[freeagent]

We have a Mastercraft water pump bought from Canadian Tire. This the model 62-3593 with stainless pump body and digital control on outlet. Pumps water from lake to our home.

This pump ran for the past two or three years, then recently water flow to house stopped. I could still get a small flow down at pumphouse but it would only get to about 5 psig. I took the pump apart and found that the internal venturi/diffuser had a hole in it! Hard to see what would have cause this. Must have been a manufacturing defect.

Anyway, I contacted Canadian Tire customer service. They directed me to Mastercraft service. There I was told that the keep no parts for these pumps! They had no clue about the pump and suggested I try and buy an after market generic part!

So learning here was that if you buy something like this pump from Canadian Tire, don't expect to ever be able to get parts to repair it! Better to buy the Burcam pump from Home Hardware or another retailer.

 

[freeagent]

Continuing - We also have a spare pump - It is a Burcam and is very similar except pump body is smaller in diameter. The internal venturi and diffuser are also different. But my hope is that they may have the same diffuser in a different pump model.

 

[freeagent]

One more thing - If I can't source that diffuser, I was thinking of repairing that hole with something like JB-WELD. This would allow me to get water back on until I can get Burcam pump repaired, should it fail again. (It also failed after several years of service due to a broken internal plastic venturi)

Just not sure about using an epoxy in a potable water system.

 

[lenaitch]

Looks like a cheap/defective casting. You can try JB Weld but it might not hold against the pressure.
The thing you have learned about Canadian Tire, especially the Mastercraft line is that they source their products from a number of off-shore suppliers, even for the same product line, and generally don't support them well. We recently bought one of those heavy duty garden wagons, and the product was different than the listing and I noticed that the two on the shelf were slightly different, probably different suppliers. Anything I get from CT under their brands I consider to be throw-away.

For something as important as a domestic water system, my opinion is you are better off to buy a name brand, such as Goulds, and one that has a local dealer for parts. I'm not familiar with Burcam, but if they are supported by Home Hardware I've generally had good luck dealing with them. Frankly, I'd be going to a plumbing supply shop.

 

[freeagent]

Looks like a cheap/defective casting. You can try JB Weld but it might not hold against the pressure.

The casting is actually quite rugged. Not worse than the Burcam pumps. It might actually be part of cause of failure. In there so tightly that pump vibration caused it to break at weakest point - the water intake to the venturi.

For something as important as a domestic water system, my opinion is you are better off to buy a name brand, such as Goulds, and one that has a local dealer for parts. I'm not familiar with Burcam, but if they are supported by Home Hardware I've generally had good luck dealing with them. Frankly, I'd be going to a plumbing supply shop.

Burcam are located in Montreal and carry full line of spares for their pumps. Their pumps can be found in several stores here (HomeHardware, HomeDepot, PrincessAuto) as well as in several chains in the USA. Like the Mastercraft, they are made in China but at least Burcam offer full service.

In past, we had several conventional pumps with tank and pressure cut-off. At least two died because pumps did not reach cut-off pressure, kept running and overheated destroying internal plastic parts. Their output pressure would cycle from 25 to 40 psig. This compared with constant 60psig for Burcam.

The Burcam pump senses flow. If flow stops, pump motor stops. Sometimes a tap dripping or other leak can cause them to have short term cycling. I have been happy with their concept and the clean Stainless design.

I accept that internal pump parts may break from time to time. No trouble if they are available. My mistake was thinking that the parts diagram in the Mastercraft owners manual indicated that parts were available for the Canadian Tire pump!

I was familiar with Goulds pumps when working as an engineer. They were one of the best. But a search for their domestic line distributor in Ontario brought up nothing.



Thanks for the interest.

 

[Nealtw]

I found some spare parts.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-tool-other/...ercraft-shallow-well-jet-pump-3-4-hp/1465229770?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true


Perhaps if you advertise for the parts you need, others may have had different problems.

 

[freeagent]

I found some spare parts.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-tool-other/...ercraft-shallow-well-jet-pump-3-4-hp/1465229770?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true


Perhaps if you advertise for the parts you need, others may have had different problems.

Thanks. Looking closely at that pump, the S/S casing is slightly different from my pump and is also different from the one with same number that they still sell.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-shallow-well-jet-pump-3-4-hp-0623594p.html#spc

I could take a chance, but the pump is located a long way from us, so shipping might be a killer! Have a feeling parts might be different, This is our Mastercraft pump that currently is in bits!

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/.../en/pdp/mastercraft-shallow-well-jet-pump-with-control-3-4-hp-0623593p.html#spc

PS: I did talk to Burcam. They knew all about the no-parts Mastercraft pumps, having had several inquiries for parts. Unfortunately although very similar, their parts don't fit.

 

[Nealtw]

Thanks. Looking closely at that pump, the S/S casing is slightly different from my pump and is also different from the one with same number that they still sell.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-shallow-well-jet-pump-3-4-hp-0623594p.html#spc

I could take a chance, but the pump is located a long way from us, so shipping might be a killer! Have a feeling parts might be different, This is our Mastercraft pump that currently is in bits!

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/.../en/pdp/mastercraft-shallow-well-jet-pump-with-control-3-4-hp-0623593p.html#spc

PS: I did talk to Burcam. They knew all about the no-parts Mastercraft pumps, having had several inquiries for parts. Unfortunately although very similar, their parts don't fit.

I was thinking you could run an ad with a picture of your broken part and with the numbers on it.

 

[freeagent]

I was thinking you could run an ad with a picture of your broken part and with the numbers on it.

I should do that. In the meantime, I will try and patch the broken casting on the Mastercraft. Hard to make a long-lasting repair, but if it lasts for a week or so that would be enough. If my Burcam fails, I can get a part in a few days and get it back working.

I had an email from CT. They are supposed to call me on Monday to discuss the "situation" Maybe they have a returned pump lying around that they could send me. Not sure what else they could offer.

 

[Nealtw]

I should do that. In the meantime, I will try and patch the broken casting on the Mastercraft. Hard to make a long-lasting repair, but if it lasts for a week or so that would be enough. If my Burcam fails, I can get a part in a few days and get it back working.

I had an email from CT. They are supposed to call me on Monday to discuss the "situation" Maybe they have a returned pump lying around that they could send me. Not sure what else they could offer.

Sometimes CT is the only place to find something you need, I know because they are the last place I want to buy anything.

 

[freeagent]

I did a kijiji search and found two mastercraft pumps, similar to mine, for sale. Again, one had a different casing. Noticed there is a suffix to sku number that must determine change in design.

This one is same as mine. 062-3593-2. Too much money for used pump that has no parts available! Shipping would also be a killer if we couldn't pick up.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-home-outdoo...ow-well-jet-pump-with-control-3-4-hp/1463288515?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

 

[Nealtw]

I did a kijiji search and found two mastercraft pumps, similar to mine, for sale. Again, one had a different casing. Noticed there is a suffix to sku number that must determine change in design.

This one is same as mine. 062-3593-2. Too much money for used pump that has no parts available! Shipping would also be a killer if we couldn't pick up.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-home-outdoo...ow-well-jet-pump-with-control-3-4-hp/1463288515?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

If you do re[place it you might try selling yours for parts. I'm sure some one would like to buy a motor.

 

[freeagent]

If you do re[place it you might try selling yours for parts. I'm sure some one would like to buy a motor.

An unused identical Canadian Tire pump was just listed on Kijiji. $150. Shipping would add to cost and once again, I would have another no-parts Mastercraft pump!

If CT don't have anything to offer, I will do the temporary repair on Mastercraft, then keep a look out for a used Burcam pump within driving distance.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[lenaitch]

The casting is actually quite rugged. Not worse than the Burcam pumps. It might actually be part of cause of failure. In there so tightly that pump vibration caused it to break at weakest point - the water intake to the venturi.



Burcam are located in Montreal and carry full line of spares for their pumps. Their pumps can be found in several stores here (HomeHardware, HomeDepot, PrincessAuto) as well as in several chains in the USA. Like the Mastercraft, they are made in China but at least Burcam offer full service.

In past, we had several conventional pumps with tank and pressure cut-off. At least two died because pumps did not reach cut-off pressure, kept running and overheated destroying internal plastic parts. Their output pressure would cycle from 25 to 40 psig. This compared with constant 60psig for Burcam.

The Burcam pump senses flow. If flow stops, pump motor stops. Sometimes a tap dripping or other leak can cause them to have short term cycling. I have been happy with their concept and the clean Stainless design.

I accept that internal pump parts may break from time to time. No trouble if they are available. My mistake was thinking that the parts diagram in the Mastercraft owners manual indicated that parts were available for the Canadian Tire pump!

I was familiar with Goulds pumps when working as an engineer. They were one of the best. But a search for their domestic line distributor in Ontario brought up nothing.



Thanks for the interest.

Goulds popped into my mind as an example and the plumbing dealer I use sells them. There is also Zoeller, but if you are happy with Bercam, go for it. I don't imagine you want to go through the Canadian Tire dance again after your experience.

 

[dispatchone]

Those Zoeller pumps are top of the line, and they have been in the business forever.

https://www.zoeller.com/en-na/

 

[freeagent]

Those Zoeller pumps are top of the line, and they have been in the business forever.

https://www.zoeller.com/en-na/

Like a lot of conventional jet pumps, those pumps are designed to operate with a pressure switch. They cycle from 30-50psig max. We used to have that sort of pump, and pressure at house was poor.

With the type we now have, we get a constant 60 psig at the pump and that gives reasonable flow for showers etc. Still limited to one major use at a time. Don't flush toilet or run washer while showering Only two of us most of time, so we get by.

 

[joed]

You might try and find local water pump repair guy. He might be familiar with who actually made your pump and if parts are available.

I would try the JBWeld if it was mine.

 

[lenaitch]

Like a lot of conventional jet pumps, those pumps are designed to operate with a pressure switch. They cycle from 30-50psig max. We used to have that sort of pump, and pressure at house was poor.

With the type we now have, we get a constant 60 psig at the pump and that gives reasonable flow for showers etc. Still limited to one major use at a time. Don't flush toilet or run washer while showering Only two of us most of time, so we get by.

I think the vast majority of lake-side place have pressure tank/switch systems so your setup might have been pushing the 'lift' and 'push' limits, or too small a pressure tank (not uncommon in my cottaging experience). Your system keeps you honest - don't give the other half a reason to flush while you're in the shower. :surprise:

 

[joed]

The pump referenced by the OP does not use a pressure tank. You turn on a tap and the pump starts. When you turn off the tap the pump shuts down within about 30 seconds.

 

[freeagent]

The pump referenced by the OP does not use a pressure tank. You turn on a tap and the pump starts. When you turn off the tap the pump shuts down within about 30 seconds.

I think Lenaitch knows that. He was just commenting on my post about not getting enough pressure with a conventional pump/tank/pressure switch set-up.

Lenaitch - Back when I gave up on a pressure switch set-up, I made a computer model of our water system! (I used to do that sort of stuff as an engineer ).
Basically criteria
- suck water from lake about 5ft then lift it to house - about 20ft to highest user. So 25ft or ~11psi static head.
- overcome dynamic pressure loss through a Myers backwash filter, a whole house 5 micron filter, a UV light housing and various valves & fittings.
- overcome pressure loss through the feed pipe from the pumphouse to the house as well as shower heads etc.

The pumps with bladder tank we had had an on/off pressure range of something like 25-40 psig. At 25psig, flow was very low and not that great even at 40psig.

Solutions were to get a higher pressure pump, add a booster pump or reduce pressure loss in lines. The Burcam type pump with flow controller (bought at Home Depot) was a low cost and simple solution. It provides constant 60 psig.

We used original Burcam 2009 - ~2016. Then while waiting for part, used the Mastercraft from 2016-2019 before diffuser cracked. Burcam is now back in service. Mastercraft in bits on my bench

Joed - I will repair the Mastercarft diffuser with crazy glue and JBWeld. But just as back up and assuming CT don't make an offer I can't refuse (They are due to call me on Monday)