Honda’s compact WX10 water pump is a great addition to any homeowner’s tool shed. The pump makes it easy to leverage the power of a nearby water source, giving homeowners an edge as they water the lawn and maintain plants well away from the home. With an included garden hose attachment and several available accessories, this pump is a great fit for the vast majority of prospective buyers. For those homeowners who have already chosen the WX10, it’s a good idea to review basic operation guidelines that make safe and efficient water pump use just a bit easier.
What to Check Before Beginning Operation
Safe operation of a Honda water pump requires operators to conduct a few checks prior to starting the engine and beginning the task at hand. By ensuring that the pump is in great condition, and making sure that there are no issues with the engine or hoses, operators can ensure peace of mind throughout their work.
1. General Pump Condition
Before getting started, give the pump a thorough inspection. Make sure that the pump is not showing any signs of a fuel or oil leak, and check for any rust that might weaken the pump’s exterior. This is a great time to clean any lingering dirt and debris away from the pump, preventing engine trouble and safety hazards later on.
2. Suction and Discharge Hoses
The hoses must be checked to ensure that they’re still in great condition. A hose should show no signs of tears, excessive wear, or outright leaks. Each hose should be capable of attaching firmly to the water pump, and the reinforced construction inside the hoses should be checked for durability so that the hoses do not collapse during use.
3. Check the Engine
There are three key areas that must be checked so that the engine can run safely and efficiently. First, make sure that the engine’s oil level is filled to the proper line on the dipstick. Second, fill the fuel tank to capacity. Finally, don’t start the engine until the air filter has been checked for excessive dirt or wear. If the air filter looks rough around the edges, replace it before continuing.
Water Pump Operation: Getting Started and Staying Safe
With pre-operation checks completed, it’s almost time to get started with the WX10 water pump. There are a few things to know immediately before and after starting the equipment, however.
1. Water Pump Precautions
Honda strictly recommends reading through the entirety of the water pump’s included instruction manual. This will allow new equipment owners to master the pump’s features, controls, and the various safety guidelines that govern its use. Furthermore, the company cautions strongly against using the pump in an enclosed area or using the pump with anything other than fresh, non-contaminated sources of water around the home.
2. Pump Placement
Ideally, the pump should be situated near the water level. Honda warns against using hoses that are excessively long, as this can affect the pump’s ability to draw water and effectively process it through the pump. Keep the suction hose as short as possible in order to maximize water flow and water pressure during use. It’s worth noting that the pump itself should never, under any circumstances, be placed into the water itself.
3. Suction Hose Installation
Careful installation of the suction hose is key to the pump’s consistent operation. Make sure that the suction hose is reinforced, with internal ribbing that will prevent its collapse while taking in and processing water. The suction hose should be attached using the hose connector and hose clamp included with the pump. These parts are designed to guard against leaks and hose damage.
4. Discharge Hose Installation
The discharge hose should be longer and a bit wider in diameter, allowing for as much high-pressure water release as possible. Like the suction hose, this hose should be attached using the hose connector and the included clamp for best results.
5. Optional Garden Hose Installation
A garden hose can be used with the pump for the purchases of discharge. The pump comes with an included garden hose adapter that makes it very easy to connect the garden hose and prevent leaks or other unwanted damage.
6. Priming the Pump
Remove the pump chamber’s filler cap and completely fill the chamber with water prior to use. Make sure to tightly reinstall the filler cap after the chamber has been filled to capacity.
7. Starting and Stopping the Engine
To start the engine, place the choke lever in the “closed” position and move the throttle lever past the “idle” position to its halfway point. Give the priming bulb a few firm pressures and then turn on the ignition switch. Finally, steady the pump using the carrying handle and pull the starter grip vigorously until the engine starts. To stop the engine, set the throttle to “slow” and carefully turn the ignition switch off.
8. Setting Engine Speed
The throttle lever controls engine speed. Move the throttle lever to “high” to test the pump’s maximum output, and then gradually move the lever toward “slow” to govern engine speed during use.
Visit HondaLawnParts.com to Find OEM Honda Water Pump Parts
Honda’s WX10 water pump is a small and popular choice for today’s homeowners. To keep the pump in great condition, it’s important to conduct regular maintenance and repairs using OEM Honda parts. HondaLawnParts.com features a search tool that makes finding these OEM parts easy. Parts can be sorted by their part number, the pump model, or the engine type, and quickly purchased for an easy repair.