Sta-Rite RO Pump options

[Buzzie8]

You guys did so well on my earlier post today, I thought I would ask another question. There is a good chance I need to replace my Sta-Rite RO pump. It's making a big clanking noice when it turns on and I do not want the wash to be down while I pull it apart. It is a 1 HP motor on what I think is a 10 GPM stainless pump (still need some clarification on this). I know these pumps are expensive. What are the alternatives to Sta-Rite? I'm assuming I can use the same specs and put any mfg pump that I want on as long as it is rated for RO water correct? As always guys. Thanks!

 

[MEP001]

The "jet" type, multi-stage pumps hold up well and are much cheaper. Our Vector has the 1 1/2 hp Teel all-stainless one and has been running for eight years with no troubles. They tend to last many years long as they don't get run dry or have to lift water.

 

[soapy]

I found that dultmeier sales tends to be the cheapest on these types of pumps. They carry starite and several other brands like GOuld. Give them a call with your pump numbers and they can give you options.

 

[Reds]

You can get the specs for your sta rite pump on the sta rite website under "booster pumps". I am looking for a replacement too. Dultmier carries the HP10E but does not stock the HPS10E. The one with S in the model is stainless steel. After going on the starite website and comparing the two pumps I think that the only difference is in the cap on each end of the pump - that would be the end where the solenoid mounts and the end that couples the pump to the motor - is cast iron on the HP10E. Both pumps are 10 stage, 10GPM, available in single or three phase. I googled the make/model # and only a few sites carried the stainless model and it was almost double the cost of the cast iron model. Jet pumps that are used on home wells are all cast iron. Does it have to be stainless? Judging from the cost difference in the two models I am worried that I may be mistaken about the pump body being stainless on both models.

 

[Waxman]

I replaced a Sta-Rite with a Dayton I bought from 'Back4more' (his username on ACF). Get a price from him, too. As I recall it was the best price I found. Pump has worked flawlessly.

 

[Washmee]

I bought my last one here;

Drill Spot

They offer free shipping.

 

[Buzzie8]

Thanks all, seems like I have a bunch of good options. I still can't seem to get the pump info from the Starite. I have the motor info but it must be hidden on the pump somehwere. Need to climb around under the pump stand tomorrow to see if they put anything on the pump itself to identify it.

 

[Reds]

There was a sticker on the motor of my Starite that had the motor info and then the Starite name and model number. You can look up the model # on the starite website and get some pump info.

 

[Buzzie8]

Found it. Thanks, need to make some calls. Still not sure if I need to go stainless or not.

http://www.starite.com/ResidentialProduct_sr_sp_sp_HPS10E.aspx

 

[Buzzie8]

Finally replaced the pump today. Went with a Gould GL 10GBS1514Q4 SS BOOSTER PUMP-1.5HP,1PH. Not the exact same footprint but plumbed pretty easily and was about $400 cheaper ($800 total from Dultmier). Has a Baldor motor though. Not a big Baldor fan based on past experience but it is quieter. Hope the motor lasts!

 

[Buzzie8]

Update!!!! - Gould Pump went bad today. Didn't even last three months! Need to regroup tomorrow.

 

[MEP001]

What went bad?

 

[Buzzie8]

Not sure yet, but gauges on RO stand at zero and no production. When starter solenoid pulls in just get a hum from the motor. Earlier in the week I heard a weird noise when it started up. I am going to pull it off tomorrow.

 

[soapy]

You should have a 1 year warranty on that pump. Kleenrite had a closeout special on a starite pump in Febuary.

 

[Buzzie8]

The saga continues. The new replacement Goulds Pump out of the box did not work. Gave me a high screatching noise as though it was not getting water although water is pouring out the bottom. It was primed properly and is turning the correct direction. Have a call into Dultmier's about returning it as well.

 

[Washmee]

The saga continues. The new replacement Goulds Pump out of the box did not work. Gave me a high screatching noise as though it was not getting water although water is pouring out the bottom. It was primed properly and is turning the correct direction. Have a call into Dultmier's about returning it as well.

Have you checked the contacts on the motor starter? Have you used an amp meter to check the current draw on each leg? If you just check for voltage, it doesn't mean you are getting enough amperage to run the motor. It sounds like the motor is single phasing.

 

[2Biz]

You also might want to verify the motor is set up for the correct voltage. Most motors are dual voltage and have to be set up accordingly...

WASHME also had very good suggestions. I would check everything suggested here before sending it back.

 

[Buzzie8]

It is wired for 220 Volts and it is not using three phase. I checked the wiring a couple times and it was wired exactly as the pump that worked OK for two months. Motor is spinning at what sounds like high RPM. Sounds like it is not getting water or sucking air. I checked and replumbed with no success. I am assuming you cannot loose a phase unless it is wired for three phase. I have not checked amperage yet though.