FAQs and troubleshooting
As experts in our field we have amassed an in depth knowledge of
the typical problems that may arise with our products and problems
that occur due to incorrect installation.
Frequently Asked Questions -
Whole House and Shower Boosting Pumps
Frequently Asked Questions - Macerators and
Lifting Stations
Whole House and Shower Boosting Pumps
I have a pump that appears to be
running but not pumping water.
This type of condition could happen for a number of
reasons. Check to ensure the pump is connected the right way round.
Then ensure the pump has a flooded suction and that the water
supply valves are turned on. If the pump is to draw water up from a
suction lift ensure the footvalve and strainer used is air tight.
For the first time of running the pump and supply pipework will
need to be bled through removing any possible air locks.
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My Standard twin pump will not
start.
Check the simple things first, make sure the fuse is
sized correctly and functional, check the power is turned on and
the circuit breaker is set, then check the wiring, it is easy to
screw down on the insulation rather than the copper tails when
connecting the wires. These pumps work with a flow of at least 0.6
litres per minute needed, if when opening the outlet to be pumped,
the flow is less than this it will not be sufficient to start the
pump.
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I have a Standard twin pump and
it keeps running on.
If this pump has just been installed close both isolating
valves built into the hoses provided on the outlet side of the pump
and see if the pump stops. If it does, then this indicates there
must be a tap or outlet being pumped that is open to atmosphere.
Check the system and find where the pump is pumping the water
to.
If the pump does not stop when closing the valves, check to see
if the reed switch on either end have become dislodged.
Alternatively unclip each reed switch, one at a time from the brass
outlet and see if ths stops the pump, indicating the float is stuck
up inside and needs removal and cleaning.
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We have a negative head twin pump
and the flow rate is too great. Is there any way to reduce the
pressure or limit the flow?
The pressure the pump delivers the water at is directly
proportional to the amount of water being used. Therefore if your
problem is that the pressure is too great at the shower head,
fitting a larger shower head would increase the
water flow and the pressure will be lower, but remember you will be
using the water faster so your stored hot water will not last as
long. The simplest way of reducing the performance is to
close the outlet isolating valves down no more than
30% on both hot and cold flows thus restricting the water
flow. Never restrict the water flow on the pump supply side.
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My shower is fed through a mixer
tap with the cold water coming from the mains and the hot water
from a gravity-fed tank. I need a pump to boost the hot side of the
system. What options can you suggest?
The best way forward here is to use a Monsoon Universal
single pump, of a size to suit the shower you have. Where
cold water is being supplied to the mixer valve and hot has to be
delivered to the same unit, the pump has to be able to provide and
maintain water pressure on the hot side so that when the valve is
opened the pump senses the pressure drop and starts. For a standard
medium pressure valve we would recommend the Monsoon Universal 2.0
bar single.
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What's the difference between
Positive and Negative pumps?
Where a minimum gravity flow of water in excess of
0.6L/min is present then this is known as a
Positive head condition.
When an outlet (tap or shower head) is above or level with the
cold water storage tank then this is known as a
Negative head condition.
Stuart Turner Universal pumps are designed to
function under both Positive and
Negative conditions whereas our
Standard pumps are for use where an open vented
Positive head condition exists.
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My Universal pump keeps turning
on and off, how can I fix this?
Check for any leaks in the system. Check the tap
washers and pipe joints etc. Check the pre-charge pressure in
pressure vessel, but to do this the pump must be switched off first
and the pressure released from the system.
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I need to get my pump
serviced can you suggest a local engineer?
Call our Pump Assist helpline for details of our approved
engineer in your area. Alternatively if you are in a position
to disconnect the pump and return it to us then we can carry out a
full service of the pump on site here, call our Pump Assist
helpline for a quotation.
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My pump seems noisy, is there
anything I can do to reduce the noise?
As per our instructions ensure the anti-vibration feet
are used. Ensure all pipe work to and from the pump is
independently supported.
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My pump has 'run-dry
protection' which has cut in, how do I restart it?
To reset the dry run protection, switch off the
electricity supply for 10 seconds and then switch it on again. This
process will reset the control circuit, returning it to normal
operation once again. Now open and close the taps, purging the
system of air and allowing the pump to switch off normally.
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My pump keeps "humming", what
is wrong?
This is a sign of the pump being jammed or stuck,
stopping the free rotation when required. This could be as a result
of infrequent use in a hard water area for instance, where the
seals or other moving parts can become stuck, or alternatively this
could be as a result of an electrical issue. You will probably need
a qualified service engineer to sort this problem, call our Pump
Assist helpline for further assistance.
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My pump is leaking, how can I
solve the problem?
Turn off the isolating valves on both the suction and
delivery side of the pump. Then contact Pump Assist to arrange a
service visit if the pump is within guarantee, or for further help
and advice.
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Macerators and Lifting Station
Are there any building
regulations to consider before installing an additional bathroom or
utility room?
Yes. Building regs allow a macerator to be installed
where there is already access to a WC, so if your property has a
toilet then you will be O.K. However you will need to comply with
Electrical regulations if running new appliance cable within a
kitchen or bathroom.
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Can I put anything in the WC,
will anything block the unit?
It is designed to work just like a WC, so it will remove
WC waste and water. But as is the case with a standard WC, items
such as sanitary towels and condoms could block or jam the
unit.
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Can I fit an WC2 or WC3
macerator below the toilet, under the floorboards perhaps?
No. The units should be fitted directly behind the WC.
Please refer to the installation guide.
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Is it noisy?
No, the wasteflo range operates at less than 60 dB, which
is no noisier than the noise produced when flushing a toilet. Their
low noise levels mean they can be located anywhere. Please refer to
the installation guide for installation recommendations.
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Will I need inlet adaptors to
connect pipe work to the unit?
No, each unit comes with inlet adaptors included.
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How far from the soil pipe can
they be located?
The WC2 and WC3 macerators can pump up to 52 horizontally
and 5m vertically. The LS5 lifting station will pump 72m
horizontally and 7m vertically. Remember you must pump vertically
and then horizontally. Please refer to the installation guide for
further details.
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What is the pipe diameter
required to remove waste?
The pipe diameter is 32mm. This larger bore allows for a
more efficient performance.
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Can I connect a WC Pan to the
Lifting Station?
No. This is purely a lifting station NOT a
Macerator.
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Can I use the LS5 lifting
station with a washing machine or dishwasher?
Yes. The LS5 is designed to withstand maximum water
temperatures of 70°C through the top inlets. Washing machines and
dishwashers MUST be connected to the top inlets. Please refer to
the installation guide.
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Can I use the LS5 lifting
station with a sink and waste disposal unit?
Yes. It is recommended that no small solid food waste
such as fruit pips are introduced into the lifting station as these
will cause the unit to jam and may cause damage.
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What can I use to clean or
disinfect the unit?
The wasteflo range doesn't require specialised
disinfectants or harsh chemicals. Standard cleaning materials such
as bleach or household disinfectants can be used.
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Are they easy to clean and
maintain?
Yes. These units DO NOT require any special cleaning
regime or regular maintenance.
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