We’ve been building cement pumps since 1968, and here’s what we’ve learned: the difference between a pump that lasts 5 years and one that’s still running strong after 15 comes down to how you treat it between jobs. Good maintenance isn’t complicated, but it does need to be consistent.
Most pump failures we see aren’t from heavy use – they’re from neglect. Concrete left to harden in lines, water tanks that never get cleaned, and bearings that run dry. The good news? A little attention goes a long way toward keeping your cement pump running reliably for years.
Why Cement Pump Maintenance Matters
Here’s the reality: replacing a cement pump costs thousands of dollars and puts you out of commission for days or weeks. Compare that to spending 20 minutes after each job doing basic maintenance, and the math is pretty clear.
We’ve tracked customer equipment over the years, and properly maintained pumps typically run 2-3 times longer than neglected ones. Plus, well-maintained equipment doesn’t break down in the middle of critical pours – and we all know how expensive those delays can be.
Daily Maintenance (After Every Use)
Clean the Pumping System Immediately This is non-negotiable. Concrete starts setting up the moment it stops moving, and once it hardens in your lines, you’re looking at expensive repairs or replacement parts.
For peristaltic pumps like our Underlayment Pump, you’re in luck – the concrete only touches the hopper and the soft rubber tube. Rinse the hopper thoroughly and flush clean water through the tube until it runs clear. The beauty of this design is that there are no internal chambers where material can hide and harden.
Flush All Lines and Hoses Run clean water through every hose and connection until the water comes out clear. Pay special attention to fittings and couplings where material likes to collect. If you’re using our clear suction hoses, you can actually see when they’re clean – one of the reasons we use transparent materials.
Check the Mixing System If your pump has a built-in mixer (like the parabolic mixing chamber on our Underlayment Pump), clean it thoroughly after each use. Material buildup here affects your mix ratios on the next job.
Water Tank Maintenance Clean out the water tank and refill with fresh water for the next job. Stagnant water develops algae and bacteria that can contaminate your next batch. The self-measuring tanks on our pumps make this quick and easy.
Weekly Maintenance Tasks
Inspect Hoses and Connections Look for signs of wear, especially where hoses bend or connect to fittings. Small cracks turn into big leaks fast, and concrete under pressure makes a mess of everything nearby.
Check that clear suction hoses are actually clear – if they’re getting cloudy or stained, it’s time to replace them. You need to see what’s happening inside the hose to catch problems early.
Lubricate Moving Parts Here’s where our design philosophy pays off. Traditional pumps need constant lubrication of multiple moving parts. Our sealed roller bearing design in the squeeze wheels eliminates most of this hassle – the bearings are sealed and don’t need regular attention.
Check Electrical Connections Look for frayed wires, loose connections, or signs of moisture intrusion. Job sites are hard on electrical components, and catching problems early prevents dangerous situations and equipment damage.
Monthly Deep Maintenance
Thorough System Inspection Once a month, give your pump a complete once-over. Check all bolts and connections for tightness – vibration loosens things over time.
Rubber Tube Inspection (Peristaltic Pumps) The soft rubber tube in peristaltic pumps like our Underlayment Pump is a wear item, but it should last a long time with proper care. Look for cuts, excessive wear, or swelling that indicates chemical damage. Replace it before it fails and leaves you stranded.
Wheel and Frame Maintenance Check tire pressure and wheel bearings. Clean the frame of concrete buildup that can cause corrosion. Our pneumatic tires and heavy-duty steel frames are built to last, but they need basic care.
Control System Check Test all switches, controls, and safety systems. The low-voltage remote controls on our pumps should operate smoothly without sticking or erratic behavior.
What NOT to Do (Common Mistakes We See)
Don’t Let Material Sit Overnight We get calls all the time from contractors who “forgot” to clean their pump after the last job. Hardened concrete is expensive to remove and often damages internal components.
Don’t Use High-Pressure Water for Everything While pressure washing works great for the outside of your pump, be careful around electrical components and sealed bearings. Use appropriate cleaning methods for different parts.
Don’t Ignore Small Problems That little drip or slight vibration might seem minor, but it usually gets worse fast. Address issues when they’re still small and cheap to fix.
Don’t Skip the Manual Every pump is a little different. Read the specific maintenance requirements for your model rather than assuming all pumps are the same.
Seasonal Considerations
Winter Storage If you’re in a climate where pumps sit idle during winter, proper storage prevents expensive spring surprises. Drain all water from tanks, lines, and pumps. Water expands when it freezes and cracks expensive components.
For pumps with mixing systems, make sure the mixing chamber is completely dry. Any residual moisture can freeze and damage the parabolic chamber or mixing blades.
Hot Weather Operation High temperatures affect hydraulic systems and can cause rubber components to deteriorate faster. Check fluid levels more frequently during summer months and watch for signs of overheating.
Signs Your Pump Needs Professional Service
Decreased Performance If your pump isn’t moving material like it used to, or if pressure seems inconsistent, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Don’t wait until it stops working completely.
Unusual Noises Pumps develop their own “normal” sounds over time. New noises – grinding, squealing, or irregular operation – usually indicate problems that need attention.
Visible Wear Excessive wear on squeeze wheels, cracked hoses, or damaged fittings need immediate attention. These problems only get worse under pressure.
The Quikspray Advantage: Designed for Easy Maintenance
We designed our pumps based on decades of customer feedback about what breaks and what’s hard to maintain. That’s why our pumps feature:
No Oil Bath Systems: Traditional pumps require regular oil changes and messy maintenance. Our designs eliminate this headache entirely.
Accessible Components: Everything you need to service is easy to reach. No crawling under equipment or removing major components for routine maintenance.
Clear Visual Indicators: Transparent hoses let you see what’s happening inside your system. No guessing whether lines are clean or if material is flowing properly.
Simple, Robust Design: Fewer moving parts mean fewer things that can break. When components do need replacement, they’re standard parts that don’t require special tools or extensive downtime.
Extending Service Life Through Smart Operation
Match Your Pump to Your Material Different concrete mixes have different pumping characteristics. High-slump mixes are easier on equipment but may segregate. Low-slump mixes require more pressure but provide better placement control. Understanding your materials helps you operate equipment within its design limits.
Proper Startup Procedures Always prime your system properly and start with a small test batch before committing to a full pour. This catches problems when they’re still easy to fix.
Monitor Performance During Operation Pay attention to pressure readings, flow rates, and any changes in pump behavior during operation. Early detection prevents small problems from becoming major failures.
When to Call for Professional Help
Some maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, but others require professional attention:
Call Us When:
- Pump performance drops significantly despite proper cleaning
- You hear unusual noises or vibrations
- Electrical components show signs of damage
- Major components like mixing chambers or pumping mechanisms need replacement
You Can Handle:
- Routine cleaning and flushing
- Hose inspection and replacement
- Basic lubrication and adjustments
- Filter and strainer cleaning
Getting the Most from Your Investment
A cement pump is a significant investment, but with proper care, it should provide years of reliable service. We’ve got customers running pumps we built in the 1980s – not because they can’t afford new equipment, but because proper maintenance keeps older pumps running like new.
Keep Records Track maintenance activities, operating hours, and any issues you encounter. This helps identify patterns and ensures you stay on top of scheduled maintenance.
Stock Critical Spare Parts Keep commonly replaced items like hoses, fittings, and filters on hand. Nothing’s worse than being down for days waiting for a simple part.
Train Your Operators Make sure everyone who operates your pump understands proper procedures. Most equipment damage comes from operator error, not mechanical failure.
Need Maintenance Support?
Every cement pump is different, and what works for one model might not be right for another. If you’ve got questions about maintaining your specific Quikspray pump, give us a call at (419) 732-2611.
Our service team has been supporting these pumps for decades, and we’re happy to walk you through proper procedures for your specific model. We also stock parts for pumps we built years ago – your investment is protected by our commitment to long-term support.
Remember, good maintenance isn’t just about following a schedule. It’s about understanding your equipment and catching small problems before they become big ones. After all, we’ve been helping contractors keep their pumps running since 1968, and we’ve learned that an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.