Pumptrol and similar water pressure control switch repair procedures.
Water pressure control switch repair: Pumptrol switch repair & repair kits.
This article describes how a water pump pressure control switch works and how to diagnose problems with the building water supply that seem to be traced to the pump control, switch, or to other underlying issues with a water pump, well, piping or other controls. We describe the diagnostic steps to take if a water pump won't turn on, won't turn off, or a switch that is burned, corroded or damaged.
We discuss: How to Repair a Water Pressure Control Switch that Sticks "ON" or "OFF" or is irregular, and how to Diagnose a Malfunctioning Water Pump Control Switch.
Pumptrol 20-40, 30-50, or 40-60 pressure switch operation. What are the controls, switches, valves found on water tanks and water pumps, what do they do, how are they repaired?
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?
This article explains inspecting, cleaning, and possibly repairing a typical Water Pump Pressure Control Switch, normally found mounted on piping at the water pressure tank such as in this example [image] where you see a small gray-covered box with electrical wires coming in (power) and out (to pump) of it.
We describe troubleshooting several problems that can cause the control switch to fail to turn the pump ON when it should or that can cause the control to fail to turn the pump OFF when it should.
[Click to enlarge any image]
Following the procedure to test the operation of a pump control switch just below we provide links to individual diagnostic & repair articles that address particular pump operating problems such as a pump that won't turn on or won't turn off or that runs continuously.
If the water supply is high in sediment often sediment will clog the pressure sensing opening at the bottom of the pressure control. We've tried cleaning out this orifice but it's never proven to be a lasting repair. If your pump pressure switch stops responding to changes in water pressure it probably needs to be replaced.
If we’ve traced a pump control problem to the water tank or water pump pressure switch itself with some certainty, we will often just replace the switch. But beware, we once replaced a pump control switch when the problem was a clogged filter which was causing the pump to cycle on and off erratically. We felt pretty stupid.
We’ll need to do some water pump switch diagnosis – here are a few ideas that may help getting a recalcitrant pump control switch working again.
Watch Out: Safety warning - Shock Hazards: To remove a pump control/pressure switch remember to turn off electrical power, and using a neon tester or VOM double check to make SURE that electrical power is off, and taped-off so that on one turns it on and causes you to get shocked.
Working around electricity and plumbing is particularly dangerous because of the increased chance of touching a live electrical wire while touching grounded plumbing piping. Turn off power.
See WATER PUMP ELECTRICAL SWITCHES.
A pump or water tank pressure control switch is designed and adjusted to turn the pump on at a "cut in" pressure, usually 20 psi or 30 psi, and to turn the water pump off at a "cut out" pressure, usually 40 psi or 50 psi.
When you buy this control it is usually set at the proper cut-in and cut-out pressures - check the box.
If your pump control is properly adjusted then it should be turning the pump on and off nicely at the pre-set pressures.
If the switch is behaving erratically or not coming on or not shutting off at all, there could be various explanations, some of which have nothing to do with the switch itself.
See WATER PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH ADJUSTMENTS
These other problems are discussed
at WATER PRESSURE LOSS DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
and WATER TANK REPAIRS.
Alternatively you may want to see one of these water pressure or pump diagnostic procedures:
1. The water PUMP WON'T TURN OFF when it should - the pump just keeps running.
If water pressure is at or above the pressure switch CUT-OUT pressure and the pump won't turn OFF there could be several causes and fixes that we will describe.
Watch out: this is a dangerous condition. If the pump brings water pressure well above normal building water pressure levels, say over 70 psi, there is risk of a burst pipe or burst water tank that can cause a flood or injure someone. Turn off the pump.
See WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING - there we list all of the things that can cause a pump to run continuously.
2. The water PUMP WON'T TURN ON when it should.
If water pressure falls below the pressure switch CUT-IN pressure and the pump won't turn ON there could be several causes and fixes that we will describe.
See WATER PUMP WON'T START - where we list all of the things that prevent a pump from turning on.
Some water pump control problems can cause both pump-start and pump-stop problems, as you'll see in the following
3. The water pump runs but there is WEAK WATER PRESSURE
See PUMP RUNS, WEAK or NO WATER PRESSURE for a diagnostic table
4. The water pump runs but there is NO WATER PRESSURE
See NO WATER PRESSURE for a diagnostic table
5. The water pump runs but the PUMP CYCLES ON & OFF RAPIDLY or INTERMITTENTLY
See WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING for diagnosing a pump that turns on and off too rapidly
See WATER PUMP INTERMITTENT CYCLING for diagnosing a pump that runs at odd times and for no apparent reason
The pump pressure control switch, by being connected
to the actual water piping in the building, senses the water pressure and when necessary, turns the water pump on.
The water pump pressure control switch either turns on the water pump directly, or (particularly when a submersible water pump is in use), this switch may operate a physically separate (usually wall-mounted) heavier-duty pump relay which turns on the water pump itself.
See WATER PUMP RELAY SWITCH for more details of that control.
Watch out: If your well pump won't stop running, you should probably turn power to the pump off to avoid burning up the pump motor.
If the water pump will not turn OFF,
see WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING for detailed diagnostic and repair procedures.
If your well pump won't start, see the diagnostic and repair advice
See details at CHECK RESET SWITCH / BYPASS LEVER (not present on all controls)
See these two procedures
If the pump pressure control switch contacts are burned we can sometimes get it working again for a while by first, turning off electrical power as we described above, and then using a file, carefully cleaning all touching-surfaces the switch contacts.
Details are at CHECK PRESSURE SWITCH RELAY CONTACTS
If after inspecting the pump pressure control switch or its mounting fittings you decide that you've repaired it or that you need to replace it, follow the instructions
at PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL REPLACE for reinstalling the control.
Watch out: do NOT try working on a pump control switch without first removing electrical power - you could be killed by electrical shock.
This topic has moved to PRESSURE SWITCH REPAIR KIT - separate article
This section has moved to WATER PUMP PRESSURE SWITCH MANUALS
...
Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.
On 2024-08-05 by Gary@MorningMistVineyard.co
Great Website. Thanks for the info.
We're having trouble with running two pumps in series.
Pump #1 is 2hp submersible in a 3000 gallon cistern with pressure switch and pressure tank next to it. It pumps up hill 60' to pump #2.
Pump #2 is to bring the pressure back up into the 40/60 range.
When working, it's great. However pump #1 will occasionally drop below the 40 (kick on) and go to zero and I have to activate the lever on the side of the switch to reactivate.
Additionally, when this happens, pump #2 keeps running (without water) and will eventually burn out (?) if I don't catch it.
Can you point me to additional info on either of these problems?
On 2024-08-05 by InspectApedia Publisher
@Gary,
Sure, let me take a first stab at this question, then I ask that you report back to me so that we can be sure we're on the right track.
Two items:
1. the symptom you describe is what I see when a pump pressure control switch becomes debris clogged. Most of these switches use a flexible diaphragm with a small opening that is the pressure sensor that activates the switch. If there is sediment or debris in the water supply that opening can become clogged and the switch tends not to respond to pressure drop as it should. (We see pressure gauges clogging in a similar fashion, giving false pressure readings).
So first, replace the pressure control for pump #1. If that doesn't fix the trouble we might check the water level in the cistern and the water intake or check valve.
We discuss diagnosing and repairing a water pressure control switch that sticks "on" or "off" or simply won't operate,
above on this page.
2. Usually in a two-pump system like the one you describe, I'd expect pump #1 to feed into a pressure tank not directly into pump #2. Then Pump #2 boosts water pressure into a second pressure tank or if it's a bladderless type demand pump it might feed the building water piping directly. Details of your installation, pump locations, tank locations, piping, would be helpful. You can post sketches or photos as image files - one per comment.
Our water pump and tank articles might be helpful to you - starting at
https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pressure_Booster_Pumps.php WATER PRESSURE BOOSTER PUMPS
where we will eventually want to move this conversation.should add that from your description the lower pump and tank are in the right place.
Daniel
Sept 17, 2014) DPaul1701 said:
Have a water to air heat pump supplied by a 1hp jet pump. After inspection, the contacts on the pressure switch appeared burned.
Replaced the switch, however, upon replacement, the pump began cycling every few seconds while the AC unit was running.
Usually the pump runs continuously providing water to the system until the AC unit turns off. Afraid of burning up my pump if this continues. Possibly a bad bladder tank (it's a small one like that used in an irrigation system)?
Reply:
Indeed D Paul, if a water pump is short cycling that can burn up the switch contacts as well as damage the pump itself.
At the ARTICLE INDEX at the end of this article please see the article series WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING where we explain how to diagnose and fix the trouble.
Your case might be a ruptured tank bladder or something else - as you'll read there.
On 2022-12-06 by Rachel
Hi. My pump will not come on when I pull the metal lever up as it normally does. It has been cycling over and over again and then shutting off by itself every few days.
I've taken the box cover off and can see a spring and small piece of metal has broken off. I'm not sure how to fix it myself or who to call for help. Can you help me? Thank you.
On 2022-12-06 by InspectApedia (Editor)
@Rachel,
I can but GUESS as I can't see your pump control switch: it sounds as if a contact relay tip has broken off - the switch then can't turn on the pump. You will need help from an electrician or experienced plumber who can replace the pump pressure control switch.On 2022-12-06 by Musketears3Bdm
@InspectApedia (Editor), I'm trying to send a pic to you
On 2022-12-06 by InspectApedia (Editor) - lost contact part needs repair or replacement
@Musketears3Bdm,
Looks like a contact part has been lost from the upper contact in your photoI would not try to repair this switch, though there are re-build kits for water pump pressure controls. It's simpler and similar in cost to replace the switch.
See
WATER PUMP PRESSURE SWITCH INSTALL / REPLACE
On 2022-03-03 by dennis jackson
is there any pictures of the water pump pressure switches
On 2022-03-03 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - photos of water pump pressure switches
@dennis jackson,
yes indeed.
Throughout this article series about pump pressure control switches, you will see photographs of switches and their various parts as well as their instructions.
On 2021-11-12 by Bill
i replaced my storage tank and pressure switch. Set pressure at 30-50psi. Pump kicks in at 30 lbs but switch drop rapidly to about 10 lbs then immediately jumps back up to 30 and shuts off at 50 psi. Why the sudden drop in pressure before resuming the normal pressure build up and shut off at 50 psi.
On 2021-11-12 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator (mod) - Why the sudden drop in pressure
@Bill,
If the pump is OFF when you're seeing that pressure drop I suspect the pressure switch isn't receiving the water pressure properly through its sensor tube. With a new tank and pressure switch that's odd but not impossible - e.g. if pipe dope or teflon tape blocked the switch sensor port.
If the pressure drops from 30 to 10 while the pump is running continuously AND if no water is being run in the building, that sounds like a failing pump motor or bad wiring.
On 2021-05-04 by Douglas Grooms
I have no water at all . 0 pressure at tank and pump doesn’t come on at all even with new pressure control switch. The well is around 13 years of age. Why is it collecting this and do you think my pump is ruined? How can I prevent this in the future?
On 2021-05-04 by danjoefriedman (mod)
@Douglas Grooms,
Let's step through the NO WATER PRESSURE diagnosis found in the ARTICLE INDEX
On 2020-10-30 by Earl
Purchased a Water Pump Pressure Switch rated at 50/30. After installation, can it be set to 40/60 and work properly. Mine, while in operational demand never reaches 60 on the high end, until demand is shut off. Thanks
On 2020-10-30 - by (mod) -
Earl a CUT-IN/CUT-OUT switch that was factory set to 30/50psi can be re-adjusted down to a lower pressure range such as 20/40 psi
However if I understand you correctly it's your pump and well system that cannot reach a pressure of 60 psi, so your suggestion of setting to 40/60 won't fix the trouble you're having.
You need to set the switch to 20/40.
Check out the details given in
MAXIMUM PRESSURE SWITCH SETTINGS https://inspectapedia.com/water/Water_Pump_Switch_Maximum_Pressure.php
and
PRESSURE SWITCH NUT ADJUSTMENTS https://inspectapedia.com/water/Pressure_Switch_Nut_Adjust.php
On 2020-07-07 by Grady
I have a buried pressure tank and can't find the pressure switch
On 2020-07-07 - by (mod) -
Grady:
usually the pressure control switch is installed as close as feasible to the pressure tank (to assure proper response and operation of the pump and tank together) - follow the electrical wires.
On 2020-05-03 by carusle
filling pool fawcett's Totally open pump shuts off. have to pull lever on switch to reprise pump?
On 2020-05-03 - by (mod) -
Car
That sounds as if your project of filling a pool is exhausting the well and your pump switch has a built-in safety feature that shuts off the pump rather than let it run dry.
Beware that running the pump dry may damage it.
On 2020-02-01 by delfinodi777
Can I install a separate in-line pressure control switch with my automatic pump with built-in pressure switch? Thanks.
On 2020-02-02 - by (mod) -
Del
I can't recommend that; it'd be useful, however, to take a look at the installation manual for the specific model of your Shimge brand pump.
See this SHIMGE WATER PUMP MANUAL [PDF] Models: SQm、QB、WZB、AWZB、PW
- Shimge Pump Industry Group, Ltd. [a Chinese pump manufacturer] , ref. 2020/02/02 original source: https://www.cn-shimge.com/upload/179/20190215095807801299.pdf
On 2020-01-01 by MARK
PUMP keeps running, 30-50 pressure switch seems ok, tank is not waterlogged, can build 0-30psi but will not go above 30psi, pump continues to run, cleaned venture on front of pump, no obstruction, pressure switch seems good no burns on contacts.
Will maintain water flow at 28psi but does not rwXH 30-50psi. Burks pump metal impeller, found pump running hot shut down but does pump water
On 2020-01-02 by (mod) - PUMP keeps running, 30-50 pressure switch ok, tank is not waterlogged
In the ARTICLE INDEX found on this page please review the Diagnostics giving out
WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING - topic home
On 2019-11-09 by Cecil Tanner
How do I stop my pump for hammering ?
On 2019-11-09 by (mod) - How do I stop my pump for hammering ?
Cecil please take a look at
WATER HAMMER ARRESTOR LOCATION & SIZE - fix banging noise when pump turns on or off
at https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water-Hammer-Arrestor-Installation.php
and let me know if that solves your banging hammering noise problemAlso see WATER HAMMER NOISE DIAGNOSE & CURE
On 2019-06-21 by BiancaDee
Pump was new in 2016, and has been working great until some neighbors moved in (don't know if it is related or just coincidence).
At first it started dropping pressure (below 30) before the pump would start. Now pressure will drop to zero and stay that way for 1 to 2 minutes before the pump will come on. Then the pump sounds louder than normal. Should I call my pump repairman, or is there something I can do myself to remedy the situation?
I'm pretty handy around the house. Thank you. (P.S.) you helped me in 2016 when the irrigation man put the wrong size tank on my system.
I got a new pump and the right size tank [from a different well company] and the other guy's company sent me $$ back. All is good. Thank you for your advice.)
On 2019-06-21 by (mod) -
If pressure drops below the cut-in pressure then usually the switch is clogged/failed.
On 2019-06-23 by BiancaDee
Any way to clean it myself, or would a professional be better? Also, is it damaging the pump?
Does it need immediate attention, or can I wait a while? The pump is usually only needed one or two times a day. Thank you.
On 2019-06-23 by (mod) - any way to clean or fix the pressure switch?
Most pressure control switch manufacturers sell a repair kit that replaces the bottom diaphragm
You'd have to do some disassembly and cleaning of both the bottom of the switch and also the tube or pipe in this conducts water pressure to it. Beware that if you don't remember to turn power off you could be shocked or killed.
On 2019-03-17 by Joe
Contact made unwired
New pump does not work
New pump switch contact on unwired voltage applied
Switch still in contact does nothing
Bad switch?
On 2019-04-02 1 by (mod) - New pump does not work
I want to help but don't quite understand the question. The contact switch in a pressure control switch ought to close (turn on the pump) when pressure falls below the CUT IN pressure setting - that will be typically 20 psi or 30 psi on a new control switch.
If the switch closes and the pump doesn't run use the ARTICLE INDEX to find our article on WATER PUMP WON'T START for ten things to check - to see diagnostic steps.
On 2019-02-15 by Tony
I bought a house in Maryland eastern shore. The well pump pressure switch was sticking. I replaced it with one from Home Depot and is still stick. What am I doing wrong?
On 2019-02-15 by (mod) - well pump pressure switch sticking.
Try clearing or replacing the pressure conducting tube
(June 28, 2011) elmer said:
Is a good article but i still with my question because i did not find the answer . My well pump tank make a noise after the tank begins to fill again?..The pressure control works fine.
Reply:
It might be normal to hear a noise at the pressure tank when the pump is running, as water is flowing into the tank. If you hear air gurgling then there may be a leak in your well line causing the pump to also send air into the tank.
See
(July 19, 2011) carter said:
i have a question,,i have a new installed jet pump...6 months,,when i flush my toilet my pump will run for maybe 20/30 seconds,,,it runs fine,,but when its right at the end,,the pressure points will snap on and off right fast 3/4 times,,i adjusted the screw and it worked good for a day now its doing the same thing,,,,runs smooth until right the end,,,then click,,click,click,,
Reply:
Pump pressure control switch contact bouncing?
It sounds as if the contact switch points may be burned; take a look, or try replacing the switch. I am guessing in that direction because at the end of a pump cycle even if the pressure sensor of the switch is not working properly I wouldn't expect pressure sense to drop so far as to fall below the cut-in right at the END of the pump cycle.
(Aug 30, 2011) Janice said:
I have a question. We have a pressure control switch lever (as shown above) that we need to re-gauge if we run two faucets (or demand too much water) at one time. The pressure will drop to zero and we need to engage it in order to get the water working again. Any suggestions on what would be causing this? This also happens if we run the faucet in the tub or the washer. Thanks!
Reply:
Janice if your water pressure is dropping to zero, the problem sounds like more than just adjusting the pressure control switch. It sounds as if the well pump is not keeping up with the water flow rate demand in the building. Or your well itself cannot keep up.
Before trying to adjust the pressure control switch I'd check out the well flow rate itself.
(Sept 5, 2011) Jim said:
I've adjusted cut on and off pressures, etc. My problem is that when the pressure drops through the cut in point, the switch "tries" to trip. The contacts close briefly, pump just starts to turn, then everything stops and pressure falls. I can start it with the manual switch and it will run fine . Pressure tank is brand new, and adjusted to about two pounds below cut in pressure. Any ideas?
(Oct 18, 2011) Kerry said:
Pressure control switch isn’t turning on the pump - when using the manual cut in switch the pump isn’t turning on either, however, if you manually use a screwdriver and push the contacts down you can get the pump to engage. hold the contacts down and you can get the tank up to pressure, however as soon you run out of pressure you have to go down with your screwdrivers and get the pressure back up
Hmmmm whats going on?
Reply: check for a debris clogged pump pressure switch or sensor port or tubing
Jim,
I realize there could be another problem, such as with the pump itself, but I'd start by replacing the pressure switch. Also replace or clean out the switch mounting tube so we're sure it's properly sensing water pressure.Kerry:
it's possible that the pressure sensing port on the bottom of your pressure control switch is clogged and not properly sensing water pressure. If the switch thinks that you are above the cut-off pressure it won't turn on the pump. Another possibility is that the switch contacts are burned.
I'd try replacing the switch and making sure the little tube on which it mounts is also unblocked by rust or debris.
(Oct 21, 2011) Andrew said:
I have a relatively new Gould. Today I noticed the pressure was not right then it finally had no pressure. While in the pump house I re-booted the power. The pump came on for about 10 seconds and then shut off again. Again, I said it is about 3 1/2 years old and all the contacts I looked at look like the day it was put in. What is the most likely problem ? Pressure control switch - capacitor etc... Thanks for your help
(Jan 12, 2012) warren said:
my pressure switch is tapping on/off on/off when i turn my tap on. what could be the cause?
Reply:
Andrew check the actual pressure in your system, then run water. Watch to see the pressure at which the pump cuts on. Then turn off water and watch to see the pressure at which the pump cuts off.
If the pump cuts off very quickly I suspect the water tank is water-logged - it's lost its air charge.
Warren,
(Feb 13, 2012) Rob said:
@Warren - two things come to mind that can cause that (as I just had the same problem). A bad pressure tank can cause your pump to kick in and out repeatedly while running water. The other potential problem is the setting on the pressure switch itself. If the in and out are too close it would cause this
If you haven't adjusted your pressure switch I would check the air pressure in your tank. If you press the valve down and get water, then you've most likely got a ruptured bladder in your tank.
(Jan 11, 2012) Steve said:
Square D 9013FSG 2 pressure control switch. While testing with a VOM probe, I got a small spark and everything went from dead to working normally (I think...at least the water is back on). If I eventually need to replace this switch, are there several varieties of the 9013FSG 2? How do I know what version to get? The tank is a red AMTROL H20W-TO WATERWORKER 9015-585 in a residential installation.
Reply:
Steve, just match the new switch to the original one by
brand and model or part number
equivalent brand and model chosen by the factory pre-set cut-in and cut out pressure
(Jan 12, 2012) Archie said:
just replaced breaker, wire, pressure regulator switch on home well pump and still nothing works. I checked the gauge tube for clogs and it was clear, when I open the contact points, there is no spark, but there is power going to them, what am I missing
Reply:
Archie, you need to run water until pressure in the pressure tank drops below the cut-in pressure set in the control.
...
Continue reading at WATER PUMP PRESSURE SWITCH INSTALL / REPLACE or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Or see WATER PUMP PRESSURE SWITCH REPAIR FAQs - pump control switch diagnostic & repair questions & answers posted originally at the end of this article.
Or see these
WATER PUMP PRESSURE SWITCH REPAIRS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
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