How to Use Bore Water Hoses Properly: Preventing Pump Cycling and Maintaining Steady Pressure

When it comes to running a reliable bore water system, the little things — like your hose size and setup — make a big difference. Whether you’re using your bore pump for irrigation, garden watering, or general household use, making sure your hose system is correctly configured is key to maintaining strong water pressure, protecting your pump from unnecessary wear, and ensuring long-term performance.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best practices for using bore water hoses — and how to avoid one of the most common problems our customers face: pump cycling.

What Is Pump Cycling — and Why Is It a Problem?

Pump cycling is when your bore pump rapidly switches on and off. This usually happens when the water flow rate is too low for the pump’s output, or when pressure in the system drops and recovers too frequently.

Here’s why it’s a big deal:

• It puts unnecessary strain on your pump motor and control box

• It can lead to overheating or early equipment failure

• It reduces energy efficiency, driving up your electricity costs

How to Prevent Pump Cycling

The good news? It’s easy to avoid pump cycling by following a few simple steps:

1. Use the Right Hose Size

Most standard garden hoses (typically 12mm in diameter) are too narrow for medium to large bore pumps. They restrict water flow, causing pressure fluctuations and triggering pump cycling.

Our recommendation: Use a thicker hose — 19mm or 25mm — to allow water to flow freely and match your pump’s capacity.

2. Consider Dual Hose Setups

If your pump delivers a high flow rate, using two hoses at once can help spread the load. This keeps water pressure stable and avoids sharp fluctuations.

3. Avoid Restrictive Nozzles and Sprinklers

Some hose-end accessories limit flow too much. Look for fittings that suit bore pump systems and allow a consistent, steady stream of water.

Monitor Your Pressure Gauge

Your pressure gauge is your first line of defence in detecting pump issues. Watch it closely when you turn your hose on.

What should happen:

• Pressure rises, then holds steady while water flows

• When you open your tap or sprinkler, pressure may drop slightly but should remain consistent

If the needle bounces up and down?That’s a sign of pump cycling — and a red flag that your system may be under stress.

Need Help Diagnosing a Pressure or Flow Problem?

At Gleeson Pump Solutions, we specialise in bore pump systems and water pressure solutions across regional and metro areas. If you’re experiencing issues like:

• Inconsistent water pressure

• Pump short cycling

• Hose backflow or blockages

...we can assess your setup and provide tailored advice on hose configurations, pump sizing, and flow control.

Final Tip: Service Your Pump Regularly

To keep things running smoothly, we recommend servicing your bore pump system every 1–2 years.

Preventative maintenance helps avoid bigger repair bills and keeps your system performing at its best.