How to Tell if Well Pump Pressure Switch is Bad
This comprehensive article will discuss how to tell if your well pump Pressure switch has gone bad, the common signs and symptoms to watch out for to detect a bad well pump fuel switch, and how to troubleshoot when you have such a faulty pressure pump.
Modern houses these days are equipped with a private well pump system. Which delivers water to the household. And one of the most key components of such well pump is the Pressure Switch. The well pump and pressure switch are usually built to last for many years, however, as with most mechanical and electrical components, they too degrade over time if left unmaintained.
In most cases, if you find that your water pressure is unusually low, it’s a tell-tale sign that you may have a worn-out well Pump Pressure Switch or something is wrong with your well pump’s pressure switch. Here’s how to tell if well pump pressure switch is bad or not.
How to Tell if Well Pump Pressure Switch is Bad
Usually, there are three main signs that tell-tales that there is a high chance that the pressure switch of the well pump has gone bad.
- No water flow from faucets
- Poor water pressure
- Constantly running pump
Now that you know the signs, we have compiled a comprehensive guide to troubleshooting and repairing the problem yourself.
What to Do If Your Water Stops Flowing
It is not always feasible to call in a plumber every time there are minor issues with water flow from your home water pumping system. Therefore, it is often wise and saves you a small fortune, if you can do some simple checks for minor problems related to well pump and pressure switch.
Three possibilities could cause water supply problems:
- Low level of water underground and insufficient water pressure in the tank
- Equipment problems
- Plumbing failure – clogged or broken pipes
In the case of a water supply shortage or no water in the house, the first thing to check is the electrical board panel. Make sure the circuit is in the on position. If not turn it on and check whether that solves the problem. If it does, then it could have been a one-time glitch. However, if the breaker stops working again, you should call in a professional to inspect the problem.
The next check, if necessary, is the pressure tank. Check to see the pressure meter is reading above 20 PSI. Though depending on the various types of pressure tanks, it may show higher PSI readings, but if the pressure gauge shows the pressure at least above 20 PSI, it tells that the problem is likely within the house and the well pump or the pressure switch is good. If no pressure or below 20 PSI, then the problem is with the pressure tank or the switch.
In case of leaking pipes or any fracture in the pipe system, if you notice flooding or leaking, immediately seek professional plumbers. Refrain from running the pump in this case as it may harm the well pump.
Signs/Symptoms That Signals the Pressure Switch is Bad
Before you even begin to troubleshoot the problem, you first need to know what are the signs and symptoms of a well pump pressure switch going bad. Here are some prominent signs that your pressure switch is beginning to fail:
- Despite the water pressure being at or above the cut-out pressure, the pump does not turn off.
- The pump does not turn on at the proper cut-in pressure.
- Having low water pressure even when the pump is running.
- The pump runs with irregular or repeated cycles.
Before you begin inspecting the well pump pressure switch, be sure to check the power to the well switch (which can be found near your pressure tank) and make sure it is on. If it is not switched on, check the circuit breaker to see if it has been tripped. Reset it if necessary.
How to Troubleshoot a Bad Pressure Switch?
Step 1: Turn the power off
The first thing to make sure is to turn the electricity off to the well pump system. It’s always a best practice to take safety measures to keep both yourself and the machine you’re working on safe from hazardous electrical shock and from ruining the machine unintentionally. To do so, turn the circuit breaker off or remove the fuses that supply the electricity.
Step 2: Access the switch
The pressure switch is a connected part of the plumbing pipe system of the well pump. Unscrew the top nut mounted on the plastic (gray) cover in a counterclockwise motion. You can use your fingers but it is recommended to use plumbing pliers.
Step 3: Check for leaks
The next thing to do is to check the system for any external or internal water leakage. If water is found leaking, tighten the switch with your plumbing pliers. Internal leakage of water may occur as well. And in this case, you can tell that the switch is out of order or has gone bad.
Step 4: Check the contacts
There are two sets of electrical contacts and each having some screw terminals mounted on them which connect to the wires. Using the lever or by hand pull them apart and remove the internal spring. If the switch doesn’t close and the water pressure remains low, it is a sign that the pressure switch is bad and needs repairing. Turn the power on if the switch closes.
Step 5: Cycle the well pump
Let the pump make a full cycle by allowing a nearby water faucet to remain open for a while.
Watch closely and see whether the switch closes as the water pressure drops. If not, then this is a clear indication that the internal spring is out of order, and that the switch needs repairing or replaced.
Make sure not to come into contact with the water while it is energized.
Turn off the power in case you see any sparks.
Step 6: Test for poor connection
While the power is on and the cover is removed, use the handle of a screwdriver to bang it firmly against the tube under the switch. This sudden jolt may help the electrical components to reconnect. If this causes a spark and then the pump powers on, you know that you have a bad pressure switch.
Otherwise, it could mean the controller has got some issues. If the bang in the tube results in the well pump to start again, it usually means the electrical contact surfaces, usually called mating points, are burned or pitted.
Step 7: Check the mating points
Examine the contact’s mating points. Check for any burns and feel for pits by pulling the metal discs apart. The presence of either of them is an indication that the contacts are bad and you may need replacing the switch.
Conclusion
Having your own well system in your house provides added advantages over using the metropolitan water supply. It provides fresh clean water for the household that is readily and easily accessible. Another benefit is that it also helps reduce the monthly water bill. However, it also comes with the need for maintenance and repair to keep the water flow running throughout the faucets.
There could be times when you have to scratch your head for minor problems to major issues related to the pressure tank, switches, and pumps. However, if you are well informed and determine the common signs and symptoms of a bad pressure pump and how to troubleshoot them, you can rest in peace that in the event of no water day on a Monday morning before office, if there is no water coming from the shower, you won’t go nuts and will be able to just fix it temporarily and have a good morning hot shower on a cold wintery day.
