyWaterous . If you are the first person from your company to log on to MyWaterous, you will need your customer number and a valid invoice to log in. Note that whomever logs in first will be the company adminstrator for the account. Once logged in you will be able to check on status of orders, track shipments, print out invoices and quotes and view accounts payables.
How long will it take to get my repair parts?
In most cases parts are shipped within two (2) business days for ground freight orders, or the same day (if ordered before 2:00 pm Central Time) for air freight orders. Click here to view our Order Form.
How often should I be testing my Waterous Pump?
Your pump should be tested at least annually in accordance with NFPA 1911, Standard for the Inspection, Maintenance, Testing and Retirement of In-Service Automotive Fire Apparatus. In addition, it should be tested whenever major repairs or modifications to the pump or any component of the apparatus that is used in pump operations have been made (see NFPA 1911-18.2).
How often should I check/change the lubricant in my pump transfer case and what type and quantity of lubricant should I use?
Waterous recommends that you check the level and quality of your transfer case lubricant once per month. Also, the lubricant should be changed every six months or 100 hours of pump run time, whichever comes first. Use chart F-1077 to determine the type and quantity of lubricant to be used.
My discharge relief valve isn't working properly, what should I do?
The majority of problems with relief valves are caused by a lack of, or improper use of, the relief valve system. If you are having difficulty with a relief valve, start with cleaning the strainer, then flush out the lines that move water in the system, and make sure none of the lines are restricted. Check that the lines are connected properly and that the relief valve and pilot valve drains are independent from the master pump drain. If you are still unable to determine the source of the problem, contact the Waterous Service Department, we will be happy to help you troubleshoot the problem.
What is PrimeSafe?
PrimeSafe is a non-toxic, biodegradeable priming system lubricant. It is environmentally safe and is recommended for use in all Waterous lubricated Priming Systems.
What is the correct drip rate for my pump if it has packing?
The correct drip rate for a packed pump is 10-120 drips per minute at 150 PSI Discharge Pressure. (Two Stage Pumps in Volume)
Where can I find my pump's serial number?
The Waterous Serial Plate should be on the Apparatus Operators Panel. If your apparatus is missing its pump panel serial plate, or never had one installed, the serial number may be found on the pump itself, the pump transmission or both depending on the vintage. For any CM or CS series pump a serial number plate can be found on top of the tank to pump connection. On some "Y" and "C" series transmissions, a serial number plate will be located in the lower left corner on the back of the transmission. In both instances, if the serial plate is missing, the number will be stamped into the case under where the plate was attached.
Where can I purchase repair parts?
Repair parts can be purchased from Waterous, any Waterous Factory Trained Service Center, or a fire truck dealer.
Why do Waterous service parts drawings only show reference numbers instead of part numbers?
For many of the parts indicated with reference numbers, there are multiple parts that may be used. We use the serial number of the product to determine how the product was built and which part number applies to the particular product. Also, this is one of the reasons why we require a product serial number in order to provide part numbers and pricing. Also, this helps ensure you will get the right parts for your product now and in the future.
Why do you ask for a serial number when I order parts for my Waterous product?
There are several reasons we ask for the serial number. First, it allows us to find the original shop order from when the product was built. This shop order tells us the exact assemblies used to build the product. Also, we track the history of the product with the serial number. A log is kept of all parts sold for that particular serial number, allowing us to track if some part of the product has changed in its lifetime. The serial number allows us to determine if your product is under warranty as well as what repair parts to send.