Water pump problem

[Hammerhead]

My water pump for the house coming on every 10 seconds or so,has anybody any ideas why this is happening, it's driving me nuts

[kerry 6138]

Check your toilet cistern isn't leaking water into the bowl,the pump will recognise this has a tap turning on.

[Hammerhead]

No checked that all dry

[a1sysman]

If you have a raised, as in on the roof, cold water storage tank, you could check for rust or joint leaks there or maybe a stuck ball cock triggering a gentle overflow.

[13roman58]

Also consider that the non return valve if fitted isn't working.

[Groucho]

No checked that all dry

Whilst the top tank and cistern are refilling it tends to cause this issue too. But if it goes on ad-infinitum the press-control unit on top of the pump may also need replacing as well as checking for leaks, ballcock not shutting off and non-return valve being stuck.

[Mollie the cat]

We had this problem a while ago, we still have a pump with a rubber insert, it had deflated, once blown up the noises stopped.

[Kanonier]

We had the same problem a few years back started on the roof and worked our way down, still couldn't locate it until one day, sitting in the garden, I noticed a wet patch at the end of the hose - bingo. The water was taking so long to reach the end of the hose and when it did it was evaporating that we never realised that was the culprit.

[gates]

it could be lots of things . Leaky pipe could be anywhere best thing is to just put pump on when need it in the morning when you get up and if you have a shower rest of the time your cold water tank will serve all your needs that is if you have one . There is another alternative we could connect you to the mains then wont need pump unless the mains goes off www.braceybuilders.com let us know if we can help

[thornaby]

I converted mine to run on the incoming mains pressure ( when its good) an easy low cost job. A pump stopping and starting is almost certainly an indication of a leak somewhere. Toilets are the most common culprits due to the " modern" flush valves, something that is never an issue with the good old fashioned syphon system. Try isolating the toilets using the isolation valves on the wall next to the toilets. Look for any water comming from the roof via gutters downpipes etc. A good installation will have an isolation valve on the outgoing pipe from the pump, try closing this off. If doing one thing dont reinstate until you are happy, just incase you are chasing multiple leaks.

[frontalman]

My Russian neighbour's pump is going 24/7 and has been for ages. I pointed it out to him and he said he would see to it. He hasn't and doesn't seem to care, but then again he's loaded.

[ElectricianPete]

If the toilets are ok then the usual problem is the non return valve on the bottom of the header tank on the roof. This can be proved by turning off the isolation valve under the header tank. The ball valve in this tank can also cause it. I usually replace both together.

[thornaby]

The non return valve on the roof top cold tank get definitely be an issue. Water will enter the tank from the outlet pipe. If the n.r.v. is faulty the water level will rise and water will leak out from the tank. This leak should show itself by water leaking onto the roof and eventually comming out of the guttering downpipe. An inspection of the level in the water tank would be a good way to go although that for most people might be difficult. If the n.r.v is to be changed I would definitely pull out the internal spring with a pair of long nose pliers. The head of water in the tank will be insufficient to overcome the power of the spring resulting in only a partially open n.r.v and a very poor flow to the taps etc. The n.r.v. Will work ok without the spring. Another possible cause of the pump issue could be a faulty n.r.v. built into the pressure control unit on top of the pump. A faulty one would result in water leaking back into the cold tank that supplies it. This can be checked by closing the outlet valve on the tank. Many installation have an additional. n.r.v. in-between the pump and controller so both would have to fail but its still worth checking.

[Hammerhead]

I have now been told the newly fitted thermostat is leaking and it was only replaced a month ago,I have looked in the loft and I have a lake up there

[Keithcaley]

Thermostat?

There's nothing in a thermostat to leak!

Do you mean the heating element? - If so, it probably just wants tightening up...

[Hammerhead]

Yes heating element,now the loft is flooded and it was only fitted last month,obviously not very well

[Keithcaley]

Has it been fixed now?

[Hammerhead]

No I have turned the pump off,got to decorate again

[Keithcaley]

Get it fixed before you do anything else!

[jofra]

During my last visit, water (immersion) heater didn't work - called Pete out - thermostat had been stolen! (and wiring cut!)
Obviously a neighbour had had problems, so his/her (failed) thermostat was replaced with mine, as I was not there at the time....
Unfortunately no proof as to identity, only suspicions...

[Hammerhead]

So now we need a new tank in the roof any ideas of the cost,stressed is not the word

[thornaby]

Michelle, unfortunately the hot tanks are not made of copper but of galvanised steel. These things don't last due to poor manufacturing. We are on our third tank in about twelve years!

[thornaby]

if the tank is located in the loft of the house how did any would be thief get access to steal the thermostat ? The new tank if it needs replacing should come with a new immersion heater complete with thermostat. It would be worth removing the one in the old tank and keeping it as a spare.

[Mollie the cat]

So now we need a new tank in the roof any ideas of the cost,stressed is not the word

Mr. Pipe did ours a couple of months ago I think it was 1500 TL, give him a call he is very helpful.

[jofra]

if the tank is located in the loft of the house how did any would be thief get access to steal the thermostat ? ...

Two different people, - I'm the one whose thermostat was stolen (from tank on roof of apartment), and Michelle is the one whose tank is in the loft....

[Mollie the cat]

Sorry, misread the post, I thought it was ON the roof, oops.

[Jonnie]

No I have turned the pump off,got to decorate again

Insurance?

[Jonnie]

Michelle, unfortunately the hot tanks are not made of copper but of galvanised steel. These things don't last due to poor manufacturing. We are on our third tank in about twelve years!

Borrowed time but mine is 17 years old! Wish I knew who made it!

[Hammerhead]

New tank in loft all good again now I will wait months for it to dry

[thornaby]

Michell sorry, and wait another 12 months fo the tank to fail again.,

[frontalman]

It's an old trick of the trade, they put a rusty nail inside them and they burst in no time.

[Hammerhead]

Thanks for that cheerful thought Thornaby,

[Keithcaley]

It's an old trick of the trade, they put a rusty nail inside them and they burst in no time.

Oooh! you are naughty!

But I like you!

[Hammerhead]

And now air in the pipes,taps spluttering in 1 bathroom

[happyinthesun]

Perfectly normal dear until air is removed,don't fret.