1. Pre-Use Inspection: Eliminate Hidden Risks in Advance

• Power Supply & Wiring Check
  DC air pumps rely on batteries or DC power adapters (e.g., 12V/24V), so power safety is a top priority:
  • Inspect the power cord, plug, and terminals for cracks, fraying, or loose connections. If the insulation layer is damaged, stop using it immediately (replace the cord or repair it with insulation tape to prevent short circuits or electric shocks).
  • For battery-powered pumps (e.g., portable aquarium aerators), check the battery’s charge level and terminals. Clean any corrosion or oxide layers on battery contacts with a dry cotton swab (corrosion can cause poor contact and insufficient power).
  • Ensure the input voltage matches the pump’s rated voltage (e.g., do not connect a 12V pump to a 24V power supply)—mismatched voltage will burn the motor.
• Air Inlet/Outlet & Pipeline Check
  Blockages in the air path are the most common cause of reduced airflow and motor overload:
  • Check the air inlet filter screen (a key component to prevent dust) for clogging by dust, hair, or debris. If it’s dirty, remove it and clean it with clean water (let it dry completely before reinstalling—wet filters can cause mold or block airflow).
  • Inspect the air hose (if used) for kinks, cracks, or leaks. For example, in aquarium aeration, a leaking hose will waste airflow; in vacuum adsorption scenarios, leaks will reduce suction power. Replace damaged hoses promptly.
  • Ensure the air outlet is not blocked by objects (e.g., do not place the pump against a wall or pile items on the outlet)—blockages will increase internal pressure and overheat the motor.

2. In-Use Maintenance: Avoid Misoperation and Overload

• Do Not Overload the Pump
  • Respect the pump’s rated parameters (e.g., maximum airflow, pressure, continuous working time). For example:
    • A small DC pump for aquarium aeration (rated for 4 hours of continuous use) should not run 24/7—long-term overload will overheat the motor and damage the diaphragm.
    • Do not force the pump to work beyond its pressure limit (e.g., using a low-pressure pump for high-pressure inflation)—this will cause the diaphragm to deform or the motor to burn out.
  • If the pump makes unusual noises (e.g., grinding, squealing) or feels abnormally hot (exceeding 60°C to 70°C, as a general rule), stop using it immediately. These signs indicate internal jamming or motor failure.
• Avoid Harsh Working Environments
  • Keep the pump away from water, oil, or corrosive liquids/gases. For example:
    • In aquarium use, do not place the pump directly on the tank edge (to prevent water splashes from entering the motor).
    • In industrial scenarios (e.g., small-scale wastewater aeration), do not let the pump come into contact with sewage or chemical residues—corrosive substances will damage the pump’s shell and internal components.
  • Do not use the pump in extreme temperatures (generally, DC air pumps work best between -10°C and 50°C). High temperatures will accelerate motor insulation aging; low temperatures may freeze the diaphragm (reducing flexibility) or battery performance.

3. Post-Use Care: Clean and Store Properly

• Clean the External and Air Path Components
  • Wipe the pump’s shell with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust, dirt, or stains (do not use water to rinse the entire pump—water may seep into the motor).
  • For reusable air filters (e.g., sponge filters), remove them and tap gently to shake off dust. If they are heavily soiled, wash them with neutral detergent (avoid strong chemicals) and let them air-dry completely before reinstalling.
  • If the pump is used in dusty environments (e.g., construction site vacuum tools), blow the air inlet/outlet with compressed air (at low pressure) to remove hidden dust.
• Power Off and Disconnect Safely
  • Turn off the power switch first, then disconnect the power cord or battery. Do not pull the cord directly to avoid damaging the plug or internal wiring.
  • For battery-powered pumps, if not used for a long time (e.g., more than 1 month), charge the battery to 50%–70% (not fully charged or completely discharged) before storage—this prevents battery capacity loss (lithium-ion batteries are particularly sensitive to over-discharge).
• Store in a Suitable Environment
  • Store the pump in a dry, well-ventilated, and cool place (avoid direct sunlight, damp corners, or places with high humidity, such as basements).
  • Keep the pump away from heavy objects to prevent the shell or internal components from being crushed.
  • Coil the air hose neatly (do not fold it tightly) and store it with the pump to avoid hose deformation or cracking.

4. Regular Deep Maintenance: Extend Core Component Life

• Motor and Diaphragm Maintenance (Key Components)
  • The diaphragm is a wearable part (made of rubber or silicone) that generates airflow through repeated expansion and contraction. Check for cracks, hardening, or deformation (signs of aging). If the diaphragm is damaged, replace it with a matching original part (using non-original diaphragms may cause air leakage or reduce performance).
  • For accessible motor parts (e.g., vents), use a soft brush to clean dust from the motor’s heat dissipation holes—blocked vents will cause the motor to overheat.
  • Do not disassemble the motor casing unless you have professional knowledge (internal windings and bearings are precision components; improper disassembly may cause irreversible damage).
• Seal and Connection Maintenance
  • Check the seals at the air inlet/outlet and hose joints for hardening or leakage. If leaks are found (e.g., reduced airflow, hissing sounds), replace the seal ring (use materials compatible with the pump, such as nitrile rubber or fluorine rubber).
  • Tighten loose screws on the pump’s shell or terminals—vibration during use may loosen screws, leading to abnormal noise or poor contact.
• Battery Maintenance (for Battery-Powered Pumps)
  • For lead-acid batteries: Check the electrolyte level (if not sealed) every 3 months—add distilled water (not tap water) if the level is below the minimum mark.
  • For lithium-ion batteries: Avoid overcharging (unplug the charger once fully charged) and over-discharging (do not use the pump until the battery is completely dead)—this extends battery life by 2–3 years.

5. Common Faults and Quick Troubleshooting