Having trouble with your rain water pump? Don’t worry – it happens. As much as rain water pumps are nifty little contraptions that reduce our water bills, benefit the environment, and provide us with an emergency water supply in the event of a drought; they’re also temperamental devices that have a tendency to stop working from time to time.
Thankfully, the root cause of your rain water pump not working usually comes down to a handful of possible reasons, which we’ve covered in the points below (along with D.I.Y. solutions). If after reading through this guide you’re still not sure why your rain water pump is not working or how to fix it, please don’t hesitate to call Plumbform.
Our qualified and experienced team will get your rain water pump up and running again in no time – we specialise in all your general and gas plumbing needs, from rain water pump repairs and gas hot water system maintenance to leak detection, blocked drains, roofing/guttering and more.
The pump is repeatedly switching itself on and off
Once the pressure in the discharge piping drops to a certain point, the pump will activate itself. Conversely, it will deactivate automatically after raising the pressure to a certain level. It’s important to note that pressure in the household piping can only decrease if there is an open tap or a system leakage.
It’s important to inspect all faucets for signs of leakage. If your rainwater supply is being utilised for indoor purposes, carefully examine all toilets to verify there is no gradual seepage into the bowl. You can also check your washing machine by disabling the water isolation valve.
If any leaks are found, repair them promptly. If you’re unable to locate the source of the leak, it would be wise to call a plumber to inspect hard-to-spot leaks. Additionally, test the switching mechanism that allows you to alternate between using rainwater and city water, ensuring that it’s functioning smoothly.
The pump never stops operating
In the event of an open tap or a significant leak, the pump will run non-stop. If neither of these circumstances is presenting itself, it’s possible that the pump controller is defective.
Be sure to inspect the system for any open taps or leaks coming from the toilet or pipework. Should a leak be identified, it’s recommended you contact a licensed plumber for assistance. However, if no leakage is found, it’s worth getting in touch with the manufacturer, repair service or retailer of the pump.
Whenever there’s any rain water in the tank, the pump doesn’t operate at all
The utilisation of rainwater tanks can be extended by connecting them to your house’s toilet and laundry – this practice ensures the water is not left unused. The pump should be activated automatically when a tap is turned on or a toilet is flushed. However, there might be instances where the pump may not work due to electrical issues or pump failure. To troubleshoot, switch off the pump from the power point.
- If the pump doesn’t turn on, try another appliance on the power point to check if it’s working. If the other appliance isn’t functioning, go to the switchboard and reset the circuit breaker. Then test the appliance again. If the circuit breaker trips, seek an electrician’s assistance. In the event that the pump’s causing the circuit breaker to trip, contact the pump retailer or manufacturer.
- If the pump starts but fails to continue, the switching device might be at fault. Again, contact the pump’s retailer, repairer, or manufacturer for assistance.
There’s no water making its way to the taps, toilets or washing machine
The top-up systems of tanks completely depend on the pump to provide water for washing machines and toilets. In case of tanks equipped with electronic or hydraulic switching to the mains water supply, water should be supplied continuously even when the tank is empty of rainwater.
To ensure smooth functioning and uninterrupted power supply, kindly adhere to the steps mentioned in the preceding section and verify the operational status of the pump. Additionally, we recommend clearing out all the filters and strainers to guarantee that there are no obstructions. In case of any discrepancies, kindly get in touch with the pump manufacturer, repairer, or retailer for further assistance.
The water flow to your taps, toilets and/or washing machine is low or inconsistent
It’s likely that there are obstructions hindering the flow within the system. It could be probable that the supply of the pumping or mains switching system is optimised for low flow. Make sure all filters and strainers are free from any obstruction to guarantee uninterrupted flow. If the flow remains below satisfactory levels, reach out to the retailer, repairer or pump manufacturer.
Need help? Contact Plumbform
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