3 Best Rainwater Tank Pump Controllers – Davey Torrium2 vs Grundfos PM2 vs DAB Control‑D (AU 2026)

Your tank pump shouldn’t hunt, stall or lose prime just when the sprinklers fire up or someone jumps in the shower. If you’re upgrading a rainwater system for steady pressure and dry‑run safety, these three controllers are the ones Aussie installers actually spec and homeowners stick with.

Rainwater tank irrigation automation guide · Variable‑speed pump upgrades (when to step up)

Quick picks (Australia 2026)

• Best Overall: Davey Torrium2 – bulletproof in Aussie conditions, smooth flow logic, easy swap‑in on tank systems.
• Best Budget: DAB Control‑D – simple, reliable dry‑run protection at a sharp price; ideal for garden taps and small irrigation zones.
• Best for Tweakers: Grundfos PM2 – adjustable cut‑in and tank mode; pair with a small pressure tank to reduce cycling.

At‑a‑glance comparison: Torrium2 vs PM2 vs Control‑D

How to choose a rainwater tank pump controller (AU specifics)

• Pressure stability vs simplicity: If you want “install and forget” on mixed household + garden loads, Torrium2’s logic handles taps shutting/opening without chatter. If you prefer dials and data, PM2 gives you control.
• Dry‑run recovery: Look for controllers that protect the pump and attempt timed auto‑restarts after a tank runs dry, so you don’t have to stumble out at 10pm to reprime.
• Works with your pump curve: Match controller to pump size (commonly 25–32 mm / 1–1¼" ports). Oversized pumps on basic controllers can short‑cycle; PM2 + a small tank calms this down.
• Filtration before the controller: A 20 µm sediment filter upstream reduces nuisance trips and protects seals—cheap insurance for longevity.
• Serviceability: LED fault codes and accessible check valve make weekend troubleshooting sane.

Planning a full automation stack? See complete irrigation automation (filters + regulators + smart timers) and flow meters for leak detection.

Davey Torrium2 – smooth, Aussie‑tested stability

If you’ve got a poly tank, a 25 mm suction line and a standard jet or multistage pump, Torrium2 just behaves. It uses both flow and pressure logic to avoid chatter when a single tap trickles or multiple sprinklers kick in. In practice, that means fewer surprises and fewer call‑outs.

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Why it stands out

• Flow‑sensing logic smooths small‑demand events (hand basin, fridge water) without rapid cycling.
• Dry‑run shutoff with smart auto‑restart attempts after the tank refills—saves pumps from heat damage.
• Drop‑in replacement on many existing Davey systems; common fittings and straightforward wiring.

Real‑world use case

Two‑bathroom home on a 5,000 L tank running laundry and evening irrigation. Torrium2 handles a single dripper zone as calmly as a shower + tap open simultaneously, with less “stop‑start” than budget boxes.

Pros

• Well supported in Australia; spares and know‑how are easy to find.
• Stable pressure feel for mixed household + garden loads.
• Clear fault indications make diagnosis quick.

Cons

• Less user‑tuneable than PM2 (no numeric cut‑in setting).
• Costs a touch more than entry‑level controllers.

Best for

Household + garden users who just want steady water from tank to tap with minimal fiddling.

Who should avoid it

Control nerds who want exact cut‑in pressure or plan to run with a pressure tank—PM2 is better for that.

Grundfos PM2 – dial‑in control and tank mode

PM2 lets you set start pressure and tweak restart behaviour. Add a small (e.g., 8–24 L) pressure tank and it stretches run times between starts, handy for micro‑leaks or drip zones on windy days.

See Grundfos PM2 pressure manager (AU)
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Why it stands out

• Adjustable cut‑in (handy if your sprinklers need a higher start pressure).
• LCD status + configuration gives clearer feedback during commissioning.
• Plays nicely with a small pressure tank to reduce cycling and noise.

Real‑world use case

Retic system with rotors that atomise below ~300 kPa. Set PM2 to start a bit higher and add a small tank so it doesn’t restart on every tiny flow change.

Pros

• Most tuneable of the three; great for tricky zones or longer pipe runs.
• Good diagnostics and clear indicators.

Cons

• More setup time; not everyone wants dials and menus.
• Usually the priciest controller here.

Best for

DIYers or pros who want to fine‑tune start pressure and integrate a small tank for quieter operation.

Who should avoid it

Anyone who just wants plug‑and‑play with minimal options—Torrium2 is simpler.

DAB Control‑D – simple, tough value

Control‑D is the no‑fuss option for garden taps and 1–2 irrigation zones on a standard jet pump. It provides dry‑run protection and automatic restart without overcomplicating setup.

Browse DAB Control‑D pump controller (AU)
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Why it stands out

• Great price‑to‑reliability for garden duty and small retic setups.
• Compact body fits tight pump sheds.

Real‑world use case

Backyard tank feeding two drip zones and a garden tap. Control‑D keeps things safe if the tank runs low, and it restarts automatically when rain tops up.

Pros

• Affordable, straightforward install.
• Solid performance for light to medium loads.

Cons

• Less finesse on tricky systems; no numeric cut‑in adjustments.
• Not ideal for whole‑home with highly variable demand.

Best for

Garden‑first users or rental properties needing dependable protection without overspend.

Who should avoid it

Homes chasing premium shower feel across multiple fixtures—pick Torrium2 or step up to a variable‑speed pump later.

Essential add‑ons for reliability (works with all three)

• 1" whole‑house sediment filter housing (≈20 µm) – stops grit from tripping dry‑run and extends pump life.
• 1" brass foot valve with strainer – keeps prime on the suction line; essential for above‑ground pumps.
• 25 mm pump suction hose kit – sized for common Aussie pumps; avoid kinks and air leaks.
• 1/4" BSP pressure gauge (0–100 psi) – mount on the discharge to set sprinklers and troubleshoot pressure drops.

Next steps for automation: add a smart controller and proper regulation—see 24 VAC smart sprinkler controllers (AU) and pressure‑regulated spray heads.

Installation tips (Australia)

• Use 25 mm (1") suction where possible; long runs may need 32 mm to reduce losses.
• Install a sediment filter before the controller; place the pressure gauge on the discharge.
• Mount the controller vertically, out of direct sun and weather splash; follow IP rating guidance.
• Prime thoroughly. If you’re fighting air leaks, check every suction fitting—one loose clamp = hours lost.
• Consider a bypass/isolation pair so you can service the controller without killing water to the house.

Designing retic zones off a tank? Read Perth reticulation upgrade (filters + regulators + flow sensor) and Tank‑to‑smart‑drip stack.

Pricing, warranty and availability in Australia (2026)

• Davey Torrium2: ~$220–$360 depending on model and seller; typical AU warranty 2–3 years (check listing).
• Grundfos PM2: ~$300–$480; typical AU warranty ~2 years (confirm per retailer).
• DAB Control‑D: ~$190–$320; typical AU warranty ~2 years (confirm per retailer).

If your household demands grow or you want near‑mains shower feel across multiple fixtures, a variable‑speed package may be the smarter next purchase—see DAB e.sybox vs Grundfos Scala2 vs Davey.

FAQs

Do these controllers work with bore or creek water?

Yes, provided water is clean and properly filtered. Grit requires a pre‑filter to avoid dry‑run trips and seal wear.

Will a controller fix low pressure at my sprinklers?

It stabilises starts/stops and protects the pump. Actual pressure depends on the pump curve, pipe size and elevation.

Do I need a pressure tank?

No. All three run without one. PM2 benefits most from adding a small tank to reduce cycling on tiny leaks or trickle flows.

Which is quieter?

Controllers don’t make much noise; the pump does. That said, fewer rapid starts (Torrium2, PM2+small tank) means less perceived noise.

Can I mix any controller with any pump?

Generally yes for single‑phase 240 V garden/house pumps. Match ports, check max current ratings, and follow manufacturer guidance.

Why does my controller keep starting randomly?

Micro‑leaks, faulty check valve, or a dripping tap can trigger restarts. Add a small pressure tank (PM2) and fix leaks.

Is dry‑run protection enough to save my pump?

It’s critical, but you still want a good foot valve, airtight suction, and a pre‑filter to prevent nuisance trips.

What maintenance is required?

Inspect filters quarterly, confirm no air leaks on suction, and test the controller’s restart logic after any tank drain‑down.

The bottom line

For most Australian rainwater tanks feeding house + garden, Davey Torrium2 delivers the smoothest day‑to‑day experience. If you want dials and a path to adding a small pressure tank, pick Grundfos PM2. On tighter budgets powering taps and a couple of zones, DAB Control‑D gets it done without drama.

Planning a broader upgrade? Start with the controller today, then add smart irrigation later: Wi‑Fi hose timers or go pro with pre‑assembled manifold kits.