Whale outside pump

[RegandPat]

I have a Whale outside pump that I plung into my water barrel, running on the mains power with all taps working, the taps operate by micro switch.
Now the funny bit or problem.
When not useing the taps the pump switches on and off every 3 seconds, things I have tried are filling a watering can up to the top and putting pump in, water dose not go down, swishing pump about, turning on and off, tried a second pump.
Any suggestions please.

 

[Beehpee]

Hi I have the same pump and last year I noticed the same thing, kept hearing the pump give a very short burst every so often, when I finally did a thorough investigation I found a very small drip inside the van where there was a joint in the plastic pipe, the drip was so small I never noticed my water level going down but the loss in pressure in the pipe, which is what the pipe sees as a tap being turned on was enough for the pump to run for a couple of seconds to re pressurize the system, I would suggest a good look for a leak as your first course of action, good luck. Beehpee

 

[RegandPat]

Beehpee, I think you are correct, as I had a pipe come adrift in the washroom and had to push it back on but could not fix a jubilee clip on the pipe, I had forgotten about that.
Sounds like a job for the wife (has smaller hands).
Thanks for the help.
Reg