Espa Suction Air Leak / Inadequate Net Positive Suction Head

Pump loses prime after a few minutes of operation, basket slowly empties and pump sucks air

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Worn pump lid O-ring, Loose drain plug on pump housing, Air leak at skimmer line, Suction line above water level without proper check valve

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off the pump before tightening or removing any plugs or unions.

  • 1. Check pump drain plugs: Espa pumps typically have one or two drain plugs on the housing. Ensure they are snug and that their gaskets are intact. Replace gaskets if hardened or cracked.
  • 2. Replace lid O-ring: If the O-ring is old or flattened, replace it with a genuine Espa seal sized for your model.
  • 3. Inspect suction fittings: Examine all visible suction-side joints for signs of water seepage when the pump is off (which indicates air ingress when running). Reseal threaded joints with PTFE tape or replace cracked fittings.
  • 4. Verify suction design: If the pump is installed above water level, ensure there is a functioning foot valve or check valve in the suction line to maintain prime.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Espa pump drain plug gaskets / lid O-ring
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