If you have a circulator pump circulating gases, liquids or other materials in your factory, you need to ensure the pump's gaskets stay in a state of good repair, so that leaks or other damage doesn't occur. Wondering if your pump needs some new gaskets? Here are some signs that it does:

1. Water is coming out of the weep holes.

Circulator pumps, as well as some other types of pumps, have weep holes in them. These holes release water if it's unable to move through the pump correctly. If you see a leak out of these holes or any other part of the pump, it's time to dismantle the pump and see if the gaskets need to be replaced.

2. The gaskets are visibly worn out.

As you take apart the pump, you are likely to notice that many of its parts have a small rubber ring or gasket around them. Visually inspect these seals. If they look worn or ripped, remove and replace them.

3. The gaskets feel dry and crumbly to the touch.

If the gaskets look fine, check them by touching them as well. Ideally, they should feel new and flexible. If they feel dry and especially if they start to crumble under your touch, that is a sign that they need to be replaced.

4. The impeller shaft is loose.

The gaskets that you see when you first take apart a circulator pump are not the only gaskets that are in the pump. Look at the impeller -- it should have a small rod sticking out of it. If water has been coming out of the weep holes, it is also likely that water is also being pushed back into the bearing assembly, potentially eroding or rusting the elements in there.

To check these elements, try to move the rod attached to the impeller. You should be able to push it in and out -- there is usually a little spring around it. However, you should not be able to wiggle it back and forth. If you can wiggle it back and forth, its gasket is likely not holding it tightly in place. Take apart the impeller -- it is held together with bolts and gaskets. Then, replace the gaskets.

5. You have replaced a few gaskets.

If you are replacing one or more gaskets on your circulator pump, consider replacing them all. Although they are different sizes and are exposed to different stresses, if one is worn out, that is an indicator that the lifespan of the other gaskets may be near their end as well. Whilst you have the pump disassembled, take time to replace all of the gaskets. It's a relatively inexpensive part so it's easy to make multiple replacements at once.

Contact a pump repairs expert for more information.