Evaporative Cooler Pump Not Working? Causes, Fixes and Replacement Pumps

If your evaporative cooler is running but blowing warm or only slightly cool air, the evaporative cooler pump is one of the first parts to check. The pump lifts water from the tank at the bottom of the cooler to the top of the filter pads. Without it, the pads dry out and the cooler simply becomes a fan. This guide explains how to tell if the pump has failed, what to check before you replace it, and how to find the right replacement pump for your cooler.

What does an evaporative cooler pump do?

An evaporative cooler works by drawing hot outside air through wet filter pads. As the water evaporates, it cools the air before the fan pushes it into your home. The pump sits in the water tank (sump) and pushes water up to a distributor or spreader on top of the pads, where it trickles down and keeps them evenly wet.

Most residential coolers use a small submersible pump. Different brands use different pumps: Breezair, Braemar and Coolair coolers commonly use the Seeley Tornado pump (095806), many Bonaire and Celair coolers use Fasco JRM pumps, Brivis coolers commonly use an Askoll pump, and CoolBreeze coolers use the CoolBreeze pump range.

Signs your evaporative cooler pump has failed

• The cooler blows warm or barely cool air, even though the fan is running.
• The filter pads look dry, or only some sections are wet.
• The pump hums but no water flows, or it runs for a short time and stops.
• The pump is noisy, rattles or grinds.
• Your wall controller shows a water or pump-related fault (on models with electronic controls).

Check these first before replacing the pump

A pump often gets blamed when the real problem is water supply. Before you buy a new pump, check the following (with the power isolated where required):

• Is there water in the tank? If the tank is empty or low, the problem is the water supply, not the pump. Check the tap to the cooler, the float valve or solenoid valve, and whether the drain or dump valve is stuck open.
• Is the pump inlet blocked? Leaves, scale and debris can clog the pump screen and impeller. Cleaning it can restore flow.
• Is the distributor blocked? If water reaches the top but doesn’t spread, the water distribution pipe or spreader may be blocked with scale.
• Is the pump getting power? Checking the supply, plug and control box output is electrical work for a qualified technician.

If the tank is full, the inlet is clear and the pump has power but still doesn’t move water, the pump has most likely failed and needs replacing.

Replacement evaporative cooler pumps by brand

Breezair cooler pump (Breezair, Braemar and Coolair)

The genuine Seeley Tornado pump (095806) is the Breezair cooler pump used in many Breezair, Braemar and Coolair evaporative coolers. It is a 240VAC pump. See all Breezair and Braemar cooler pumps.

Bonaire evaporative cooler pump (Bonaire, Celair and Climate Tech)

Bonaire and Celair coolers typically use Fasco JRM pumps in different flow sizes. We stock the Fasco JRM38 pump (E/P38, 6050812SP), the JRM28 pump (E/P28) and the JRM50 pump (E/P50). The number on your old pump’s label tells you which size you need, so replace like for like. Browse all Bonaire evaporative cooler pumps.

Brivis Askoll pump

Many Brivis coolers use the Brivis Askoll pump (B017245), which fits into the Askoll pump base (B008961). If the base is cracked or worn, replace it at the same time. See Brivis cooler pumps.

CoolBreeze cooler pump

The CoolBreeze Super Pump (SP2380) is listed as a replacement for the older Fasco SP2127 pump used in CoolBreeze coolers. See CoolBreeze pumps.

How to find the right pump for your cooler

1. Find your cooler’s brand and model on the compliance label on the unit.
2. Look at the label on the old pump for a part number or model code (for example JRM38 or E/P38).
3. Compare those details with the fitment information on the product page.
4. If you can’t read the label, send us your cooler model number and a photo of the pump and we’ll help you match it.

How to make a new pump last longer

• Clean the tank and pump inlet at the start of each summer.
• Make sure the drain or dump valve is working, so salts and minerals are flushed out rather than building up around the pump.
• Replace scaled-up or crumbling evaporative cooler pads, as debris from old pads can end up in the tank.
• Drain the cooler and cover it for winter where recommended by the manufacturer.

Safety first

Evaporative coolers are usually on the roof and connected to mains power. Working at heights and on 240V wiring is dangerous. Replacing a pump should be done by a qualified technician or licensed electrician, and the power must be isolated before any work starts.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my evaporative cooler pump is working?

With the cooler running in cooling mode, the pads should be evenly wet within a few minutes. If the pads stay dry, or the pump hums without water flowing, the pump or water supply has a problem.

How long does an evaporative cooler pump last?

It varies with water quality, how much the cooler is used and how well it is maintained. Hard water and a poorly working drain valve can shorten pump life because scale builds up.

Can I fit a different brand of pump to my cooler?

It’s best to fit the pump specified for your cooler, as flow, fittings and mounting differ between brands. Check the fitment on the product page or ask us before ordering.

Why is my cooler pump running but the pads are dry?

Common causes are a blocked pump inlet, a blocked water distribution pipe or spreader, a low water level, or a worn pump impeller.

Need help finding the right evaporative cooler pump? Contact HotnCool with your cooler’s brand and model number and we’ll help you choose the right part.