The Dog Days of Summer: Don’t Let the Heat Take Down Your Pump System

As temperatures climb and the “dog days of summer” settle in, pump systems across commercial buildings, municipalities, and industrial applications are working harder than ever. These extreme conditions can push pumps, motors, and controls to their limits—leading to overheating, efficiency loss, or unexpected breakdowns if left unchecked.
Did you know? The “dog days of summer” refers to the hottest, most humid period of the summer, typically from early July to early September. It’s a time of year associated with oppressive heat and often characterized by lethargy and sluggishness, both for humans and animals.
Why Summer Heat Puts Extra Stress on Pump Systems:
- Increased Demand: From irrigation and cooling systems to higher daily water usage, the summer surge adds strain to your system’s performance.
- Rising Temperatures: Heat affects both equipment and electrical components, increasing the risk of failure, especially in pump rooms with poor ventilation or equipment that may be located outside.
- Wear from Spring Storms: Pumps that ran overtime during spring runoff may already be compromised heading into July.
Stay Ahead of the Heat with These Pro Tips:
- Inspect for Overheating: Check motors, bearings, and seals for signs of heat damage or unusual wear.
- Check Ventilation: Make sure pump rooms are well-ventilated to help regulate equipment temperatures.
- Monitor Controls and Settings: High ambient temps can affect sensor reading -calibrate as needed.
- Schedule Planned Maintenance: A quarterly or semi-annual service can catch small issues before they lead to costly failures.
Need Emergency Service? We’re On Call.
Contact us at pumpman.com to set up a service call or to build a custom Planned Maintenance Program for your pump systems.
If the heat catches up with your system, PumpMan’s expert service teams are standing by with diagnostics, repairs, and replacements to get you back online fast.
Don’t let the dog days bring downtime. Keep your systems cool, efficient, and operating at full capacity with PumpMan.