With 30+ years’ experience in the South African pump industry, we’ve helped many people find the right water pump, and keep their water pumps in good working order. We have a pump service and repair workshop in the Fourways, Johannesburg area, and also service pumps from other areas in South Africa via courier.
The key to a pump system that lasts for decades isn’t just about repairs; it’s also about understanding your equipment and practicing simple, proactive care.
This guide is here to help you stay ahead of water pump services and recognise red flags that could indicate potential problems.
In this guide, we will answer frequently asked questions:
- What are the signs that my water pump needs repair?
- What are the common issues requiring water pump repair?
- How to service a water pump
- How often should a water pump be serviced?
- How to repair a home water pump
- Where can I buy replacement parts for water pumps in SA?
Here is the AfriPumps guide to keeping the water flowing:
What are the signs that my water pump needs repair?
Don’t wait until you have no water to check your pump.
These are the red flags to watch out for:
- Weak or sputtering pressure: If your shower feels like a trickle or the water fluctuates between high and low pressure, the pump is struggling.
- Constant running: Your pump should switch off when you close the taps. If it runs continuously, it’s fighting a losing battle against a leak or a faulty switch.
- Rapid cycling (clicking): If you hear click-hummm-click every few seconds, your pressure tank is likely waterlogged. This will destroy your motor.
- Strange noises: Grinding, squealing, or loud humming sounds mean internal bearings are failing or the motor is struggling to turn.
- Visible leaks: Water pooling around the pump housing is never normal.
Enquire here for water pump service and repair
What are the common problems requiring water pump repair?
Here are the top culprits:
- Pressure switch failure: The small box (usually black) with a grey or black plastic cover, often mounted on a brass tee-piece near the tank The brain of the pump. If it fails, the pump won’t start, or it won’t stop.
- Waterlogged pressure tank: The large tank (often blue or red) that holds a rubber bladder. The bladder inside the tank breaks, filling the whole tank with water. This causes rapid cycling.
- Clogged impeller: Located inside the front pump housing (the “wet end”). This is the spinning fan that moves the water. Sand, sludge, or debris from boreholes gets trapped inside, jamming the pump.
- Dry running: The pump operates without water (common during droughts), causing the seals to melt and the motor to overheat.
- Electrical surges: Load-shedding and power interruptions often fry pump capacitors or motors.
An Ebara Best 4M Stainless Steel Submersible pump – our technicians replaced the mechanical seal
and lip seals to stop the pump from leaking.
How to service a water pump
Servicing is about stopping small issues from becoming expensive breakdowns.
Here are some of the things we do during a routine service:
- Clean the strainer/filter: Usually located on the suction side (the pipe bringing water into the pump). If it’s an internal strainer, it’s often behind a screw-off cap on the front of the pump housing. Cleaning this ensures the impeller doesn’t have to “fight” to get water. Clogged filters are the #1 cause of low pressure.
- Check pressure tank pre-charge: The large horizontal or vertical tank (often blue, red, or white). The air valve (Schrader valve) is typically under a small plastic cap on the end or top of the tank. Use a tire gauge to check the air pressure in the bladder and pump it up if necessary.
- Inspect electrical connections: The plastic or metal box on the side or top of the motor. This houses the capacitors and wiring terminals. In South Africa’s humid or rainy seasons, we check here for “tracking” (burnt marks) or loose wires caused by vibration. Tighten terminals and look for corrosion caused by damp environments.
- Check for leaks: These are the rubber gaskets found at every threaded connection point and inside the main pump housing. Tighten fittings and replace worn-out O-rings.
Servicing regularly benefits you and will lessen the chance of needing expensive repairs or having to completely replace the pump by keeping up with regular services on a six-month or yearly basis, depending on the type of pump, this is detailed in the next section.
AfriPumps has its own pump service and repair workshop.
An Alpha Bareshaft pump coupled to a motor on a baseplate that was serviced at the AfriPumps workshop.
This pump is used for a river water application.
How often should a water pump be serviced?
Generally, a water pump should be serviced once a year, unless there is high usage, in which case it will sometimes need to be serviced every six months or more.
| Pump Type | Application | Service Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Booster Pump | Municipal pressure boost | Once a Year |
| Borehole Pump | High sand/sediment | Every 6 Months |
| Garden Pump | Seasonal / Irrigation | Before and after the season |
We serviced a Wilo NL Bareshaft pump, which is coupled to a motor for a clean water application.
How to repair a small water pump
While basic maintenance is DIY-friendly, internal repairs require technical knowledge and professional expertise.
DIY – Minor Repairs:
- Replacing a pressure switch: Ensure the power is off, take photos of the wiring before disconnecting, and install the new one.
- Priming the pump: If your centrifugal pump has lost its prime, fill the housing with water through the priming plug.
Professional – Major Repairs:
- Seized motors: Requires motor disassembly and bearing replacement.
- Impeller replacement: Requires specialized tools to remove the pump casing without damaging it.
- Rewinding the motor: If the motor has burnt out, it needs to be sent to a workshop for rewinding.
Grundfos Scala pump repair. We replaced the connection module, which failed due to wear and tear.
For professional repairs, contact us.
Where can I buy replacement parts for water pumps in SA?
You don’t always need a brand-new pump. Often, a new spare part will work.
AfriPumps carries one of the widest stockholdings of pump spare parts in the Johannesburg area. We also arrange delivery all around South Africa and nearby countries.
We carry stock of replacement parts for the most popular brands of water pumps, including:
Ask us any questions
Next Steps
If you are facing a major failure, you may need an expert technician with tools.
For repair or services, our technicians have 30+ years of hands-on experience and expertise.
Enquire here for service and repair
