A pressure switch is a device that controls the operation of a well pump. It senses the water pressure in the system and turns the pump on or off accordingly. A pressure switch usually has a preset range of pressure that it maintains, such as 30 to 50 PSI (pounds per square inch).

When the water pressure drops below the cut-in pressure (30 PSI), the switch turns the pump on to fill the pressure tank. When the water pressure reaches the cut-out pressure (50 PSI), the switch turns the pump off to prevent over-pressurizing the system.

Sometimes, a pressure switch may malfunction or need adjustment due to various reasons, such as:

• Power surges or outages
• Debris or corrosion on the switch contacts
• Worn or damaged switch components
• Changes in water demand or usage

When this happens, you may experience problems with your well pump, such as:

• No water or low water pressure
• Water pressure fluctuations or surges
• Pump cycling on and off frequently or not at all
• Pump running continuously or overheating

To fix these problems, you may need to reset the pressure switch on your well pump. Resetting the pressure switch means adjusting its settings to match your desired water pressure range and performance. This can be done with a few simple tools and some basic knowledge of how the switch works.

Step-by-Step guide on how to reset the pressure switch on well pump

Step 1: Turn Off the Power Supply to the Well Pump

Before you reset the pressure switch, you need to turn off the power supply to the well pump to avoid any risk of electric shock or injury. You can do this by turning off the circuit breaker or unplugging the power cord that connects to your well pump.

Step 2: Locate the Pressure Switch

The pressure switch is usually located near the pressure tank, which is a large metal tank that stores water under pressure. The pressure switch is typically a small metal box with wires and pipes attached to it. It may have a plastic cover that you need to remove to access its components.

Step 3: Remove the Cover of the Pressure Switch

To remove the cover of the pressure switch, you may need a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold it in place. Be careful not to damage or lose any of the screws or wires inside. You should also take note of how the wires are connected to avoid any confusion when reassembling them later.

Step 4: Locate the Pressure Switch Lever

Inside the pressure switch, you should see a lever that moves up and down with the water pressure. The lever is connected to a spring that controls its movement. The lever also has contacts that make or break an electrical circuit when it reaches certain positions. The lever may have different designs depending on your model of pressure switch, such as:

• A metal arm with a plastic knob at one end
• A metal arm with a metal knob at one end
• A metal arm with no knob at either end

Step 5: Adjust the Pressure Switch Lever

To adjust the pressure switch lever, you need to move it manually to reset its position and settings. Depending on your model of pressure switch, you may need to do one of the following:

• If your lever has a plastic knob at one end, you need to turn it clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust its position. Turning it clockwise will increase both the cut-in and cut-out pressures, while turning it counterclockwise will decrease both pressures.
• If your lever has a metal knob at one end, you need to push it up or down to adjust its position. Pushing it up will increase both pressures, while pushing it down will decrease both pressures.
• If your lever has no knob at either end, you need to use a screwdriver or pliers to bend it up or down to adjust its position. Bending it up will increase both pressures, while bending it down will decrease both pressures.

You should adjust the lever until it reaches your desired cut-in and cut-out pressures. You can use a pressure gauge attached to a faucet near your well pump to measure the water pressure in your system. You can also refer to the factory preset settings inside the cover or on the box of your well pump for guidance.

Step 6: Set the Cut-In and Cut-Out Pressure

After adjusting the lever, you need to set the cut-in and cut-out pressures for your well pump. To do this, you need to turn on the power supply to the well pump and let it run until it reaches the cut-out pressure. Then, you need to turn off the power supply and let the water pressure drop until it reaches the cut-in pressure. You can use the pressure gauge to monitor the pressure changes.

You may need to repeat this process several times until the pressure switch cycles on and off at your desired pressures. You can also fine-tune the pressures by making small adjustments to the lever as needed.

Step 7: Put the Cover Back on the Pressure Switch and Tighten the Screws

After setting the cut-in and cut-out pressures, you need to put the cover back on the pressure switch and tighten the screws that hold it in place. Make sure that all the wires are connected properly and securely. You can also test the operation of your well pump by turning on a faucet and checking the water pressure and flow.

FAQs

Q: What is a pressure switch on a well pump?

A: A pressure switch is a device that controls the operation of a well pump. It senses the water pressure in the system and turns the pump on or off accordingly.

Q: How do I know if I need to reset my pressure switch?

A: You may need to reset your pressure switch if you experience problems with your well pump, such as no water or low water pressure, water pressure fluctuations or surges, pump cycling on and off frequently or not at all, or pump running continuously or overheating.

Q: Can I reset the pressure switch myself?

A: Yes, you can reset the pressure switch yourself with a few simple tools and some basic knowledge of how the switch works. However, you should always turn off the power supply to the well pump before resetting the switch to avoid any risk of electric shock or injury.

Q: What are the safety precautions I should take before resetting the pressure switch?

A: Before resetting the pressure switch, you should always turn off the power supply to the well pump to avoid any risk of electric shock or injury. You should also wear protective gloves and eyewear when working with electrical components and wires. You should also keep children and pets away from the work area and avoid touching any hot or sharp parts.

Q: What tools do I need to reset the pressure switch?

A: To reset the pressure switch, you may need a screwdriver, a multimeter, a pressure gauge, a wrench, pliers, and a wooden piece.

Q: Do I need to replace the pressure switch if it keeps malfunctioning?

A: If your pressure switch keeps malfunctioning after resetting it several times, you may need to replace it with a new one of the same model. A faulty or damaged pressure switch can cause damage to your well pump or other components of your water system. You can contact your well pump manufacturer or supplier for assistance in finding and installing a replacement pressure switch.