Whale Water Pump

[Cathryn1]

Just come back from a lovely weekend in Herefordshire. However - we had a problem with the water pump - when we weren't using any of the taps, the pump still kept coming on every 10 seconds or so for a second or two.

In the end we turned the pump off only turning it back on again when we needed water.

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Cathryn,

From your description I conclude that you have a water system that is controlled by a pressure switch.

If the pump keeps cycling, then it means that the presure in the pipework is continually decaying.This means that somewhere there is a leak.

Now if none of your taps are dripping, and there are noother visibledrips on the pipe work or joints, then my suspicion falls on the pressure switch.

On the inlet side of the pressure switch is a non return valve. This is designed to lock the pressure in the pipe work, but if the seal in the valve is weeping, this will allow some of the high pressure water to leak back to the pump and water container.

With this condition, there is no visible leak, but as the pressure drops the pump cycles to re set the pressure switch.

Often the cause of this is a water filter cartridge that has started to release carbon granules, which then travel to the non-return valve and jam in the seat.

The valve can be stripped an cleaned, but if the seal is damaged the assembly will need to be replaced.

 

[Damian]

Cathryn, you probably only need to adjust the pressure switch by means of the adjusting wheel on the top of the switch.

Fill the system with water as normal, until all air is purged.

The pressure switch should cut off about 3 to 4 seconds later after the taps are closed.

Run the cold tap, switch it off, the pump should stop almost immediately.

Run the hot tap, switch it off, teh pump should stop after about 3 to 4 seconds,

If it does not, turn the adjuster anticlockwise until it does stop.

The switch will cycle to keep the pressure up, but not as frequently as every 10 seconds if set correctly.

To save the noise during the night, turn the pump off.

 

[Cathryn1]

Thanks for your replies - I'll print them out and do what's been suggested.

I'll take this opportunity to say how brilliant these forums are - I've picked up many a tip and good advice on several occasions.

 

[Jim_374360080]

Cathryn,

I have better news for you

This is not uncommon and mostly due to little air in the system

Take care that the system is fully primed when you pitch

Open each tap and shoower in the cold position in turn to vent

Open each tap again in the hot position in turn

If you experiece the problem next time after being sure that you have primed the taps and shower simply open the drain valve for a few seconds. The pump will start and any air in the mains will be cleared

Good Luck

Jim

 

[Cathryn1]

Cathryn,

I have better news for you

This is not uncommon and mostly due to little air in the system

Take care that the system is fully primed when you pitch

Open each tap and shoower in the cold position in turn to vent

Open each tap again in the hot position in turn

If you experiece the problem next time after being sure that you have primed the taps and shower simply open the drain valve for a few seconds. The pump will start and any air in the mains will be cleared

Good Luck

Jim

Thanks Jim - I'll certainly give that a try.