A method for controlling circuitry of a softstarter arrangement to operate an electric motor for driving a pump is provided, wherein the softstarter circuitry electrically connects the motor to electric mains. The method includes: (i) controlling the circuitry of the softstarter arrangement to accelerate the motor up to full speed in a forward direction; (ii) controlling the circuitry of the softstarter arrangement to decelerate the motor when the motor has run at full speed in the forward direction for a first period of time; (iii) controlling the circuitry of the softstarter arrangement to accelerate the motor up a specified speed in a reverse direction; (iv) controlling the circuitry of the softstarter arrangement to decelerate the motor when the motor has run at the specified speed in the reverse direction for a second period of time; and (v) repeating the steps (i)-(iv) one or more times.