Well Pressure Switch Guide: How It Works & Signs Of Issues

If you have a well water system that comes with a well pump and other components, you know how important it is to keep all the parts working smoothly. A well pressure switch is a critical component that regulates the working of your water well pump and any issue with it can lead to water flow issues among others. Let’s know everything about it.

What Is A Well Pressure Switch?

A well pump pulls water and supplies it to faucets at optimum pressure. It’s not just done on a whim. There is a whole calibration behind the scenes that allows the perfect water pressure and its consistency throughout the operation of the pump. This is where a well pressure switch comes in handy. A well pressure switch is essentially a system that allows the water to flow optimally through a well. It allows for the pump to turn on and off at times to maintain the pressure.

Known as the heartbeat of a well pump, well pressure switches are very important for the smooth and flawless operation of the well pump. If your well pump’s pressure switch is faulty, then it won’t function smoothly and there will be a lot of problems along the way. The way the water is pulled from the pump and supplied to faucets all over the house without any hiccups is the doing of a well pressure switch.

A well has pressure in it. It is directly related to the water level in the well. The higher the water level, the higher the pressure will be. A well pressure switch regulates the pressure of the water so that everything operates smoothly.

If your well doesn’t have a well pressure switch or its malfunctioning, then the water will not reach the faucets and you will have to start the pump every single time you need water. This is not just tedious but it’s also bad for the pump. This is why a pressure switch is a must to ensure that the well pump doesn’t wear out quickly and that it lasts long. With a pressure switch, your pump will be perfect for years to come and you won’t need to do anything apart from scheduling yearly maintenance.

How Does A Well Pressure Switch Work?

First, there is a predetermined cut-off point, which is the value of the least amount of water pressure. This is the trigger that allows the well pressure switch to activate. This switch is activated when the well water pressure reaches the cut-off value or there is a decrease in pressure.

The minimum pressure in a tank can be anywhere from 20 PSI to 50 PSI. The pressure switch allows the pump to be turned off and on during the time you need water. The assembly of the switch consists of springs and diaphragms that trigger the switch to activate when the cut-off value is reached. This helps the pump to not be overworked and it performs well. In this way, you don’t even run out of water either, which is amazing because the pressure tank is filled and it will supply water whenever you need it until the pressure drops again.

The pressure switch regulates the pressure in the tank and turns it on when the pressure decreases and turns the pump off when the pressure increases and reaches an optimum value. It is a very simple mechanism and it helps you a lot in the long run.

Signs Of A Bad Well Pressure Switch

Well pressure switches are excellent devices, but they can break down as well. So, here are some of the signs that you need to consider well pump repair Loudoun County immediately.

The pressure inside the house is greater than the cut-off value for the switch to activate

This is almost impossible because when the value reaches the cut-off point, the switch activates and then pumps water into the faucets at optimum pressure, which cannot be equal to the cut-off value.

The pressure of the water inside the house is less than the cut-off value

This is also a very alarming sign because it doesn’t happen and it indicates that something is wrong with the well pressure switch and you need to check it.

The pump doesn’t turn on at all

You might think that there is a problem with the pump, but in reality, it will be because of the pressure switch.

The pump will turn on and off repeatedly

This is also something that should not happen so you need to get the system inspected to know whether your well pump, the pressure switch, or any other component is faulty.

No water flow in the house

There is water in the tank, but when you open the faucets, there is no water coming through them.

Testing A Well Pressure Switch In Well Pump

If you think that you’re experiencing these signs, then before calling a professional or dismantling the pump by yourself, you need to test things first. Keep in mind that the culprit can be any part of the well water system and not necessarily the pressure switch.

First, you need to check for any electrical issues. Sometimes it can be the circuit breaker and it might trip, so before checking anything else, make sure that the power supply is okay. Once you get the green light, you can check up on other things.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to test a well pressure switch:

1. Turn off all power. Water and electricity don’t go together and can lead to deadly consequences.
2. Remove the switch cover and examine the area for any leaks. Screw the loose parts of the switch too and see if there are still any leaks.
3. Check the wiring of the switch. Sometimes, a loose wire can cause the circuit to break and, in this case, you’ll need to change the wiring and other damaged components, which is very easy to do.
4. Check the pressure adjustment nut too and see if it has loosened or is too tight.
5. Once all of this is done, you can put everything back together and see if the pump turns on and off after usual intervals. If it does, then you’re good to go. If it doesn’t, then it’s best if you call in a professional.

Common Problems With Well Pressure Switch

When the well pump isn’t operating properly, one of the problems can be a faulty well pressure switch. Here are some of the very common problems of a well pressure switch that can lead to well pump issues.

There Is No Water Flow

This is the most common issue that people face. When you open the faucets, there is no water flow. There might be something wrong with the pressure switch or any other component so you need to have the system inspected immediately.

Clogged Sediment Filter

Aside from lower water levels and power problems, another very common issue is the sediment filter getting clogged. This can cause unnecessary pressure buildup in the tank and the switch can malfunction. This is why it’s recommended that you clean the filter every so often to avoid this problem from occurring, otherwise it will be an ongoing problem.

Conclusion

A well pressure switch is just as important as any other part of a well pump, so you must know how it works and the signs that its malfunctioning so you can consult a well pump service Montgomery County.