A house water pump is the heart of your home’s water system, especially if you’re on tank water or bore water. When it fails, you’ll know immediately – weak showers, sputtering taps, or no water at all. This guide explains what your water pump does, how to spot problems, and what you need to know before calling a plumber.
Is Your Water Pump Failing? Quick Signs to Check Now
A house water pump moves water from your source (bore, tank, or mains) into your home at the right pressure. You’ll know there’s a problem when you experience no water flow, weak pressure across multiple taps, or hear the pump running constantly without building pressure.
The 5-Minute Diagnostic Checklist
Check these symptoms right now:
- No water or barely a trickle: Turn on your kitchen tap. Is the flow weak on both hot and cold? Check the bathroom – same problem?
- Pump won’t stop running: Can you hear your pump motor running continuously, even with all taps off?
- Rapid clicking sounds: Listen near your pressure tank. Do you hear quick on-off-on-off cycling?
- Air spitting from taps: Are your taps spluttering and spitting air with the water?
- Pressure gauge reading low: Check the gauge on your pressure tank – is it below 30 PSI (200 kPa)?
Quick Test: Find your pressure gauge (usually on or near the pressure tank). Normal reading should be 40-60 PSI (275-415 kPa). Have someone turn on a tap while you watch. If pressure drops quickly and the pump doesn’t kick in, you’ve likely got a pump or electrical issue.
Result: Ticked two or more boxes? Your water pump system needs professional attention.
What Does a Water Pump Do?
A house water pump is an electric motor-driven device that creates water pressure by moving water from your source into a pressure tank. This tank stores pressurised water so the pump doesn’t need to run every time you use a tap, saving electricity and reducing wear.
The Basic Process
- The pump draws water from your bore, rainwater tank, or boosts mains pressure
- Water fills a pressure tank until it reaches the “cut-off” pressure (typically 60 PSI/415 kPa)
- When you use water, the tank pressure drops
- At the “cut-in” pressure (typically 40 PSI/275 kPa), the pump restarts
- The cycle repeats
Real-World Example: When you notice your lights dim slightly as you’re filling the kettle, that’s your pump kicking in to refill the pressure tank after you’ve used enough water to trigger the pressure switch.
Types of Water Pumps for Australian Homes
Which Pump Does Your Property Need?
1. What’s your water source?
- Rainwater tank → You need a tank pump (automatic pressure pump)
- Bore/well → You need a bore pump (jet or submersible)
- Mains water (low pressure) → You need a pressure booster pump
2. For bore water, how deep is your bore?
- Less than 8 metres → Surface-mounted jet pump
- More than 8 metres → Submersible bore pump
| Pump Type | Best For | Pump Cost | Professional Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank Pump (Automatic) | Rainwater tanks | $400-$1,200 | $600-$1,200 |
| Jet Pump | Shallow bores (<8m) | $350-$800 | $700-$1,400 |
| Submersible Bore Pump | Deep bores (>8m) | $600-$1,800 | $1,500-$3,000+ |
| Pressure Booster | Low mains pressure | $400-$1,100 | $600-$1,500 |
Common Water Pump Problems and Solutions
Pump Runs But No Pressure Builds
- Likely cause: Air leak in suction line, worn impeller, or blocked inlet
- DIY check: Look for visible leaks in pipes near the pump
- Professional fix needed: Yes, for impeller replacement or pipe repairs
Pump Short Cycling (Rapid On-Off)
- Likely cause: Waterlogged pressure tank or faulty pressure switch
- DIY check: Tap the pressure tank – does the bottom sound full of water (dull thud)?
- Professional fix needed: Usually yes, for tank replacement or repair
Pump Won’t Start
- Likely cause: Electrical issue, seized motor, or faulty pressure switch
- DIY check: Check your switchboard for tripped breakers
- Professional fix needed: Yes, for electrical or motor issues
Maintaining Your Water Pump System
Most water pumps last 10-15 years with proper care. The key is preventing problems before they cause pump failure.
Every 3 Months
- Listen for unusual noises (grinding, squealing)
- Check for visible leaks around pump and pipes
- Note if pump cycles seem more frequent
Every 12 Months
- Test pressure tank pre-charge (should be 2 PSI below cut-in pressure)
- Clean pump inlet screens (tank pumps)
- Check pressure switch operation
Every 2 Years
- Professional service including electrical checks
- Pressure tank bladder inspection
- Full system pressure test
Warning Signs to Never Ignore
- Electricity bills suddenly increasing (pump running too much)
- Water hammer or banging pipes
- Rusty or discoloured water from bore
- Pump area always wet or damp
When to Call a Professional
Immediate Action Required If:
- No water supply to your home
- Pump running continuously without stopping
- Electrical burning smell near pump
- Water spurting from pump housing
- Circuit breaker keeps tripping when pump runs
Schedule Service Soon If:
- Pressure fluctuates wildly
- Pump cycles more than 10 times per hour
- Water flow gradually weakening over time
- Strange noises getting progressively worse
The Bottom Line
Your house water pump is essential infrastructure that most homeowners rarely think about – until it stops working. Understanding the basics helps you identify problems early, potentially saving thousands in emergency repairs or water damage. While pumps are generally reliable, they do wear out, especially in areas with hard water or high sediment. If you need someone to handle the professional installation of a water pump for you, give TrueFlow Plumbing a call today!
