If you are having rainwater tank pump problems or find your rainwater tank pump is not working, run through this checklist for a quick DIY pump problem diagnosis:

1. Check power to the pump.  If  in doubt, check the power point operation with another device.
2. Is there water in the rainwater tank? Electronic pressure controllers will prevent pump operation if the tank is empty.
3. Are there any indicators illuminated on the pump?  If so, try pressing the ‘reset’ button if there is one.

After this, if your pump is still not working, there are a number of possibilities:

• Blockage in the pump – often caused due to debris from the tank being drawn into the pump.  This may be able to be cleared
• Pump capacitor failure.  The capacitor controls the changes in voltage required to start and run the pump.  This  part is relatively inexpensive to replace.
• Pressure tank deflated.  Pump pressure tanks require periodic inflation to maintain the pressure inside.  This is a routine pump service item.
• Pump pressure controller failure.  The pressure controller recognises when a demand for water is received and will control the starting of the pump to draw water.  The pump controller is electronic and can be damaged by exposure to moisture.  It is always recommended to protect your pump from exposure either by placing it in a protected location or by installing a pump cover.
• Water switch failure.  The water switch (e.g. Davey Rainbank or Onga WaterSwtich) controls the use of tank and mains water in cases where the pump is connected to internal plumbing devices.  The default action in most cases is to revert to mains water but this depends on the actual model.
• Pump failure due to wear and tear in aged pumps; damage from running dry; damage due to blockage by debris or motor failure.  In some cases, a pump can be repaired but sometimes it is more cost-effective to replace the pump.  We can help with both.

For more information, see our pump maintenance page.

If you do find your rainwater tank pump is not working, make sure you check your receipts for a purchase date as the pump may still be under warranty.

Call Water Tactics on 33248774 - we can help with all your rainwater tank pump problems or if you find your rainwater tank pump is not working.

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Rainwater tank pressure pump service and pump repairs are another of Water Tactics areas of expertise.

We regularly see electric pressure pumps supplying tank water into homes that are not performing adequately either because the pump has not been maintained properly or the incorrect selection and/or installation of the pump.

Here are a few basic points of consideration that will help keep your electricity bills down and extend the life of your rainwater tank pressure pump.

Reduce pump cycling

Did you know that a pump draws the most electricity when it starts?   By minimising the number of starts the pump has it will help keep your power bill down.

Listen to your pump.  Is it starting and stopping frequently or operating when no water is being used in the house?  This is called ‘pump cycling’ and will be adding to your household electricity costs.

Repair leaking or dripping taps around the house – a couple of drips from a leaking tap is enough to start some pumps.

A pump pressure tank can save you money

A pressure tank contains an inflatable bladder and stores some water which is drawn off before the pump starts.  If the bladder is deflated it will cause the pump to start & stop more frequently. The bladder pressure should be checked at least every 12 months and re-inflated to the prescribed pressure.

With the increased popularity of electronic pressure controllers, many pumps no longer have  a pressure tank.  However, a  pressure tank can be installed on any pressure pump system and (if properly maintained) can significantly reduce the amount of times the pump starts/stops and reduce the operating duration.  Reduced operation not only reduces the power costs but also the wear and tear on the pump itself .

Protect your pump with a pump cover

Did you know that most pump manufacturers will void warranty if a pump has been exposed to the elements?

Although most pumps are weather resistant, they are like cars – they will last a lot longer if they are garaged.  Install a pump cover that protects your pump from the elements but allows airflow to avoid overheating.   Compare the cost of installing a pump cover to the cost of replacing a damaged pump.  See our products page for more information on our range of pump covers.

Regular water pump service

A typical rainwater tank pressure pump service may involve

• re-inflating the pressure tank
• cleaning pre-filters between tank water source and the pump
• checking operation to identify any irregularity which may indicate damaging wear
• identifying leaks which result in water wastage

Your rainwater tank pressure pump should be treated as any other household asset.  A regular pump service can avoid the need for costly pump repair at a later stage.

For more information, see our Pump Service page.

For rainwater tank pressure pump repair and service, contact Water Tactics on 07 33248774.

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