“307/07” is an XAJE120PRO automatic SteelPump. It is the 2nd SteelPump ever sold in the UK back in 2007. It has been returned to us for repair after working submerged automatically on demand in a domestic rainwater system for 15 years!
SteelPump returns for repair after 15 years!!
All SteelPumps are fully repairable and servicable.
Way ahead of the Right to Repair laws that came into force in the UK in 2021, SteelPumps have always been fully repairable and serviceable by design. All SteelPumps spare parts are available from stock in the UK. We offer a free diagnostic service for SteelPumps here in the UK.
On inspection of the automatic intelligent SteelPump, our Technical Team found that the original stator, rotor, impeller and bearings were all working perfectly. However, the pump needed new shaft seals and, not unreasonably, a new capacitor. The control PCB had not failed but because of the substantial number of start/stop events in 15 years it was also renewed as part of the refurbishment.
After replacing the worn parts, upon wet testing the venturi was found to be partially blocked with debris and this was also quickly and easily replaced.
A quick shine and straightening of the rear support foot (which was bent no doubt when the pump was probably dropped at some point during its long life), this SteelPump is good to go again!
After the repair 307/07 SteelPump now operates with the same pressure output, automatic functions, and power consumption as its original specification.
It just goes to show that with correct installation and commissioning SteelPumps last a very long time indeed.
How to make your water SteelPump last longer
There are four key things that will help extend the life of your automatic SteelPump in a rainwater installation:
- Make sure the rainwater is free of debris. SteelPumps are clean water pumps, therefore you need to make sure the water they pump is free from debris. Fit a good filter before the rainwater is stored in the tank. A calmed inlet and overflow siphon are useful products to clean rainwater while it is in the tank too (to further reduce the likelihood of debris that is smaller than the filter mesh and either heavier or lighter than water getting into your pump). A great last defence for your pump from unwanted debris is to fit a floating intake on the pump inlet. With a floating inlet the intake for your pump is raised to the elevation in your tank where the water is at its’ cleanest.
- Fit the NRV. The supplied non-return valve (NRV) MUST be used with the SteelPump even if there are NRVs elsewhere in the system. The NRV is simply screwed directly into the pump’s inlet. Operating the pump without the NRV compromises the pump’s automatic shut-off and may cause the pump to overheat.
- Ensure your SteelPump is commissioned on installation. Thoroughly commissioning the pump on installation means you will identify any potential problems with your water delivery network or how you have installed the pump before these issues cause any damage to the pump. Essentially this means testing the pump in situ after installation to check the pump runs without “hunting” and stops when it should be off. However, there are other things you should check too. A handy simple SteelPumps Commissioning Checklist is included with each SteelPump.
- Fit a Pressure Vessel somewhere on the water delivery network. Automatic pumps work by detecting a pressure drop in the delivery network – even the tiniest of leaks will make the pump start. A Pressure Vessel on your pumped water pipe network will therefore increase the life of your pump should there be a leak. Pressure vessels work by taking up the space in the delivery network caused by drips or leaks. Inside of the metal Pressure Vessel is a rubber membrane. Compressed air is on one side of the membrane, water on the other. Air compresses far more than water, so when there is a drop in pressure in your water delivery network (a drip from a tap, or leak at a hose connection) the air side of the membrane expands to replace the space created by the water drip and keeps the water in your system pressurised so that the pump does not start. The pump only needs to kick in once the pressurised water from the pressure vessel tank has been used. Check and recharge the pressure vessel once a year.
SteelPumps in the UK
3P Technik UK have been distributing Italian SteelPumps in the UK since 2007. If you are interested in stocking or selling the SteelPumps range, please contact us for further information.