Rainwater tank - screaming sound

layman1 · Oct 27, 2023 6:07 pm

Hi,
My rainwater tank has recently started started screaming noise when not in use once or twice a day. Sound comes from inside the tank and looks as submersible motor to me. There is no issue when water is in use in toilets from tank. Screams only during no pumping.
I've turned on & off the power of the motor but no use. Even now the water level is below the float switch and tank is not used still pump is making noise once or twice during a day almost every day.
From the top it looks as Davey submersible pump almost 10yrs old.
Am i guessing right about the noise from the pump and how to resolve this?
Appreciate any help.

SaveH2O · Oct 27, 2023 10:09 pm

Phone Davey.

layman1 · Oct 28, 2023 2:50 pm

SaveH2O

Phone Davey.

Thanks SaveH20. Knowing the pump is not under warranty, don't expect any guidance from Davey.
Just wondering if any else had the similar issue, or what could be the cheaper solution. guessing replacing submersible pump itself is high $$..

SaveH2O · Oct 28, 2023 3:09 pm

I'm wondering whether the run on is caused by a faulty non return valve but it's very hard to diagnose noises by text. Davey service dept are worth a try but you will probably have to take it to a pump repair centre. Davey should be able to suggest one.

A lot of submersible pumps have short life spans because they have been plumbed incorrectly. When you remove the pump, see where the water intake is, if it is at the bottom, the pump needs to be located on a platform above the sediment layer. Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅

CarlosAndrade · Oct 28, 2023 5:43 pm

Any update?

layman1 · Nov 09, 2023 3:29 pm

Call Davey, and referred to local supplier. Spoke to a trades person there, before booking any inspection (which comes with call out fee), and played this screaming sound which i recorded. That guy never heard such sound of the motor before.
I was told to power off the motor and observe. Interestingly the screaming still comes out of the motor. i called back, and the guy was clueless why motor screams when power is off, and no leaking in toilets/garden.
There is no set pattern of these screams, 5-10 times a day for say 10-15sec each time.

RexChan · Nov 09, 2023 3:35 pm

layman1

Call Davey, and referred to local supplier. Spoke to a trades person there, before booking any inspection (which comes with call out fee), and played this screaming sound which i recorded. That guy never heard such sound of the motor before.
I was told to power off the motor and observe. Interestingly the screaming still comes out of the motor. i called back, and the guy was clueless why motor screams when power is off, and no leaking in toilets/garden.
There is no set pattern of these screams, 5-10 times a day for say 10-15sec each time.

Sounds the NRV (non return valve) is passing, letting water in the discharge piping (the one coming out of the pump) back into the tank. Nothing to worry about, except the noise itself.

Id say its a DIY job to pull it out the clean/replace the NRV, but depends what uses the rainwater in your house and if you can switch to potable while you have the pump off.

layman1 · Nov 09, 2023 3:55 pm

RexChan

layman1

Call Davey, and referred to local supplier. Spoke to a trades person there, before booking any inspection (which comes with call out fee), and played this screaming sound which i recorded. That guy never heard such sound of the motor before.
I was told to power off the motor and observe. Interestingly the screaming still comes out of the motor. i called back, and the guy was clueless why motor screams when power is off, and no leaking in toilets/garden.
There is no set pattern of these screams, 5-10 times a day for say 10-15sec each time.
:-?

Sounds the NRV (non return valve) is passing, letting water in the discharge piping (the one coming out of the pump) back into the tank. Nothing to worry about, except the noise itself.

Id say its a DIY job to pull it out the clean/replace the NRV, but depends what uses the rainwater in your house and if you can switch to potable while you have the pump off.

Grate, thank you! RexChan if thats the reason i could sleep well without thinking about additional cost. But 1st i'll need to read about NRV cleaning/replaing stuff. I can turn off motor for longer, not a problem.