Troubleshooting Foundation Repair Equipment Issues
Most foundation repair equipment issues originate in the hydraulic pump or hydraulic cylinder, though leaks and other problems can arise in any part of the system. Fortunately, hydraulic systems typically show signs of impending failure before downtime occurs. If any of those signs are present, a hydraulic equipment expert can help your team identify the problem and recommend the right repairs or replacement.
Signs That Foundation Repair Equipment May be Developing Issues
Foundation repair operations rely on hydraulic pumps and cylinders to do the heavy lifting. If there are any issues with wear, damage or system setup, it’s the hydraulic cylinder or pump that will likely be the first to show signs of an underlying problem. Those signs include:
- Milky or cloudy hydraulic fluid – Contaminated hydraulic fluid is behind many foundation repair equipment issues. If contamination is present in your system, its hydraulic fluid will appear either cloudy or milky. Both indicate that either air or water has entered the system. It is highly recommended that foundation repair crews sample hydraulic fluid on a monthly basis to verify its quality. It is important to sample fluid during or immediately following operation, as it is common for cloudy or milky fluid to clear up an hour or two after operation stops.
- Hydraulic fluid leaking out of the system – Hydraulic fluid leaks may appear anywhere in a foundation repair system, but they are most common around the pump body, hydraulic cylinders, pump shaft or pump ports. It may not be clear where a leak is originating, as hydraulic fluid can pool in areas well away from the actual leak.
- Overheating hydraulic fluid or system components – Overheating hydraulic fluid or equipment can be a sign of issues with the fluid itself or with an internal component (often a valve). If your system is overheating, it can alter the hydraulic fluid’s viscosity and, as a result, the way it flows. This obviously has major implications for how your hydraulic pump and cylinders perform.
- Unusual or louder-than-normal sounds during operation – Foundation repair equipment operators quickly become familiar with the sounds their hydraulic pumps and cylinders make. If new sounds emerge like whining, banging, grinding or growling – or if the equipment starts making louder sounds during operation, this could be a sign of cavitation or component wear.
- Reduced or lack of flow – If your hydraulic pump is slow to deliver power or cannot deliver it all, it is a clear sign that something is wrong, even though what that is may not be easy to pinpoint. Poor power delivery can be caused by a huge variety of factors, including component wear, leaks, valve issues or even poor system calibration.
Any of these issues demand immediate attention, as they indicate an increased risk of downtime or catastrophic failure.
The Most Common Causes of Foundation Repair Equipment Problems
If your foundation repair equipment is developing concerning signs of wear or damage, it could be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common include:
- Contaminated hydraulic fluid – Hydraulic fluid contamination is responsible for more than 80 percent of hydraulic pump failures. It’s practically impossible to keep all contaminants out of a hydraulic system, and they can cause a multitude of issues for hydraulic equipment. This includes accelerated wear, overheating and flow problems. Contamination may enter into a foundation repair system via the environment, or it may originate from inside the system. For instance, component wear can cause microscopic bits of material to break off and become trapped inside the flow of hydraulic fluid.
- Worn seals or gaskets – Seals are the weakest part of any hydraulic system and are likely culprits when contamination or leaks are present. Hydraulic cylinder seals are exposed to extreme stresses and require frequent replacement. This includes the piston, rod and wiper seals.
- Loose fittings or connections – Loose fittings or connections are easy to overlook, but they can cause hydraulic fluid leaks, unusual noises or uneven wear. It is important not to tighten fittings too much as this can place additional stress on the system, potentially resulting in damage like cracks.
- Valve problems – A sticky or improperly calibrated valve can severely impact flow, which itself can cause additional issues like fluid overheating. Ensure that every valve is set properly, especially the control valve. The control valve is frequently the problem when the hydraulic pump delivers power inconsistently.
- Improper hydraulic fluid levels – Maintaining adequate hydraulic fluid levels is a basic, but essential element of hydraulic system maintenance. If fluid levels drop too low, it will increase the risk of air or moisture becoming entrapped in the system and causing issues.
While these issues cover the majority of hydraulic equipment issues, this list isn’t exhaustive. There are many more reasons why a foundation repair system may fail, so it’s important to perform a full inspection of all critical system parts to rule everything out.
How a Professional Hydraulic Equipment Technician Can Help Troubleshoot Foundation Repair System Issues
Some foundation repair contractors have operators they can trust to perform basic maintenance routines, but if you’re troubleshooting foundation repair equipment issues, it’s best to work with an expert to ensure it’s done right.
When professional hydraulic equipment technicians provide maintenance service, they perform full inspections of the hydraulic pump and hydraulic cylinder, along with all critical system components. This typically involves opening up the equipment’s housing to access components inside, and it’s especially important for a professional to oversee this. Experts are careful to break equipment down and reassemble it with precision, minimizing the risk of contamination following maintenance.
Further, hydraulic equipment experts are familiar with all the ways that foundation repair equipment can break down, so they troubleshoot issues faster and more accurately. Getting your foundation repair equipment back in the field as quickly as possible is the goal. Downtime is expensive. If your crew has a professional hydraulic technician on call, you can keep your high-value assets in the field and downtime to an absolute minimum.