Hot water pump acting up

54and56 · 25-02-2025 12:29AM #1

Hi all,

The pump which activates when a hot tap is opened anywhere in the house in order to boost the hot water flow for showers and the bath etc has been working flawlessly since it was installed in late 2013 but today it started acting up i.e. not coming on when hot taps were initially opened then stuttering into life and running fine while the tap remained open but then next time a hot tap was opened not coming on again etc.

On one occasion when it didn't come on I shook the pump a few times which sparked it into life but although that worked once it didn't work every time I subsequently tried shaking the pump when a hot tap opened and the pump didn't automatically come on.

I know very little about pumps and am terrible at plumbing DIY but it feels like the pump impeller might be sticking or there is some sort of air lock or both.

Given the age of the pump should I just grasp the nettle and order a replacement pump to be supplied and fitted or should I be looking to have the issue diagnosed and then repaired or replaced as needs be?

There are 4 adults in the house needing showers etc daily so I can't faff around with this, I need to get cracking on a resolution ASAP.

Any suggestions on the best course of action? Is there any simple maintenance I can do which might get it back working?

The plumber who originally fitted the pump is retired and no longer living in the area so I'm also in need of a recommendation for someone in the Sandyford / Stillorgan area of Dublin who can either diagnose and repair or supply and fit.

Appreciate your feedback.

Here's a few photo's of the pump.

greasepalm · 25-02-2025 12:53AM

Might need a service as there are people that can service them if its a small issue blocked strainer etc.

My Salamander pump is only switched on when needed as it runs on and off for past year and splutters low flow fast flow. no idea on call out fee or some people can swap them over with another unit.

I also have a Triton back up shower if needed beside it + a Mira in a disabled bathroom downstairs which is handy.

tomslick · 25-02-2025 01:04AM

It sounds like the capacitor may be failing. It's the part that makes the pump turn at the very beginning. Without it, it'll just vibrate and get hot. The manufacturer has a replacement guide

https://www.stuart-turner.co.uk/product/monsoon-motor-capacitor-7uf-27662

10-10-20 · 25-02-2025 09:52AM

Call Domestic Pumps. They do offer a repair service either in-house or by drop-in and I recommended them on here before.

https://www.domesticpumps.ie/stuart-turner-pumps/

Otherwise they might be in a position to recommend a plumber.

BTW, it looks like the body of the pressure-vessel is gone as it's rusting at the end. Sign that the pump might be a gonner, but Domestic will advise.

54and56 · 25-02-2025 10:24AM

Thanks all, great advice from fellow Boardsie's as ever.

54and56 · 27-02-2025 09:52AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123207152#Comment_123207152

@10-10-20 just wanted to say thanks for referring Domestic Pumps. Really great guys to deal with. When I called them first they gave me a few tips over the phone for me to try before booking a call out which I tried and when they didn't solve the problem I called them back and organised an engineer to call out who arrived on time, was pleasent and professional to deal with and quickly diagnosed and fixed the problem which turned out to be a dead PCB board and starting capacitor. In and out in 10 minutes, no messing around.

It's great to know such a professional service exists.

10-10-20 · 27-02-2025 11:21AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123214521#Comment_123214521

Ah, super. Thanks for the update! I've had bad experiences with plumbers not attending or not being bothered that it was refreshing to see them taking an interest in a niche area and just owning it. Well done to them.

Hot water pump acting up

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