At some stage during your household water pumps life, you might come across a time where your household water pump is not performing like it should. As there are many factors that could be the cause of this, we have put together a checklist of the most common problems that can be checked to help you get your pump pumping again.

Troubleshooting Checklist for Household Water Pumps with a Pressure Switch & Pressure Tank

Motor runs when switched on but does not pump

• Suction line and pump body not filled with water
• Air leaks in suction lines or suction pipe under water
• Air trapped in syuction lines (also possible with flooded suction due to uneven rise in piping : elimate humps and hollows)
• No water at source or water level to low
• Valve on suction lines closed
• Impeller is blocked

Pump switches on and off frequently (cycling)

• Check that tank air charge is at 130kpa
• Rapid cycling may occasionally be caused by float valves filling tanks, this may be overcome by fitter a larger pressure tank in place of the one already fitted
• Leaking taps, float valves etc
• Leaking check valve / foot valve

Motor doesnt start when switched on

• Power not connected
• Supply voltage too low
• Over temperature, cut out tripped
• Motor not free to turn, jammed impeller
• Internal motor fault (blown capacitor)

Troubleshooting Checklist for Household Water Pumps with a Electronic Controller

Pump does not start

• No electricity - ensure the pump is connected to alove outlet, check circuit breakers and fuses
• Pressure controller has detected that there is no water in tank - check that there is enough water in tank and press reset or start on the controller
• Pump is blocked - Disconnect the pump from the power outlet, and check the pump housing and discharge for foreign matter
• Defective Capacitor - Replace the capacitor in the electric motor

Pump will not stop, even though there is no taps open

• Debris is caught in the pressure controller - Inspect controller for any foreign matter
• There are leaks in the plumbing - Find and fix any leaks

No water from the pump

• Pump is not primed - Ensure that the pump body and suction line are filled with before before starting
• Suction line is leaking - Check the suction line for leaks, especially at the joins
• Blockages in the pump or discharge - Disconnect the pump from the power outlet, and check the pump housing and discharge for foreign matter
• Valve closed - Check all valves on the tank, pump and outlets
• Not enough water in the tank to pump - Wait until there is more water in the tank. Press the reset or start button on the controller
• Pump does not produce enough pressure - check and clean pump
• Pressure Switch is out of adjustment - Check system pressure and adjust accordingly
• In-line Filters or taps filters are blocked - Clean the filters

Please rememebr this is only a guide, please refer to your owners manual fopr your model pump, for more in depth troubleshooting