Salamander Pump onlw works when I wave a magnet to operate the internal reed switch.

[kbultray]

Livng in a bungalow theres little head of water to the kitchen sink, so purchased a Salamander pump to boost the hot water to tap. Worked perfectly for 6 months but now the only way to get it to kick in is to wave a strong permanent magnet on the end of a wand near the end of the unit.
Now, what I want to do is rip the useless reed switch out, and wire in a permanent push button on the wall. I'm perfectly competent to do the installation. Has anyone on the forum ever carried out a similar solution ?

 

[Exedon]

First unfortunately salamander aren't what they were
Second at 6 months it's still under warranty get salamander to sort it.
Not in a hard water area by any chance?

 

[kbultray]

Thanks Exedon. Yes, very hard water. Have taped a magnet to the “sweet spot” on the pump casing and it seems to be working so far.

 

[DP]

When pump runs but no flow ( as tap is not open), pump will eventually burn out.
Function of reed switch is to detect water flow and power up the pump- if no flow, pump keeps running and likely to burn out

 

[Exedon]

Thanks Exedon. Yes, very hard water. Have taped a magnet to the “sweet spot” on the pump casing and it seems to be working so far.

Almost certainly hard water causing your problems .
I live/work in a area that is described as having aggressively hard water .
Only way we have found to eliminate limescale build up is a proper ion exchange water softener.

 

[kbultray]

When pump runs but no flow ( as tap is not open), pump will eventually burn out.
Function of reed switch is to detect water flow and power up the pump- if no flow, pump keeps running and likely to burn out

Thanks DP, thing is, if it’s a choice between wrecking a pump (with a stupid design flaw) or spending a lifetime waving magnets near it I think I’ll take my chances !