Water or well pump pressure control switch FAQs set #4

This article series answers commonly-asked questions about  how to adjust a well pump or water pump pressure control switch. We provide pump pressure setting advice, procedures & questions & answers about adjusting the pump switch.

Q&A: set pump pressure switch cut-in / cut-out pressure

These questions were posted originally at WATER PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH ADJUSTMENTS - be sure to review the instructions given there.

Watch out: SAFETY WARNING OF FATAL SHOCK HAZARD: if you remove the cover of the pump pressure control switch you can get access to the two nuts that adjust the operating pressures of the water pump.

Watch what you touch, or have a professional plumber or electrician do this job for you.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2017-06-05 by (mod) re: pressure switch opens up and pressure on well goes to zero.

Usually that's a debris-clogging problem, Greg. Even a new switch may act clogged if the tube or nipple conducting water pressure to it was muddy or rust-blocked. So I'd look there first.

On the other hand IF the switch is CLOSED - calling for the pump to run - AND if there is power to the pump wires, AND the pump does not run or no water is delivered that's a different problem - for which you'd want to see inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pump_Table.php WATER PUMP WON'T START

On 2017-06-05 by Greg

Have well pump that the pressure switch opens up and pressure on well goes to zero. Don't know why the pressure switch didn't close at 30# pressure. Pressure switch is fairly new.

On 2017-06-01 by (mod) i need pump to come on to allow water heater to work properly

Anon,

This article explains which way to turn the adjustment nuts of the pre sure control switch

https://inspectapedia.com/water/Pressure_Switch_Nut_Adjust.php

On 2017-05-31 by Anonymous

i need pump to come on to allow water heater to work properly. With just the gravity it doesnt function properly.

if i were to adjust pressure switch do i go plus or minus?

On 2017-05-30 by (mod) re: outside faucet turns on pump but indoor faucets do not

So JD, if the water doesn't stop running it sounds as if you're ok.

OR you are getting water by gravity from an uphill tank and pressure in your system never drops low enough to turn on the pump pressure control switch. In that case you'd need to change the pressure control switch settings or move the pressure tank and switch into the house closer to the house supply.

On 2017-05-30 by JD

Thanks for reply, I leave an inside faucet on and water will not stop running at all. I leave faucet running and walk outside to listen to pump and pump still not running. My water tank is located up on a hill and runs pretty good pressure. I installed pump to have a tankless water heater work better as it requires pressure to work well.

On 2017-05-3 by (mod)

JD

I can't tell yet that there's a problem unless you mean that if you leave an inside faucet on water flow diminishes to zero and the pump never turns on at all.

You see it's possible that you're just noticing the pump turn-on when the system pressure happens to be low enough that the pressure control switch turns on the pump.

On 2017-05-3 by JD

Hello,

I am having issues with my pump. I recently installed a 1/4 hp kikawa pump in my home.

I have one supply line that is the source for the water inside and outside the home. When I turn the faucets on outside, the pump goes on.

When I turn the faucets on inside, the pump will not turn on but I have water coming out. What could be the problem?

Thanks,

JD

jdteno@gmail.com

On 2017-05-24 by (mod) re: good pressure at outside hydrant but bad pressure indoors

Theresa

If you have good water pressure and flow outdoors but not indoors and assuming all of the water is coming from the same system, the problem isn't the pressure tank, pressure switch, nor pump;

I'd look for a blockage or clog in the piping on the house side, starting from the point at which the outdoor supply water line branches off of the main; I'd also look for a clogged house filter, clogged faucet strainers, clogged shower heads.

On 2017-05-24 by Theresa

Restoring old farm house. Has fairly new well and pump. Has lots of water pressure at outdoor hydrant -- but low pressure inside the house. We put in all new plumbing - so assume it is not residue in the pipes. Pressure tank shows there is pressure? What else should we check?

On 2017-05-15 by (mod) re: how to adjust the nuts in the pressure switch

Johanne

At Continue Reading: near the end of this article you'll see a live link to PRESSURE SWITCH NUT ADJUSTMENTS that will tell you how to do what you ask. Do let me know if that's unclear of if you need more help.

On 2017-05-14 by Johanne and Daniel Fortin

i have many pumps with the2 posts adj.and the differentials on all of them is 25 pounds,i would like to start at 35 lbs. and stop at 50 lbs.how can i get that?

On 2017-05-08 by (mod)

Randy, find the CAPITALIZED live link in the following text - just at the end of the actual article above

Continue reading at PRESSURE SWITCH NUT ADJUSTMENTS for details about which nut to turn in which direction in a pump pressure control switch

On 2017-05-08 by Randy

i think we have our pressure switch all screwed up its new but when we put it in last year they kept screwing around tring to get it to work can i screw the nuts in all the way and screw them out a certain amount to get a new starting point

On 2017-04-2 by (mod) re: what to do if the pump won't stop

Chris there are some good diagnostic steps for the case you describe, found by searching InspectApedia (in the box just above) for PUMP WON'T TURN OFF

On 2017-04-22 by chris

pump continues to run and the presure switch does not kick the pump on or off. it is starting and stopping in the electrical box. very poor water presure

On 2017-03-29 by (mod) re new pump never turns off when I'm running a bath

The "fix" is not in the pressure control switch.

The question is whether or not the bath tub flow rate in gallons per minute is more than the pump's pumping capacity in gallons per minute,
AND whether or not the underling problem is that the well flow rate and static head quantity (the volume of water in the well when it is fully rested) is adequate.

If your new pump is capable of pumping say 5-10 gallons per minute it ought to be able to get "ahead" of the typical tub flow rate.

But it's possible that the new installation includes a pump protection feature that protects the pump from damage (by running dry or hot) if it's pumping rate exceeds the well - that could be by an electrical device or by a tailpiece in the well - you didn't say what type of pump (submersible, one line jet pump, two line jet pump) so I can't guess.

The fact that you just put in a new pump might be a clue in itself: perhaps the old pump was damaged by running dry on a well that didn't have enough water.

Search InspectApedia for HOW MUCH WATER IS IN THE WELL

On 2017-03-29 21:33:16.407517 by Donna atkins

I put in new water pump and now the pump stays on the whole time I'm running a bath!!! Not normal how do ! Fix this? Adjust the on off pressure on switch box?

On 2017-03-18 by (mod) re: found sediment in faucet strainers was causing weak water pressure/flow

Smart tip, Queenie.

Good tip for other readers: check those clogged faucet strainers and shower heads first. Another clog point is a small strainer found in the hose connector or at the hose connector fitting on both hot and cold water at washing machines.

Indeed anything that disturbs the well or plumbing system can send a shot of fresh debris that can clog faucets and strainers. Once you've experienced the embarrassment of calling a plumber who just unscrews the faucet strainer and shakes out the dirt to show great water flow rate after that step, you won't forget it. At least that's my case.

On 2017-03-18 16:19:47.430151 by Missqueenie71

We recently had a slight freeze which caused a lack of water from the well. After the thaw out water pressure was horrible. I found removing any faucet or incoming water lines to check for sediment build up. This (fortunately) solved almost all of our issues? Hope this is useful?

On 2017-03-16 by (mod) re: pump trouble after a lightning strike

Curious, Ez.
If your power outage was caused by a lightning strike the pump or pump wiring could have been damaged. Some well pumps that intend to run at 240V might limp along at low voltage. So I'd start by asking your electrician to check the voltage being supplied to the pump and its controls.

Keep us posted; what you learn will also help others.

Matt: Please search InspectApedia.com for INTERMITTENT LOSS OF WATER PRESSURE to read the diagnosis and cure of the problem you described.

On 2017-03-16 by Ez

Private water bore - We had a power outage for several hours (electricity company updating their system) and since resumption, the water pressure is lower. I noticed it because the hot water pressure is half of what it was before the outage, the cold is always strong and is more than adequate (but not strong enough to push the hot water at a reasonable flow).

I know virtually nothing about how this all works except I have a submerged pump located several meters from the house in the garden. in the loft I have a large plastic storage rank, a large 3' pressurised metal tank with a gauge on it, and an electric box with LEDs that cycle on and off;

in a cupboard I have a pump on and off switch, a pump isolator switch, and switch labelled by the previous occupier as 'overload switch'.... so where do I start to diagnose the problem? Thanks

On 2017-03-15 by Matt

Water runs for so long and stops then 15 minutes later comes back on. How do I fix this.

On 2017-02-14 by (mod)

Yilliang Peng said:
Thanks for the comments about safety. This really could have turned out ugly if it were not for those safety comments. Honestly, safety is my number one priority and if I have to call a professional in because it is too dangerous for me, that is okay. Thanks for all the advice -- much appreciated!
- posted by Slater Pumps in Melbourne Australia

On 2017-01-25 by Steve

My jet pump builds pressure it just takes a long time to build it up.what might cause this?

On 2016-12-19 by Lorraine

Pump runs but will not hold pressure..what can I do.

On 2016-11-11 by Jody Davis (jody.davis57@gmail.com)

I have a quick question... hopefully. Last night I lost water pressure. Everything was fine while showering then it slowly lost pressure until it was basically just not coming out at all. However, if you go and reset the pump at the breaker box... you get the pressure back but it will happen again...

after about 3 or 4 minutes the pressure dissipates until practically gone. Any idea what could be causing this and how to fix/troubleshoot?

We can verify that the well pump has electricity running to it and we can watch the gauge go down as you use water, then watch it return after we reset the breaker.. any help would be appreciated!

Thanks you!,

Jody Davis
jody.davis57@gmail.com

On 2016-10-10 by (mod) re: explanationof the CUT OUT on pump controls

David,

Residential pump controls include a pump CUT OUT setting that turns off the pump at a specified pressure measured typically at the water tank. In a proper installation the tank or water piping near the tank also include a pressure relief valve designed to open at a pressure below the tank's rated or burst pressure limit.

Head pressure inside the pump is not protected in a residential water pump.

If the outlet of a water pump is closed off there can be no trouble or big trouble: it depends on where the pressure switch pressure conducting tube is connected (to the pump housing vs. on water piping or at the pressure tank or at a tank tee) and where the shutoff valve is located.

The type of pump matters too: submersible in the well vs. above ground jet pump.

A submersible pump that is turned "on" and is isoltated from its pressure control switch and whose output is blocked by a control valve will probably blow a pipe, or more dangerous, it could blow the pressure tank. I know of a fatality involving just such a situation. Plumber working on pressure tank, pump in well is left on, valve is closed, tank bursts, plumber is killed by shrapnel.

On 2016-10-10 17:25:18.005212 by (mod)

Re-Posting:

AUTHOR:Davidb (no email)
COMMENT:Do well pumps have safeguards for excessive head pressure? If someone turns off the water supply line which feeds the supply tank, does the pump cut off or got into a bypass mode?

On 2016-09-29 by (mod) re: I have no waterat all

Anonymous: please search InspectApedia.com for NO WATER PRESSURE to see a recommended list of checkpoints and repairs to fix the trouble.

Anonymous on Sept 3: search InspectApedia for PUMP WON'T STOP RUNNING to see how to diagnose and cure that problem.

On 2016-09-29 by Anonymous

I have no water t all

On 2016-09-03 by Anonymous

i have good water pressure but my pump wont cut off on its own

On 2016-09-02 by (mod) re: where do I hook the tubings have air control valve on tank

Bubba:

All pressure control switches need a connection to a pipe or tube that conducts water pressure from the water system to the pressure sensor port on the switch. The instructions that came with your particular switch will show where that connection is located: usually it's on the switch bottom plate and usually it's a simple 1/8" or at most 1/4" NPT threaded fitting.

Find the old pressure tube or pipe to which your prior switch was connected, and connect that to the new switch.

Pressure switches usually mount in one of two ways: either the switch is mounted directly to the pressure communicating tube or pipe - in that case a 1/4"or 1/8" npt rigid pipe, typicaly 1-4" long. The switch mounts on the exposed end of the pipe (properly called a nipple as it's short and threaded), and the other end of that nipple is screwed into the pump or piping where it can receive water and thus pressure.

Other pressure switches are bolted to the pump through a bolt or screw fitting, or may be mounted anywhere nearby. On those switches a flexible tube, either flexible copper tubing on older systems or plastic on newer systems, connects to the pump or piping and to the switch to convey water pressure.

Mike:

I can't of course know what else was going on at your new pump installation, but I agree completely that any responsible plumber would have tested his or her new installation to be sure it was working before leaving the job. I've also on occasion had horrible plumber who didn't do so.

When a plumber left a new tank and control installation leaking with water all over the floor, I called the owner of the company and asked him to come and look at the job. He came, looked, and made the necessary repairs himself. I was not charged for that work and thus we remained on good terms.

On 2016-09-01 by Bubba

Changed brands of pump, where do I hook the tubings have air control valve on tank where do's it mount on a Pentair pump .wher does the tubings go one on bottom of regulator and where does one from regulator mount O pump ?

On 2016-08-31 by Mike

We have a deep well at our cottage. One day we had no water. Our plumber came and replaced the pump control box, pressurized the system and said all was good. That night we had no water. Our plumber came back the next day and found out the control switch needed an adjustment (took 10 minutes) and once completed everything is working fine.

The problem is we are in a remote area so a service call costs 4 hours labor. Our plumber billed us for 2 calls. Wouldn't it be common practice, after installing a new control box, to check that the pump switch was working and adjusted? That would have totally avoided the need for a second service call.

On 2016-07-29 by (mod) re: things to chck before calling the plumber

Ray, certainly there are things you can check before calling your plumber.

A nice diagnostic table is at https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pressure_Table.php

On 2016-07-29 by Ray

We have a well, water pressure not good is there anything. I can do or must I have a plumber

On 2016-07-28 by (mod) re: pump short cycling

Curtis please search InspectApedia for WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING to read the probable cause and cure of what you describe.

On 2016-07-28 by Curtis Barnes

My pump has been cutting on and off rapidly. I installed a new pressure switch an set it by directions in box. Workked fine for 2 days. Has now quit and the points are closed and I have voltage going into pump but it doesn't run.Pump is not very old , what could be my problem ?

On 2016-07-18 16:43:07.513472 by (mod)

Vidula please search InspectApedia for WATER HAMMER to read the common causes and cures for the problem you describe.

Yes it's probably worth installing a water hammer arrestor, but also check the house-side pressure of your water system - that is the house side of the pressure regulator - to be sure that it's working properly.

On 2016-07-17 by Vidula Damle

I am in Philadelphia suburbs and living in the house for the last 8 years. I have a 3/4inch water line that has the pressure regulator. For the last two months, there is a hammering/shattering noise that comes every time I open or close the faucets or flush the toilets.

There are vibrations coming from the supply line. As a first measure, I tried adjusting the pressure regulator by turning it anticlockwise 2 times to reduce the water pressure. Also I tried to drain of the system by turning off the main and flushing all the faucets and toilets and turning on the mains back again.

However there is no appreciable change. Please guide me with the following questions:

1. Is it the pressure regulator (watts 25AUB with filter) that needs replacement (a quick fix) or there could be other problem ?
2. Is it worth putting on a water hammer arrestor? If yes, what should be the location
3.What work should I expect from plumber if I need to hire one?

Thanks,

On 2016-07-04 by (mod) re: when cold and hot water pressure are different

Matt when cold and hot water pressure are different the problem is not a system wide issue (such as a bad pump) it is instead going to be traced to a clogged or partly-closed valve, tankless coil, etc.

On 2016-07-04 by Matt

Replaced an above ground pump with a submersible and now I have weak water pressure. Especially hot water it just trickles out. Any ideas?

On 2016-06-09 by (mod) re: how to set up a water pump that doesn't need a pressure tank

THere are tankless water pump systems that include a control to avoid short cycling.

see https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pump_Pressure_Sensitive.php

On 2016-06-08 by doug

can a jet pump be used w/o a pressure tank...? such as the piping going directly to a faucet attached very close to the pump.... I've got a bit of a short cycling issue where the pump is coming on and going off rapidly.... thanks Doug dejmeister@msn.com

On 2016-06-01 by (mod) re: pump cycling on and off

Nicole

Search InspectApedia for WELL PUMP SHORT CYCLING to read diagnosis and repair of this problem. Beware that a short cycling well pump can damage the pump or its control switch.

On 2016-06-01 by Nicole

I've only had this house a little over a year and recently my pump has been short cycling.

Any time my water is running the pump kicks on about every 5 seconds.

Sometimes while taking a shower I will lose water completely but it will kick back on after 2-5 minutes. My tank says it's a Controlled Air Water Tank. Somebody help me. From what I'm reading I think my bladder has burst so should I just get a new tank or just repressurize it?

On 2016-05-30 by (mod) re: what cut-in air pressure to set in the tank

Anon:

set the air pre-charge to 2 psi below the pressure switch cut-in pressure. 60 psi of air is probably waaay too much.

On 2016-05-30 by Anonymous

My pump keeps recycling and the water keeps stoping.I have 60# of pressure in air tank

On 2017-03-15 by(Mod) - water runs then stops then returns

Matt, see WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING - separate article

On 2017-03-15 by Matt

Water runs for so long and stops then 15 minutes later comes back on. How do I fix this.

On 2016-09-03 by (Mod) - water pump won't cut off on its own

Anon, see WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING

On 2016-09-03 by Anonymous

i have good water pressure but my pump wont cut off on its own

On 2016-08-31 by Mike

We have a deep well at our cottage. One day we had no water. Our plumber came and replaced the pump control box, pressurized the system and said all was good.

That night we had no water. Our plumber came back the next day and found out the control switch needed an adjustment (took 10 minutes) and once completed everything is working fine. The problem is we are in a remote area so a service call costs 4 hours labor.

Our plumber billed us for 2 calls. Wouldn't it be common practice, after installing a new control box, to check that the pump switch was working and adjusted? That would have totally avoided the need for a second service call.

On 2016-07-29 by (mod) - things to check about pumps and water pressure before you call the plumber

Ray, certainly there are things you can check before calling your plumber.

A nice diagnostic table is at https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pressure_Table.php

On 2016-07-29 by Ray

We have a well, water pressure not good is there anything. I can do or must I have a plumber

On 2016-07-28 by (mod)

Curtis please search InspectApedia for WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING to read the probable cause and cure of what you describe.

On 2016-07-28 by Curtis Barnes

My pump has been cutting on and off rapidly. I installed a new pressure switch an set it by directions in box. Workked fine for 2 days. Has now quit and the points are closed and I have voltage going into pump but it doesn't run.Pump is not very old , what could be my problem ?

On 2016-07-18 by (mod) - water hammer problems and vibrations

Vidula please search InspectApedia for WATER HAMMER to read the common causes and cures for the problem you describe.

Yes it's probably worth installing a water hammer arrestor, but also check the house-side pressure of your water system - that is the house side of the pressure regulator - to be sure that it's working properly.

On 2016-07-17 20:38:00.533892 by Vidula Damle

I am in Philadelphia suburbs and living in the house for the last 8 years. I have a 3/4inch water line that has the pressure regulator.

For the last two months, there is a hammering/shattering noise that comes every time I open or close the faucets or flush the toilets. There are vibrations coming from the supply line. As a first measure, I tried adjusting the pressure regulator by turning it anticlockwise 2 times to reduce the water pressure.

Also I tried to drain of the system by turning off the main and flushing all the faucets and toilets and turning on the mains back again. However there is no appreciable change. Please guide me with the following questions:

1. Is it the pressure regulator (watts 25AUB with filter) that needs replacement (a quick fix) or there could be other problem ?

2. Is it worth putting on a water hammer arrestor? If yes, what should be the location

3.What work should I expect from plumber if I need to hire one?

On 2016-07-04 by (mod) - hot and cold water pressure are not the same

Matt when cold and hot water pressure are different the problem is not a system wide issue (such as a bad pump) it is instead going to be traced to a clogged or partly-closed valve, tankless coil, etc.

Some lower or weaker hot water pressure is common if the water heater source is a tankless coil, though as that pressure continues to weaken I'd look for a scale-clogged coil.

On 2016-07-04 1 by Matt

Replaced an above ground pump with a submersible and now I have weak water pressure.

Especially hot water it just trickles out. Any ideas?

On 2016-06-09 by (mod) - using a water pump without a pressure tank

THere are tankless water pump systems that include a control to avoid short cycling.

see WATER PUMP VARIABLE FREQUENCY / VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE (VFDs)

On 2016-06-08 by doug

can a jet pump be used w/o a pressure tank...? such as the piping going directly to a faucet attached very close to the pump.... I've got a bit of a short cycling issue where the pump is coming on and going off rapidly.... thanks Doug dejmeister@msn.com

On 2016-05-30 by (mod) how much pressure tank air pressure pre-charte is right

Anon:

set the air pre-charge to 2 psi below the pressure switch cut-in pressure. 60 psi of air is probably waaay too much.

On 2016-05-30 by Anonymous

My pump keeps recycling and the water keeps stoping.I have 60# of pressure in air tank

...

Continue reading at WATER PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH ADJUSTMENTS - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL ADJUST FAQs-5 - more-recent questions and answers on setting the pressure control for water pumps.

Or see these

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• WATER PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH ADJUSTMENTS - home for water pump pressure control switch

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