If you have taken responsibility for your future and you have one eye on environmental issues, then you may well have installed a rainwater tank. This solution could provide you with as much water as you need for your household and for irrigating the land. However, you need to make sure that you keep it in good condition and, crucially, look after those mechanical components. If you've been a little lax in the past, you may have noticed an issue with the pressure. What could be causing this, and how should you address it?

Focusing on the Pump

The most important part of your rainwater tank setup is the mechanical pump. If you configure and maintain it properly, it should last for many years, but if not, you may notice issues with pressure, erratic behaviour and even poor water quality.

Correct Adjustment

When you first install a water pump, you need to make sure that it is properly adjusted. The pump will come with an adjustable pressure switch, and you need to choose the right range to accommodate your requirements. Once you know how much water you will typically need for domestic purposes as well as irrigation, you can adjust the switch, and this will properly manage your cycling rate.

Cycling Issues

If you don't, then the pump may cycle more often than it should or may even run continuously. If this happens, the internal parts will wear out more quickly or the pump may overheat. Some pumps have a safety valve inside and will automatically turn off in this situation. Once the normal temperature has been resumed, however, the pump will start up and run again. Eventually, the bearings will seize, and you will have to replace the pump entirely, so it's important to ensure that you configure it carefully.

Foreign Matter and Water Quality

Make sure that you have enough water in the tank at all times and, if necessary, have a backup plan in place. Should the tank run down to a certain level, foreign matter will be drawn up from the bottom of the tank and fed through the pump. This will not only cause damage to the interior of the pump, but it will also affect the quality of the water at your tap.

Taking Action

If you've encountered any of those problems, bring in a plumber as soon as possible. They will help to configure the pump correctly or carry out any repairs needed.

To learn more, contact a supplier that carries water tank pumps.