Pump Fault
Chromagen Solar Water Heater
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
A pump fault means the small circulation pump that moves water between the solar collectors on your roof and the storage tank has stopped working. The collectors are still absorbing heat, but none of it is reaching your hot water tank.
Affected Models
- Chromagen CR Series (pumped)
- Chromagen Optima Pumped
- Chromagen Crown Pumped
Common Causes
- Pump motor has burned out or seized
- Pump capacitor failure
- Air lock in the pump or pipework
- Low voltage or wiring fault at the pump
- Controller relay that operates the pump has failed
How to Fix It
-
Listen for the pump
On a sunny day, the pump should run quietly during daylight hours. Put your ear near the pump (usually in the roof space or at the tank base). Silence when it should be running confirms the fault.
-
Check the circuit breaker
Find the circuit breaker for the solar water heater and check it has not tripped. Reset if tripped and see if the pump starts.
-
Power-cycle the controller
Turn off at the wall for 30 seconds, then restore power. If the pump still does not start on a sunny day, book a service.
-
Do not attempt to disassemble the pump
The pump is part of a pressurised plumbing circuit. Leave physical repairs to a licensed plumber or solar technician.
When to Call a Professional
Yes — circulation pump replacement or bleeding requires a qualified solar technician.
Chromagen Circulation Pump Fault
In pumped solar water heater systems, a small electric pump continuously circulates fluid (water or glycol) from the storage tank up to the roof collectors and back. This is how heat from the sun reaches your hot water.
When this pump fails, the collectors sit in the sun doing nothing useful — and your tank gradually cools.
How to Know the Pump Is the Problem
- The controller shows no error but you have cold water on sunny days
- You can hear or feel that the pump is not running
- The controller shows a specific pump fault indicator (varies by model)
What a Technician Will Do
A solar technician will test the pump electrically, check for air locks, and either repair or replace the pump unit. It is a half-day job in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a pump fault mean I have no hot water at all?
You may still have some residual hot water from the previous day stored in the tank. The electric backup element (if your model has one) may also still work. But once that stored heat is used up, the water will stop being heated until the pump is repaired.
How long do Chromagen circulation pumps last?
Typically 8–15 years with normal use. If your system is older than 10 years and the pump fails, it is worth asking your technician about a full pump replacement rather than a repair.