Problem with a water pump...

[dns1]

Hi guys,

The cold water storage tank in my flat is at a very low level, so there was a pump fitted when it was built to up the pressure on both the hot and cold supplies.

Had a bit of trouble with it recently as the pump stopped kicking in when the taps were turned on (unless I give it a bit of a whack!)

I've checked the pressure in the pressure vessel but it's registering zero. Tried to increase it using a footpump but it simply won't take any air. The valve seems to move freely, but when pressure is applied to the foot pump absolutely nothing happens, the pressure builds in the air-line but doesn't pass to the vessel.

The pump is a Stuart N42T from the late 80s.

Anyone know what could be up?

Cheers!

 

[mountainman]

Maybe after over 20 years of service it wants to retire.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

i agree about time to think about a replacement

 

[snowhead]

The pump will have failed, due to the previous failure of the Expansion vessel (pressure vessel) causing the pump to start / stop more frequently than it would normally do.
On a cold pump system the vessel acts as an accumulator to stop short cycling of the pump.

If the pump is 20 yrs old it's done well.

Possible replacement;
DAB Aquajet - Inox - Booster Pumps - Pump Type

 

[jtsplumbing]

Yes time to replace ! Hope you have deep pockets S/T whole house pumps are not cheep !

 

[dns1]

Thanks for the replies.

Seeing as the pump itself is still in good condition (still runs perfectly when it comes on) I was wondering if it's possible to simply replace the pressure vessel instead.

I've seen a couple online for only about £25...

 

[kay-jay]

The vessel needs changing anyway so try it first on its own and check the pump

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[jtsplumbing]

If not give S/T a call they have a service dept !

 

[dns1]

Getting somewhere with my pump...

Got the vessel taking air again but the valve was leaking slightly so I replaced that.

All seems ok, pump is starting and stopping when I use the taps, but it's coming on at random for a few seconds every now and then.

A little research has suggested this is usually down to a leak, causing the pressure to drop, so the pump starts to re-pressurise the system.

Now I know there's no water leak and I'm fairly sure there's no air leak. Anyone got any ideas for me?