Don’t Let Your Well Pump Pressure Switch Fail: Learn How to Test It

Any well water system must have a pressure switch for the well pump. It is in charge of managing the water pressure and activating and deactivating the well pump as necessary. Low water pressure, brief cycling, and even pump damage can all be brought on by a broken pressure switch. Thus, it is essential to frequently test the pressure switch to make sure it is operating properly.

This article will walk you through the process of testing your well pump pressure switch step-by-step. Moreover, we’ll go over some typical problems that could occur, how to fix them, and some upkeep advice to maintain your pressure switch in good working order.

How to Test a Well Pump Pressure Switch: Steps

Testing the pressure switch is an important aspect of keeping your well water system in good working order, which can be difficult to do otherwise. You may save yourself time and money by testing the pressure switch on your well pump with this straightforward procedure:

Switch off the power in Step 1.

Turn off the power to the well pump before you start testing your pressure switch. Find and turn off the circuit breaker that regulates the well pump. This safety precaution must be taken in order to avoid any mishaps when testing the pressure switch.

Test the voltage in Step 2.

Check the pressure switch’s voltage with a multimeter to make sure no electricity is present. Connect the probes of the multimeter to the switch terminals, and set it to measure AC voltage. The switch is safe to handle if the multimeter displays zero volts.

Uninstall the cover in Step 3.

The pressure switch is often situated close to the pressure tank and is covered. Depending on the type of cover, remove it with a wrench or a screwdriver. Take care not to harm the switch or the cover.

Find the pressure switch in step 4.

Find the pressure switch after you’ve removed the cover. It typically consists of a tiny device with two or three wires attached.

Test the pressure switch in step five.

Test the pressure switch by ensuring that the contacts are continuous using a multimeter. Connect the probes of the multimeter to the switch terminals, and set it to measure continuity. If the switch is closed, the multimeter ought to beep; if it’s open, it shouldn’t. If the switch fails this test, it might be broken and have to be replaced.

Check the cut-in and cut-out pressure parameters in Step 6.

Cut-in and cut-out are the two pressure settings available on the pressure switch. The pressure at which the pump turns on is known as the cut-in pressure, and the pressure at which the pump turns off is known as the cut-out pressure. Measure the pressure at which the switch turns on and off using a pressure gauge. Around 20 psi less than the cut-out pressure should be the cut-in pressure. The pressure settings might need to be adjusted if they are off.

Change the pressure parameters in Step 7.

Turn the nut on the pressure switch clockwise to raise pressure or counterclockwise to decrease pressure to change the settings. After the pressure settings are where you want them to be, make minor modifications and check them again with the gauge.

Step 8: Put the pressure switch back together.

Reassemble the lid and make sure it is firmly in place once you have checked and adjusted the pressure switch.

Test the well pump in step nine.

Test the water pressure after re-engaging the well pump’s electricity. The pump should start when the pressure falls below the cut-in pressure and stop when the pressure reaches the cut-out pressure if the pressure switch is operating properly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Plumbing is a complex field with a wide variety of potential problems that can be difficult to diagnose. But, there are a few issues that seem to arise on a somewhat frequent basis:

Low Water Pressure: Low water pressure is one such problem that could be caused by a blocked filter or a broken pressure switch. Checking the pressure switch and servicing (replacing or cleaning) the filter as needed can keep everything running smoothly.

Short cycling: As the well pump frequently turns on and off, a problem known as short cycling can arise for homeowners. The problem could be caused by a faulty pressure switch, improper pressure settings, or a leak in the system. You need to check the pressure switch, tweak the pressure settings, and look for leaks in the system to fix the problem.

Pump Runs Continuously: Also, if your well pump is constantly operating, it may be due to a faulty pressure switch or a leak. If you want to solve this annoying problem, you should check the pressure switch and look for leaks in the system.

Pressure Switch Failure: Finally, it is possible that the switch or wiring is to blame if the pressure switch is failing to turn on or off the well pump. It is strongly suggested that you use a multimeter to check the switch and wiring and swiftly replace any defective components.

Tips for Maintenance

• Frequent Inspection: Check the pressure switch frequently for wear and tear indications, such as corrosion or rust. All worn or broken parts must be replaced right away.
• Cleaning and lubrication: To stop dirt and debris from building up, regularly clean the area around the pressure switch. To guarantee smooth functioning, lubricate the switch and the contact points with a non-conductive lubricant.
• Replacement of Worn Parts: To stop future harm to the system, replace any worn or damaged parts, such as switch contacts, springs, or diaphragms, as soon as you can.

Conclusion

Regularly checking the pressure switch on your well pump is a crucial aspect of well system upkeep. You can check your pressure switch and fix any problems it may have by following the procedures described in this article. Regular maintenance includes checking the pressure switch, cleaning and lubricating moving parts, and replacing any broken or worn components. A well pump pressure switch can serve you reliably for many years if you take care of it.