Martin Brown submitted this idea :
Neon indicators are much easier where mains voltages are concerned. You don't
have to drop so much voltage in the load resistor that way.

You can use a suitable diode, cap and resistor to run an LED on mains.


Sensing actual valve position is one I would recommend since most failures I
have seen have been from one seizing up or motor failure possibly triggered
by water leakage. There is a nice stalagmite under one of them now probably
been growing since the 1970's.

I will agree, 90% of our faults over the years, involved the valve
actuator, which is why I keep a spare to hand, ready to just plug in.


I wouldn't bother with "pump running" as you can hear it in a quiet house
without needing an indicator lamp.

Ours is all but inaudible, apart from when it first starts to run.