Water pumps play a vital role in keeping many New Zealand homes and properties running smoothly—whether it’s supplying fresh water from a tank, managing wastewater, or maintaining water pressure across a multi-level property. But like any mechanical system, a water pump needs regular maintenance to function efficiently and avoid costly breakdowns.
So, how often should you service your water pump?
The short answer: at least once a year, though the ideal service frequency depends on the type of pump you have, how often it’s used, the quality of the water it handles, and the specific demands of your property.
In this blog, we’ll break down the factors that affect pump servicing intervals, signs your pump may need attention, and what a proper service involves—so you can keep your pump performing at its best and avoid expensive downtime.
Why Servicing Your Water Pump Matters
Water pumps, whether they’re used for household water supply, stormwater drainage, irrigation, or wastewater management, are mechanical systems that operate under pressure. Over time, wear and tear from constant use can lead to performance issues, reduced efficiency, or even total failure if not addressed early.
Here’s why regular servicing matters:
- Prevents breakdowns before they happen
- Extends the lifespan of your pump
- Reduces electricity consumption through optimal efficiency
- Ensures consistent water pressure and flow
- Protects appliances and plumbing systems from pressure damage
- Identifies leaks, rust, or blockages before they cause major issues
Just like getting your car serviced keeps it road-ready, keeping your pump maintained ensures water flows when you need it most—especially in emergencies.
How Often Should a Water Pump Be Serviced?
The general recommendation is once every 12 months, but this can vary depending on the following factors:
1. Type of Pump
- Domestic water supply pumps (like jet or submersible pumps): Annual servicing is usually sufficient for most homes on rainwater tanks or bore systems.
- Pressure booster pumps: Should be checked annually or bi-annually, depending on usage.
- Greywater or wastewater pumps: May need servicing more frequently—every 6 months—due to the nature of the water they handle.
- Stormwater or sump pumps: Should be checked at least once a year, preferably before the rainy season.
- Irrigation or agricultural pumps: Often seasonal and may require checks before and after periods of heavy use.
2. Frequency of Use
A pump that runs every day will naturally experience more wear than one used occasionally. If your system runs multiple times a day or supports multiple outlets, you may need to service it more often—perhaps every 6–9 months.
3. Water Quality
If your pump draws from a source with high sediment, minerals, or organic matter (e.g., bore water, stream-fed tanks, or older rainwater systems), filters may clog faster and internal components may wear down more quickly. In these cases, servicing every 6 months may be wise.
4. Pump Age
Older pumps require closer attention. If your pump is 5+ years old, annual servicing becomes essential to catch early signs of wear or potential failure.
Signs Your Water Pump Needs Servicing
Don’t wait until your pump fails completely. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to book a service—even if it hasn’t been a full year:
- Reduced water pressure or irregular flow
- Strange noises (buzzing, grinding, or humming)
- Pump turns on and off frequently (short cycling)
- Visible leaks or rust on the pump housing
- Dirty or discoloured water
- Higher than usual electricity bills
- Air in the water supply
- Pump fails to start or runs continuously
These symptoms could indicate anything from worn bearings and seals to blocked filters or faulty pressure switches—all of which can be identified and resolved with a proper service.
What Happens During a Water Pump Service?
At Citywide Plumbing, our pump servicing process is thorough and tailored to the type of pump installed. A typical service may include:
- Full system inspection: Checking the pump unit, pipework, valves, filters, wiring, and control units
- Electrical testing: Ensuring safe operation and identifying worn or damaged connections
- Cleaning filters and strainers: Removing any sediment, sludge, or debris that could affect performance
- Checking pressure switches and flow sensors: Ensuring accurate activation and shutdown
- Seal and bearing inspection: Looking for signs of wear or water ingress
- Leak testing: Checking for drips or pooling water around fittings and joints
- Performance test: Running the pump to check flow rate, noise levels, and overall function
After servicing, we provide a report with findings, maintenance tips, and recommendations—whether it’s time for a replacement filter or if a part should be monitored in future visits.
What Can Happen If You Don’t Service Your Pump?
Skipping regular servicing can lead to serious consequences, especially for pumps that are mission-critical—like those supplying household water or managing stormwater. Without servicing, issues can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Here’s what could go wrong:
- Pump failure during peak use (like a dry summer or heavy rainstorm)
- Contaminated water from deteriorated filters or biofilm build-up
- Reduced pressure to showers, washing machines, and irrigation systems
- Motor burnout from overworking or blockages
- Water damage due to leaking pipes or pressure tanks
- Complete pump replacement—a far more expensive outcome than regular servicing
Regular servicing is a small investment that protects your water supply, property, and budget.
Proactive vs. Reactive Pump Maintenance
Many homeowners wait until a problem occurs to call a plumber—but proactive maintenance is always better than reactive repairs. Regular servicing helps you plan for part replacements, avoid emergency call-outs, and ensure consistent water quality.
With Citywide Plumbing, we can even set up an annual or bi-annual reminder system so you never forget when your pump is due for a check-up. For commercial sites or rural properties, we can schedule more frequent visits to match your pump’s workload.
Should I Service My Pump Myself?
While it’s okay to visually inspect your pump and clean external filters, a full service is best left to a professional. Pumps contain electrical components, pressure systems, and internal seals that require specialist tools and knowledge to assess safely.
DIY mistakes—like over-pressurising the system, incorrectly rewiring a switch, or failing to notice a worn part—can lead to bigger problems or safety risks.
Instead, rely on licensed plumbers and pump service agents (like Citywide Plumbing) who have the experience, tools, and manufacturer-specific knowledge to get the job done right.
Peace of Mind Starts with Regular Servicing
If your property relies on a water pump—whether for daily water supply, garden irrigation, or stormwater management—it pays to take care of it. Servicing your water pump once a year (or more often for high-demand systems) helps prevent breakdowns, ensures top performance, and extends your system’s lifespan.
At Citywide Plumbing, we offer expert pump servicing for all types and brands, including Grundfos, Davey, DAB, and more. We’ll assess your current setup, provide detailed feedback, and keep your system running reliably year-round.Ready to schedule your next pump service? Get in touch with Citywide Plumbing today—we’ll help you protect your investment and ensure your water system runs exactly as it should.
