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What could be wrong with my domestic water pressure pump connected to tank?

walkeremerald - 2007-07-30 18:14:53 - Maintenance Repairs

Hi, I have a water pressure pump connected to a large water tank on a holiday shack. It runs from a 600W/800W modified square wave inverter. When I plug it in, I can hear the motor running but it is not pumping any water. This is a pump that has a pressure bladder sitting on top of it. The noise it makes is quite loud, but I can't see that anything is moving (when looking at the end, there is some kind of cooling fan that looks to be connected to the main drive that is stationary, it looks like it wants to move, but isnt getting anywhere). The tank is full and on the same level as the pump/shack. Without the pump running, I can turn on a tape and water dribbles out, so I am thinking this is not an issue with priming etc. From what I understand, the modified square wave input should be fine too. Any ideas as to what I should check/what may be wrong? Any traps to look out for if I get a qualified peron to fix it? Am thinking I may be better of replacing with a cheap pump?

Best Answer:

My water pressure was low as yours....and luckily, I had a handyman talk me thru the procedure via phone. I have a different system..as I have a well. But the problem turned out to be a pressure regulator switch...(every time ya turn water on/off..this activates). The switch, sits on top of the pressure tank (you wouldn't believe how many guys tried to get me to believe my tank itself was shot and more $$). So anyways, it may be just a switch. I would lean towards a person that services sump pumps rather than your whole system...as well companies are hard to come by in my area. You may need a pump, but it may only be the switch itself.

Answers:

My water pressure was low as yours....and luckily, I had a handyman talk me thru the procedure via phone. I have a different system..as I have a well. But the problem turned out to be a pressure regulator switch...(every time ya turn water on/off..this activates). The switch, sits on top of the pressure tank (you wouldn't believe how many guys tried to get me to believe my tank itself was shot and more $$). So anyways, it may be just a switch. I would lean towards a person that services sump pumps rather than your whole system...as well companies are hard to come by in my area. You may need a pump, but it may only be the switch itself.

Probably not enough starting current coming out of your inverter. The thing to do is isolate the problem. Rent or borrow a 3000watt put-put generator and see if that works with your pump.

Sounds like your inverter is way to small for the motor. Most pump motors have capacitor start to overcome the initial surge of pumping. This requires a lot of amps, about 12-14 on start up. Even 3000 w might not be enough . Is the motor ac - dc? If you can hear the motor running but the cooling fan is not turning ,then the coupler may have broken and will need replacing.Make sure the fan turns freely and is not siezed, otherwise replacing the coupler would be a waste