How To Replace an Evaporative Swamp Cooler Water Pump

Of course, if in doubt, be sure to call a professional.

What is a Swamp Cooler Water Pump?

A swamp cooler water pump is a simple 115-volt motor that pumps water to the top of the cooling pads.

The water flows through the pads, and the air is cooled when the blower is on and blowing.

Any water that does not evaporate flows back into the bottom holding area and is pumped back up in a constant cycle.

What Happens if a Swamp Cooler Water Pump Goes Bad?

When the pump fails, the swamp cooler will send out hot air instead of cooled air.

The cooler should still blow air, but it will not be cool air since no water is going to the pads.

How To Buy a Swamp Cooler Water Pump

Swamp cooler water pumps can be bought at almost any hardware store or online on Amazon or eBay.

They are 115-volt units and are low-cost items to replace.

The unit can be matched to the old part number or voltage and HP.

When buying a new pump, it is best to match up the Horsepower (HP) to the old one.

Even though most swamp cooler pumps are the same, it is best to be sure of the correct HP-sized pump for your unit.

Most all water pumps for an evaporative cooler will be 110/115-volts. There are some rare exceptions, so be sure the voltage matches your system also.

Example Swamp Cooler Pump On Amazon
Little Giant 540005 CP1-115 1/70 Horsepower Evaporative Cooler Pump.

Steps to Replace a Cooler Water Pump

1. Turn off the electrical power going to the unit.
2. Take the side panels off the cooler and locate the water pump.



3. Remove the bolts that hold it in place.



4. Disconnect the water line and remove the old water pump.
5. Connect the water line to the new pump.




6. Bolt the new unit into place.




7. Plug or wire the new pump into the outlet located inside the swamp cooler.



8. Test the unit and check for water being pumped to the top of the cooler.

How Do You Change an Evaporative Water Cooler Pump?

1. Turn off the electrical power going to the unit.
2. Remove the side panels of the swamp cooler.
3. Locate the water pump and unplug the AC voltage.
4. Remove the water line to the pump.
5. Remove the pump bolts.
6. Install the new water pump
7. Bolt it in place.
8. Plug the water line into the new unit.
9. Plug the AC voltage into the new unit.
10. Power on the unit and test it.

To replace an evaporative cooler pump, turn the power off to the unit and remove the side panels.

Locate the water pump and remove the water hose.

The 115-volt electrical line will need to be wired into the electrical box.

Why is My Swamp Cooler Pump Not Working?

The main causes of a water pump not working are clogged, bad wiring connection or the pump has failed.

If the pump is not working, check for any debris that may have gotten into the water line going up to the top of the pads.

If there is no clog, a multimeter can be used to check the power and any bad wiring connection.

If there is power and no clogged line, the water pump has likely failed and needs to be replaced.

Summary
Replacing an evaporative swamp cooler pump is an easy task but always hire a professional if needed.

Some units can be located on a roof and be hard to get to, and require climbing a ladder.

Swamp coolers will also have a build-up of dirt and other debris that should be cleaned out. If it is not cleaned out it can clog up the new pump and possibly damage it.

Be careful around sheet metal that swamp coolers are made from, as it can be sharp if it is exposed.