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My booster pump does not switch off or continues pulsating (on/off, on/off)

My booster pump does not switch off or continues pulsating (on/off, on/off)

You have installed a booster pump that does not switch off automatically, even though all the draw-off points are closed. How can you solve this problem? We first need to explain how booster pumps actually work. Then it will be easier to understand what causes the problem and how it can be resolved.

Booster pump operation

One of the booster pump's features is that it switches on automatically if one or more draw-off points are opened (e.g. taps, washbasins, toilets, washing machines, sprinklers, and so on). It switches off when all draw-off points are closed.

The automatic activation and deactivation of the pump is controlled by the pressure switch. Depending on the type of booster pump you have, this will be a pressure switch, a Presscontrol, a BRIO, or an 'active' system. These systems only measure the pressure in the pipes between which the pump has been placed, and function accordingly.

When one or more draw-off points are opened, the pressure in the pipes will fall, and then the pump's activation pressure level is reached. The pump will start pumping to increase pressure until the deactivation pressure level has been reached. This level is reached if the pump is given the opportunity to build up maximum pressure in the pipes, and happens quickest if all draw-off points are closed (or rather, no water needs to be supplied).

However, what do you need to do if the booster pump continues running / operating when all draw-off points are closed? Causes and related solutions

1. Air leaks into the system

Because air is leaking somewhere into the pump, it is unable to build up full pressure, and therefore cannot reach its deactivation pressure level.

Result: the booster pump runs nonstop.

Solution: check all the hoses / pipes for holes, and seal them. If no holes can be detected, check all the couplings on the suction side as well as on the delivery side. Put Teflon tape on all couplings for maximum airtightness.

2. No non-return valve or foot valve attached to the suction side

With no non-return valve or foot valve attached, water runs from the booster pump back to the source, which the pump regards as water supply.

Result: the booster pump detects that pressure in the pipes is falling, and switches on to add pressure.

Solution: attach a non-return valve or foot valve to the pump's suction side. A non-return valve or foot valve ensures that water flows in just one direction: namely, towards the pump. As a result, the water level and pressure cannot drop.

Note: All the suction hoses we supply are fitted with a foot valve. If you have purchased one of our suction hoses, the problem is not the result of a valve missing.

3. Dirt between valves

Dirt between the valves may cause water to seep through.

Result: pressure falls and the booster pump responds by switching on.

Solution: clean all the valves so that they are airtight again. This applies to the following types of valves:

  • Non-return valve

  • Foot valve

  • Both valves of a Presscontrol and BRIO

4. Drip leakage

A booster pump is perfectly capable of supplying water to a variety of domestic appliances, such as toilets, washbasins, washing machines, and so on. However, drip leakages frequently occur (particularly with regard to toilets), which means that water seeps bit by bit from the pipe: for instance, into a toilet cistern. For you, this leak may be 'invisible' but not for the pump.

Result: Because water is seeping from the pipe, the pump regards it as water supply, and also detects a drop in pressure. The activation pressure level is reached, the pump switches on and then off again when the deactivation level has been reached. Several - even many minutes - may lapse between the pump switching on and off.

Solution: Correct the drip leakage problem of the connected device: for example, by making use of a more solid float or valve.