Another disadvantage of using packing glands is fact that there is a certain amount of skill needed for cutting and installing gland in order for it to work properly. It's more difficult to get consistent results.

Although there are disadvantages in using gland packing, there are also good reasons for using them.

They are less expensive to use compared to mechanical seals. If chosen and installed correctly, they can last for a very long time. When changing packing glands, pump housing need not be opened up. This can be an advantage when skilled labor is in short supply.

Keeping stock of spares is not a problem because they can be used for all pump brands as long as they have same gland sizes. Pump packing materials are more robust compared to fragile and delicate mechanical seals.

For more information on gland packing and pump troubleshooting, download free software from Pump Troubleshooter

1. No Flow, No Pressure - No water delivered at all 2. Low Flow and Low Pressure - Pump does not deliver sufficient water or Pump does not deliver water after some time or Insufficient pressure developed 3. Short Lifespan of Shaft Seal or Packing - Shaft seal or Gland Packing does not last long 4. Short Lifespan of Bearings, Noisy Operation - Bearings do not last long or Vibration and noisy operation or Overheating of parts or Seizure of bearings 5. Pump Trips - Pump stops by itself or Excessive power consumption

With this easy pump troubleshooter, anyone could easily pinpoint causes in a very short time. The pump troubleshooter can be downloaded for FREE at http://www.free-marine.com/diagnoppad.htm

The usefulness does not end there - any pump distributor or seller can also make use of it to sell their own product! They are able to insert their own names and Companies into FREE software and distribute it to anyone they wish as goodwill.

Attention Pump Professionals! Free Pump Troubleshooter available for download. Very easy to use. Just answer logical questions by selecting either Yes or No, and you will be able to pinpoint your pump faults quickly. No experience necessary. Ideal for beginners and seasoned professionals alike. Saves valuable time. Pump Troubleshooter