Common Peristaltic Pump Errors and How to Fix Them

Most common errors when using a peristaltic pump are related to the tubing — the only component in direct contact with the liquid and also the most prone to wear and tear. Correctly identifying the root cause helps you fix issues quickly, prevent production downtime, and extend equipment lifespan.

1. Flow rate decreasing over time

A common cause is tubing fatigue, where the tube loses its elasticity and fails to restore its original shape after the roller passes. This reduces suction force, preventing fluid from being drawn into the tube as quickly as before. The solution is to regularly inspect and replace tubing according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

2. Tubing cracking or tearing at a fixed point

This is often caused by off-center tubing rubbing against the rotor, leading to localized wear. Ensure the tubing is properly aligned and not pinched off-center against the rotor assembly when loading into the pump head.

3. Tubing slipping or walking out of the pump head

This common error occurs when occlusion (compression force) is insufficient. It is recommended to use an adjustable occlusion pump head, such as Easy-Load®, to increase grip and improve performance at higher backpressures.

4. Pump vibrating or making abnormal noise

This may be due to worn bearings or pump head components, or using tubing incompatible with the operating load. You should conduct regular inspections and refer to how to choose peristaltic pump tubing suitable for your actual operating conditions.

5. Tubing discoloration or cloudiness after sterilization

This phenomenon is usually just moisture trapped inside the tube wall after autoclaving. It does not affect quality as long as the tubing remains mechanically intact.

According to the tubing troubleshooting guide, it is always recommended to “break in” new tubing by running it at maximum speed for 10-15 minutes before official operation to minimize slippage and initial calibration errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should tubing be inspected?

Inspect tubing according to your routine maintenance schedule, or immediately if you notice an unexpected flow rate drop of more than 10%.

Does NOVALAB provide on-site troubleshooting support?

Yes. The technical team at NOVALAB — the official distributor of Masterflex provides remote consultation and on-site troubleshooting whenever necessary.

If your peristaltic pump system is experiencing issues, contact NOVALAB for prompt assistance and support.