Water Well Pressure Switch And Tank Problems

Another problem that can cause a reduction in home water pressure is a bad pump pressure switch.

Water well pressure switch and tank problems.

A bad or defective water pressure tank which has lost its air charge or which cannot keep its air charge will cause well pump short cycling rapid turning on and off of the water pump. Short cycling of the pump motor can burn up the pump relay control. If the valve fails water streams back down the well and the pressure switch turns the pump on again. Low water pressure particularly at fixtures on the second floor.

Check the well tank pressure gauge to see if it is at least 40. If you go to check the pressure of your well tank and notice water coming out of the air valve this means that the bladder has ruptured. When you have a pressure tank and pressure switch attached to the water delivery system too much draw on the system automatically trips the pressure switch to shut the system down. Another common problem that you need to check keenly is the pressure tank functionality.

Remove the cover and bang a screwdriver handle sharply against the tube below the switch to jar the electrical contacts. If it has tripped you will. Noticeable rust on the exterior of the unit. Water tank short cycling.

Once a faucet or fixture is used the pressure in the tank drops. Visible leaking or a puddle on the floor nearby. The pressure tank can maintain a specific level of pressure thanks to the water air ratio inside of the tank. If the switch is bad it won t start the well pump and you won t have water so testing the switch is your first step.

As a result the pump turns on to replenish the well water supply and pressurize the air inside. If you see a spark and the pump starts the pressure switch is the problem. How to know your pressure tank has a problem. If water is leaking out of the schrader valve this means that the barrier between air and water has become compromised.

The right pressure inside the tank should always be two psi less than the required setting at which the pressure switch comes on. If this happens it means the tank has overfilled with water. Less air pressure inside the tank can send an incorrect signal to the pressure button to switch on the pressure tank. In some cases this pressure tank can get water logged.

Be on the lookout for the following. When a well water tank isn t working as it should you may notice several warning signs. The switch then powers up the well pump. It s what senses when water pressure has dropped to the point where the pressure tank requires more water.

This switch is located in your well s pressure tank and it sends a signal to the well pump to increase the pressure in your tank when it drops below a predesignated psi which is typically 40 psi. Double check that power is running to your well and that there isn t a short. A common cause is a failed check valve. Most pump pressure switches have an internal spring.

The check valve or foot valve prevents the well pressure tank from sending water back down into the well after it has built up with water pressure. Check the water pump breaker in your electrical box to make sure the breaker hasn t tripped.