Water pump for shower cutting out... Reasons?

JayV

We have a water pump which boosts the pressure of our shower. It was already there when we bought the house. It cuts out when we have 2 showers back to back and doesn't come on again for a while. Is this because its too small and its overheating or is it because its knackered?

Guvnor

More info mate.

There is a pump in our 'ironing room' aka hot press - it was used first just for the master bath but we hooked up the hot water for the whole house to it.

It was acting up a fair bit until we played around with the water temp in the cylinder and now touch wood it is better.

JayV

Good point Guvnor. Water temp could be an issue as water in cylinder is extremely hot. Will have a look at this. Ta!

JayV

Had a look at the immersion/tank and there are two therostats: one on the bottom and one about 3/4 of the way up. Should both of these be the same temp or how do they work?

Cheers!

Pete67

Are the 2 thermostats built in to 2 separate immersion heaters? Upper one for sink, and lower one for bath? If so, they should both be be set to 60C. It is unlikely that high water temperature would cause the pump to cut out - it is more likely to cause cavitation and excessive noise from the pump.

It is more likely that the motor is overheating when running for prolonged periods (2 showers back to back). Try placing your hand on the motor casing every few minutes and see if the temperature increases until it cuts out. If so, check that nothing is obstructing the air vents on the back of the motor, or that the pump motor is not covered in layers of clothes, towels etc. It needs a supply of air to keep it cool. Might be worth using a vacuum cleaner to suck any dust that may have accumulated out of the motor too.

By the way, if you are adjusting the thermostats in the immersion heaters (under the metal cover) make sure the power is switched off first!

Guvnor

Cannot answer this for you I am afraid.

I know that on our cylinder a rapid recovery one there is an obvious knob that goes from 1-10 and this controls the water temp inside. Our tanks are in the attic and boiler is outside in garage. Switch for immersion is downstairs in the kitchen but it's never used as we are on oil.

Will take a pic and post up the tank and knob.

HTH

ART6

Sounds like the pump has thermisters in the field coils that cat it out if the motor gets too hot. It will then need some time before it cools down enough for the thermisters to reset. As has been said, check that the motor cooling fan is not obstructed, and also have a look in the end with the pump running and make sure that the fan is actually spinning -- it has been known for them to come loose. The water temperature could have some effect if it's hot enough to transmit excessive heat into the motor.

DEVEREUX

have you enough water tank capacity to cope with having two showers back to back , pump may be running dry??

mad m

Have come across some pumps that need a temp stat as when they reach a certain temperature they cut out. This leads to the impellars burning out over a time...