Intermittent pumped water flow to en-Suite All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[RodH]

Can anyone help with the following please:-
I have a negative head Salamander pump which has been reliably providing the water to a downstairs shower for the past 6 years. No problem’s at all.
I recently had an en-suite bathroom installed in an existing loft conversion. The water supply for the basin and bath has been connected to the pump. When the taps are switched on there is initially just a trickle of water for a couple of seconds before the pump kicks into life, but thereafter the pressure is perfect.
My problem is that there are rare occasions when the pump does not kick in.
I have discovered that if I go downstairs and briefly turn the shower on and off. The pump then works perfectly in the en-Suite.
I would appreciate any suggestions as to what could be causing this.
Thank you

[stoneyboy]

Hi rodh
Most probable causes are that a Reed valve is sticking or if your pump incorporates a pressure chamber, this is loosing pressure.
Regards S

[RodH]

Many thanks for your suggestions, I will follow that up and let you know the outcome in due course.


Regards
RodH

[RodH]

Hi Stoneyboy
My pump packed up all together after I posted on this site.
Have now bought a new one, but just wanted to let you know the outcome.
Thank you for your advice

RodH

[stoneyboy]

Hi rodh
Thanks for letting us know but has the new pump solved the problem?
Regards S

[RodH]

Hi Stoneyboy

Yes thank you, the new pump is a Stewart Turner 3 bar, twice as powerful as the Salamander.
A 2 bar pump may have been sufficient but this one is absolutely brilliant, water pressure in en-suite and shower is now better than mains pressure.
Thank you for your interest.
RodH