Hydraulic pumps are built to handle daily use, and with regular maintenance they last for years. Occasionally, you might notice something that feels off — a popping sound, the chair slowly dropping, or the pump feeling sluggish. These are common issues and most can be resolved quickly. Here's how to figure out what's going on and what to do next.
Popping or clicking sounds
This is usually caused by trapped air or dust particles inside the pump — especially if the pump wasn't bled before its first use.The good news: this is often a quick fix.
Make sure the pump is at room temperature before you start.
Have someone sit in the chair and pump it up to the highest position.
Slowly lower the chair all the way down.
Repeat 3–4 times to release trapped air.
If the popping stops after this, you're all set. We recommend repeating this process 1–2 times a month depending on how much use the chair gets.
If the popping continues after a few days, reach out to our support team — details below.
Chair slowly sinks during use
If your chair is gradually dropping while someone is sitting in it, the pump is likely no longer holding pressure. This usually means the pump needs to be replaced — bleeding typically won't resolve a sinking issue.
Don't worry — our team can help. Reach out using the details below and we'll get it sorted.
Chair won't stay at the set height or drops when turned
Similar to sinking — if the chair drops when you rotate it or won't hold the position you set, the pump is most likely the issue. This isn't something bleeding will fix.
This is usually a pump issue, and it's one we see regularly. Drop us a line using the contact info below and we'll take it from there.
Chair feels sluggish when pumping up
A sluggish pump often responds well to the bleeding procedure described in the popping section above. Try that first — it clears out trapped air and usually restores smooth movement.
If the chair still feels sluggish after bleeding, it may be time for a replacement. Reach out to our team and we'll help you figure out the best next step.
Keeping your pump in good shape
A couple of habits go a long way:
When the chair is not in use or being moved, always lock it in the lowest position. This prevents air and dust from getting inside the pump.
Clean hair clippings off the pump area regularly — buildup can affect performance over time.
For more on ongoing pump care, see: How to Maintain Your Hydraulic Pump
Before you get in touch, it's worth checking when your chair was purchased — your pump may still be under warranty. If you're not sure, no worries — just include your order number when you reach out and our team can look it up for you.
Contact Our Team
If bleeding didn't resolve the issue — or if your chair is sinking or not holding height — our team is here to help. To get things moving as quickly as possible, please include the following when you reach out:
Your order number (starts with KS)
A short video showing what's happening
Your shipping address, in case we need to send a replacement part
You can email us at info@kellerinternational.com
We'll follow up within 1-2 business days.