​the el nino that started since last quarter of 2015 had a big impact here in south cotobato. for me personally, that means using at least 2-4 drums of water daily to water all the plants in our lot. to save on electric bill, most of the time, i manually use our jetmatic water pump for it. a few days ago, i replaced the water pump gasket as the pressure of the pump is already quite low. since this is a first time for me :-), i documented the things that i did so as not to forget it and also share it with the group 🙂 he he he ... cheers

A. How to determine if the water pump gasket needs replacement:
when you operate the water pump, if the pressure that you feel in the handle is low (e.g. hindi na lumalaban) when you move it up and down and the volume of the water output is lower than before, then it's time to replace the water pump gasket.

B. jetmatic water pump gasket:
1. the original gasket is a bit soft and makunat ang texture ; with an eagle logo ; and the cut of the gasket holder is clean ; hard to find an original gasket here in marbel
2. for a replacement gasket, its a bit hard ang texture at may ply yung rubber ; the cut is also not that clean ; sample of a replacement gasket Manufacturer: Uni-Wide Rubber & Metal Industry and Product Name: Jetmatic Dragon Ply gasket ;

C. How to replace the main water pump gasket:
1. remove the handle (2 nuts) (#1 in the photo) and position the handle max downward to put the gasket near the top of the main water reservoir.
2. remove the spout assembly (#2 in the photo) (2 nuts) for easy replacement.
3. remove the upper reservoir assembly (#3 in the photo) (4 nuts) together with the vertical rod that holds the main water pump gasket.
4. remove the water pump gasket holder from the rod.
5. replace the gasket ; P26+ each at Home Solution Depot (Marbel) ; not original but a replacement parts ; always have a replacement gasket in stock at home, at least 2 pcs ;
6. assemble the water pump gasket and install into the rod.
7. re-install the upper reservoir assembly ; position the water pump gasket to the main water reservoir ; use a mallet to position the upper reservoir assembly to the main reservoir assembly ; tigthen the 4 screws just to secure the upper reservoir assembly for testing the newly installed water pump gasket ;
8. test the newly installed water pump gasket if it's working properly.
- for a new gasket that has been properly installed, the pressure is even during the downward and upward movement of the handle ; you also notice that the water is continously coming out from the pump both in the upward and downward movement of the handle ;
9. once the test is ok, finally tighten the screws of the upper water reservoir assembly ;
10. install the water spout assembly ;

D. How to prolong the use of the water pump gasket:
always take note that the gasket was never meant for heavy use. as such, a fast and hard pumping action of the water pump handle will just put too much strain on the water pump gasket resulting in it's early wear and tear. the trick for the gasket to last long is to use the water pump in a constant 'ideal' speed to allow the suction and movement of just enough water to each of the water reservoir (e.g. main, upper, spout). the 'ideal' speed is when water is coming out of the pump both in the downward and upward movement of the handle and there is not water coming out of the vertical rod that holds the water pump gasket ... you should be able to know this during the normal use of the water pump.

Boo!