How to Tell if Your Well Pump Pressure Switch Is Bad

Even if you’ve owned your home for a while, there’s a decent chance you’ve never had to deal with a well pump pressure switch before. In fact, you might not even know what it is or what it does. But if you have a sudden problem with your well, an issue with the pressure switch could be at the bottom of it.

Here’s what you should know about pressure switches and well pump repair in Hillsborough County, FL.

All about pressure switches

The pressure switch is a part of the well pump system that sends a signal to the pump to start or stop pumping based on the pressure that’s built up in the water system. There are just two settings to these pressure switches: cut-in and cut-off. There are two numbers on the switch that denote at what point the switch cuts in and cuts off. For example, a 30-50 pressure switch indicates the pump will kick in at 30 psi and cut off at 50 psi. You can adjust these numbers as needed based on what you need out of your water supply.

The location of your pressure switch depends on how your well system is set up. It might be in your basement or garage, it could be next to a pool (if you have one on your property) or it might just be outside somewhere. If you have a jet pump, the pressure switch could be attached on the pump itself. If you have a submersible pump, though, the switch is going to be elsewhere.

What happens when pressure switches fail?

As with any type of mechanical system, general wear and tear can cause the pressure switch to break down over time. The springs inside the switch could loosen, or the wire ports attached to the switch could become corroded. Debris that gets inside the system could prevent the switch components from functioning as they are designed to, and any rusted components could also prevent the switch from working properly.

While the switch is generally well protected because of these reasons, it is not invincible. It will wear down eventually, and you will likely need to replace it a few times over the years.

How do you know if your pressure switch is starting to fail? Some of the tell-tale signs of pressure switch failure include:

• A pump that cycles continuously for no apparent reason
• A pump that works, but has very weak water pressure
• A pump that doesn’t turn on and does not provide any water

These symptoms may indicate other problems occurring inside your well system, but the pressure switch is most likely to be what’s causing the issue. To determine the root of the problem, you’ll need to have a certified well pump technician come to your property and conduct a thorough inspection so you know how best to proceed.

Contact Advanced Pump & Well Service for more information about dealing with bad pressure switches or to schedule well pump repair in Hillsborough County, FL.

Categorised in: Well Pump Repair