Water pressure pumps, also known as booster pumps, are great for homes that receive low-pressure water. The pump uses a motor and impeller to increase water pressure at the main inlet pipe, allowing you to access high-pressure water in your faucets and other plumbing fixtures. Over time, this equipment may fail due to poor maintenance or wear and tear. Below are the top signs indicating your water pump requires repairs.
No water in your home
If you have no water in your home, the problem could lie with the booster pump. This issue is common in homes that lack a booster pump bypass. A bypass connection allows water to continue flowing into your plumbing system even when the pump is faulty. If you're boosting water from a well or rainwater tank, the lack of a bypass system could cut off the water supply to your home. Fix the pump to resolve the water shortage problem.
Low water pressure
Low or inconsistent water pressure could be a sign of a faulty booster pump. If the motor or impeller isn't working properly, the pump may not boost the water to the required pressure. However, before linking the pump to the pressure issue, check to see if the problem is localised. If there's reduced pressure in only one faucet or fixture, this could signal a leak in the plumbing pipe supplying water to the specific line. However, if the problem is house-wide, the prime culprit could be the pressure pump.
Pump runs continually
Water booster pumps have a pressure gauge that recognises sufficient pressure in the system and shuts off the pump. If the pressure gauge isn't working correctly, it causes the pump to keep running, even when you're not using water. It also doesn't shut off, even after achieving the desired pressure. Check the gauge to make sure it's working correctly. If the gauge isn't the problem, you may have a leaking pipe. The leak releases water pressure as the pump tries to increase it, leading to continuous operations.
Continual on-off operations
A pressure pump should continually run and boost pressure when you're using water inside the home. If the pump turns on and off at unusual intervals, it may be faulty. This problem usually signals the overheating of the motor. Overheating occurs due to various reasons, such as:
- Friction or vibrations due to improper installation of the pump
- Debris buildup inside the pump motor or on the impeller
- Voltage issues in the home
Turn off your pump to protect its components from further damage. Also, carry out regular pump cleaning and maintenance to protect the motor from overheating.
A faulty water pressure pump could affect the water supply in your home. If you notice any of the above problems, contact a plumber for professional diagnosis and repairs.
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