We have recently changed from an old veteran to a Sterling Eccles sport, so are still trying to work out how everything works and what's normal! So, if this is a daft question, apologies!
The water pump seems to work with a pressure switch or flow activated switch...it takes a few seconds to kick in and start pumping...all seemed ok until the last couple of shower uses. The pump seems to just cut out for a few seconds and then restart or the whole system squeals and shrieks, a bit like cavitation, which also results in a pressure drop and the pump switching off, causing a few seconds of scalding! It sort if feels like there is air in the system but we have run the taps as you do.
Was there another tap being turned on simultaneously such as the kitchen sink whilst the shower was running? If so then this could cause the water pressure to drop especially if the kitchen sink receives the water supply before the shower does. Apart from this the only other thing is if the impeller inside the water pump is starting to seize causing it to malfunction and stop spinning which would also stop the water flow immediately.
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I doubt if it's the pressure switch as this wouldn't cause the squeal and shreiking noise and the suspicion is that the water pump may be malfunctioning. Does you water pump immerse directly into your Aquaroll?
No, there's an on board pump, with a tube that dangles into the aquaroll. The squealing sound seems to come from the showerhead, rather than the sound of bearings in the pump, but I guess the noise could be travelling through the pipes?
I'm not familiar with onboard pumps but here's what to do. Get the water system primed first (no air) then take a long handled screwdriver and place the steel blade end directly onto the pump housing and put your ear firmly on the handle of the screwdriver. Get someone to start up the shower (to activate the pump) and listen for the squealing noise through the screwdriver and when you hear the sound you will be able to detect if the onboard pump is the offending part or not. It may sound rather daft but it's on old engineering trick that mechanics used to do when checking for worn engine components.
Thanks, will try straight away, as we're onsite at the moment!
I've seen a similar trick at the Science Museum, they 'play' musical vibrations through a metal rod, when you bite the rod, you hear music in your head...
Do you get this problem with any of the other taps ,if the answer is no then the pump and pressure valve ,is probably ok.Check shower head and kinking or collapsing of inner tube in flexible pipe .Thats my two pennoth worth.
All the other taps are fine and there seems to be no noises coming from the pump. Will check for crimped pipes. Have also video-ed the shower running so will be able to show the dealer. Thanks everyone :-)
Could it be a load of dirt in the shower head which blocks the flow causing the pump to switch off as would turning off a tap.Take the shower head off and see if the water stops...if it dont clean the shower head.