Grundfos Scala2 Pumps Are Beginning To Fail: Here's What You Need To Know

Summary:

Grundfos’ Scala2 pump is popular with California homeowners who struggle with low water pressure. But plumbing companies are seeing an increase in the number of calls about these units.
Leaks at connection points and within the pump assembly itself are becoming more common. There were also two minor recalls on specific pumps in 2019.
According to Grundfos, Scala2 pumps need calibration, maintenance, and air pressure adjustments periodically to stay in good working order. Neglecting these steps forces the unit to work harder than it should—and your pump may fail.
It’s safe to check the Grundfos Eye Indicator on your Scala2 pump for error codes. This may provide helpful clues about the status of your pump and how it’s operating.
More in-depth or complicated interventions can be extremely dangerous, especially if you don’t turn the power connection off correctly. It’s best to call in a professional plumber for help.

Problems with water pressure can seriously disrupt your daily routine and make everything from washing dishes to taking a shower more difficult. The Grundfos Scala2 pump is a popular choice here in California because it’s compact and affordable.

In the plumbing industry, we’re seeing an uptick in reports about issues with Scala2 pumps failing earlier than they should, especially with models installed over the past few years. You can always call Caccia for emergency plumbing assistance, but the information in this guide might help you see what’s causing these issues—and how to prevent them in the first place.

About Grundfos’s Scala2 Pump

The Grundfos Scala2 is a compact, all-in-one pump engineered to tackle low water pressure, usually in residential homes. It controls and adjusts water pressure behind the scenes so you don’t need constant manual adjustments.

Grundfos pumps are fairly popular in California when they work correctly—with good reason. They’re smaller and more affordable than other pumps on the market, and are usually more than enough for all but the largest homes.

Why Homeowners Choose the Scala2

At this point, you might be asking why homeowners are choosing the Scala2 if so many issues keep cropping up? The truth is that most of the problems we’re seeing are easy to fix with regular maintenance and calibration—and the Scala2 is still a decent option for people struggling with water pressure issues.

Here’s why:

It’s easy to install. At just over 20 pounds, the Scala2 is relatively lightweight and much easier to install than larger units.
It’s easy to use. Scala2 pumps have a pretty straightforward control panel that lets you set your desired pressure right at the pump. It’s simple enough for most people to figure out in under half an hour.
It stabilizes pressure really well. Grundfos’ Scala2 was engineered with smart features that automatically detect a drop or increase in pressure and self-adjust. This is ideal in homes with many faucets.
It’s quiet. Not everyone loves the sound of a pump—and the Scala2 solves that with a whisper-quiet assembly. The magnet motor has special water cooling features that pull heat away to keep the decibels down to a low hum.
It’s reliable (when cared for properly). Aside from the two models recalled in 2019, most of the Scala2 pumps on the market are reliable. Features like dry-running protection and an easy-to-access interface make it simple to maintain.

The reality is that most homeowners with a Scala2 pump never have problems with their unit in the first place. Hopefully, all you get from your pump is years of solid service. If something does go awry along the way, though, we’re ready to help.

A picture of a residential home in California, complete with outside water main connections.

Where to Find Your Scala2 Pump

If you already know where your pump is located, you can skip this step. Otherwise, locating your Grundfos Scala2—or confirming whether you have one in the first place—is easy. You just need to know where to look.

Here’s where to start:

Check in your garage. In the vast majority of homes, the Scala2 pump is installed in the garage. This makes it easy to connect to the water main.
Look near your water heater. If you don’t have a garage or live in a small home, your pump may be located near your water heater instead.
Check near your main water shutoff valve. This is another common area for pumps to be installed, especially in older homes.
Check your basement or utility closet. If you access your main plumbing in the basement or a utility room, your pump might be nearby.
Listen for the sound it makes. The Scala2 pump is “whisper quiet,” but that doesn’t mean it makes no noise at all. Listen for a low hum near the areas listed above.

If you find a device that has a rectangular shape about the size of a small suitcase, a dark exterior, and a control panel with a light that looks like an eye, it’s probably your Scala2. We’re happy to take a look for you if you don’t feel comfortable investigating on your own.

Common Issues with the Scala2 Pump

All devices with mechanical workings have a small chance to fail or experience problems over time. In a perfect world, manufacturing defects like weak connections would be extremely rare and immediately obvious to the naked eye from day one. That’s rarely the case, especially with the recent increase in reports.

What we’re seeing with Scala2 pumps is different. The issues are specifically related to units installed within the last few years.

This includes:

Early and sudden failures. The Scala2 was originally engineered to last for years at a time without the need for constant replacements. Currently, failures seem to be happening for most homeowners at the 2 to 4-year point.
Leaks around critical connections. This includes leaks within the pump assembly and around the inlet or outlet pipe. They can crop up subtly and worsen over time, meaning you may not notice until you already have water damage.
Shaft seals that lock up. The shaft seal on some Scala2 pumps has a tendency to seize up. Your pump may suddenly stop and refuse to reinitialize until someone manually clears out the blockage.
Air pockets. Air pockets aren’t necessarily rare in plumbing, but they can cause fluctuations in water pressure if they enter your pump.
Problems with electrical parts. Rarely, the electrical work within the pump can fail completely, often as a result of leaks or weak connections.

The most important takeaway is that most of these issues can be avoided with proper installation, priming, and care. If you want us to inspect your Scala2 pump for these problems, or you want to avoid risking it, let us handle the job for you.

Why Are Scala2 Pumps Failing?

According to Grundfos, all Scala2 pumps should be serviced and calibrated yearly. For a variety of reasons—most of which are unintentional—this doesn’t always happen. In fact, many homeowners only learn about these needs after a problem occurs.

That’s the core of the problem. Here’s why:

Poor maintenance causes stress. Without regular maintenance, Scala2 pumps are forced to work harder than they have to over time. The harder a pump works, the faster the internal seals and fittings within it will degrade.
Improper calibration strains the pump: The Scala2 has a built-in expansion tank that uses air pressure to stabilize water pressure and flow throughout your system. If the pressure in the tank is too high, low, or fluctuates, it can strain the pump.

Nearly all of the common problems mentioned in the previous section relate to a lack of maintenance or calibration. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.

A Quick Note on the 2019 Scala2 Pump Recall

In 2019, Grundfos issued a recall for two specific Scala2 models. They identified similar manufacturing defects in pumps with the product codes 1603 and 1901.

The recall was extremely limited. If you’re having problems with your Scala2 pump, it’s highly unlikely that the problem is related to the recall. Still, it’s worth checking.

To confirm, look on the outside of your pump for a label with a four-digit product code. The first two digits indicate the year it was manufactured (’16 and ’19), while the second two refer to the production run (03, 01). If you see either number, just give us a call—we can help!

How to Troubleshoot Your Scala2 Pump

WARNING: Trying to fix a Scala2 pump on your own can be dangerous. There is a risk of serious shocks, especially if you don’t disconnect the power supply in the right way. These shocks can even be fatal, which is why you should always call a plumber for help.

Before you call, you can check the Eye Indicator on your pump to see if it’s showing an obvious error code. This can help you diagnose the problem or at least provide helpful clues.

What to Do if Your Pump is Failing

If you think your pump is failing, you’re having issues with water pressure, or you’re just learning about the need for maintenance and calibration now, call Caccia Plumbing right away. We can often intervene before replacement becomes necessary.

During a service call, we:

Inspect All Connections: A plumber will take a close look at the connections going to and from your Scala 2 pump.
Check the Built-In Expansion Tank: They’ll verify that the air pressure is properly calibrated on your built-in expansion tank.
Check Your External Expansion Tank: If you have an external expansion tank—often near your hot water heater—they’ll check that it’s installed correctly and in good working order.

If we find problems like leaks or loose fittings, we may be able to fix them on the spot. For more advanced issues like failures, the unit may need to be replaced.

We can also help future-proof your Scala2 pump with replacements and upgrades that eliminate the need for yearly calibration completely. Ask us for more info when you call!

Keep Your Scala2 Pump in Proper Working Condition

Don’t let problems with your Scala2 pump sneak up on you and leave you without reliable access to water when you need it most. From occasional calibration to replacing your pump after it fails, our team of experts can help you restore proper flow to all faucets in your home.

If you have questions about your water pressure pump, or you want to schedule a check-up, send us a message. For complete failures, leaks, and other serious plumbing emergencies, call us directly at (650) 442-1470 for faster service.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Scala2 Pump

Is the Scala2 pump compatible with well water?

Yes—but only if you have a shallow well. The Scala2 can pull water from depths of up to 8 meters (around 26 feet) deep. This is referred to as “suction lift.” Grundfos also recommends installing a filter on the inlet to avoid damage and clogs from sand, gravel, and other debris.

For deeper wells, you may need a different solution or upgrade. We’re happy to walk you through your options and help you find the best solution. Just give us a call!

Can I install the Scala 2 pump myself?

We don’t recommend that homeowners attempt to install a Scala2 pump on their own. Even if you’re fairly confident in your skills, it’s very easy for something to go wrong. You’re also at risk for severe electrical shocks when connecting the power—it just isn’t worth it.

Instead, call Caccia Plumbing for help. We know how to install these water pressure pumps efficiently and correctly to ensure they stay in good working order long-term.

Why is my Scala 2 pump so loud?

The Scala 2 is engineered for quiet operation, so if you’re hearing excess noise, there’s definitely a problem. The most common culprits are:

Trapped air
Low water levels
Debris
Mechanical failures

Most of these issues require the attention of a professional plumber. It’s safe to try one trick that might help resolve issues related to trapped air. Turn off the pump and open a nearby faucet to release air. Once water flows steadily from the faucet, close it and restart the pump.

Is it safe to reset my Scala 2 pump if it stops working?

Yes. First, look at the control panel on your pump. You’re looking for the Grundfos Eye indicator, a circular light that should be green if your Scala2 is working correctly. If it’s red or yellow—or not on—there’s something wrong with your pump.

For simple resets, turn off the power for a few minutes, then turn it back on. If the problem persists or you just develop a different issue afterward, turn the power back off and reach out to us for help.

Is my Scala2 pump still under warranty?

Maybe. Most of Grundfos’ pumps are covered under a limited manufacturer’s warranty for at least 24 months after the date of installation. Refer to the information that came with your pump or contact us for help verifying warranty info.

It’s important to note that Grundfos’ warranty only covers defects in materials and workmanship. They won’t approve claims related to:

Abnormal operation (e.g, with deep wells)
Intentional or accidental misuse
Normal wear and tear
Improper maintenance
Faulty repairs (including DIY attempts)
Failure to follow operating instructions
Overloading of the pump

If one of these issues causes problems with your pump, don’t worry—we don’t judge! Even if you aren’t covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, we can still help.

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