Water Pump Pressure Switch Noises

Humming, Clicking may be normal or may indicate trouble

Water Pressure Switch Arcing & Sparking Noise Q&A

Arcing and Sparking at a new Schneider Pumptrol Pressure Switch

I just installed a new pressure tank and switch. The switch is a pumptrol 40-60. The switch arcs once it reaches the 60psi cutoff pressure. It does not chatter or bounce,it just sparks as contacts separate. Is this normal? (May 9, 2014) Mike

Reply: Arcing at the pressure control switch: what to check before calling Schneider

IF your wiring and voltage are correct,

THEN I'd check for dirt on contacts (don't file or sand them) - with POWER OFF -and also check voltage as well as for loose connections.

If all of those are clean and secure you may be seeing a normal arc.

If it's large, bright, I suspect a bad switch. Call the manufacturer (Schneider Electric) to ask if they want you to replace the device. Keep us posted.

www.schneider-electric.us

(They don't seem to want you to call, just use an online contact)

www.schneider-electric.us

Well Pump Control Banging Noise Q&A

BANG! from our water pump each time it turns off

There is a loud bang coming from what i believe to be my water pump each time it turns off even if I have used the water . What could this be or any suggestions? On 2017-03-16 by Anissa Loud

Suggestion by (mod) -

Anissa

Please see our explanation and repair suggestions for this kind of banginbg noise found

at WATER HAMMER NOISE to see the causes and cures for the problem you describe

There's a loud BANG when the pump turns off - everything else seems OK

LOUD BANG WHEN THE PRESSURE SWITCH TURNS OFF. Quiet when it turns on. Pump is in the well. Square Grey Switch as pictured above. Water pressure is fine. I have drained system, checked pressure and adjusted as required in tank. Lots of water ... BUT THE BANG ! On 2019-11-03 by David

by (mod) - loud BANG when water pump turns off

David

See our article on diagnosing and fixing WATER HAMMER NOISE DIAGNOSE & CURE - also found by using the on page search box for WATER HAMMEr

And let me know if that works for you

Water Pump Control Switch Beeping Noise Q&A

Well control box makes a beeping noise after a power outage

My 1/2 HP deep well control box is beeping one beep per minute continuously since a power outage a few days ago.

I replaced the control box but the beeping is still occurring.

The water flow and pressure in the house does not seem to have diminished whatsoever, and the holding tank has 38 psi as it usually does. What are potential reasons for this? On 2017-07-14 by Gary

Suggestion by (mod) - typical well pump alarm beep signal meaning

It sounds as if there is an alarm function on your well control, telling you that something needs repair.

Since you replaced the control box I am guessing that the control itself isn't damaged; there could be a leak detected or a low voltage issue.

If your well pump includes a battery backup, the "beep" could be signaling a battery failure, low battery charge - likely if the electrical power was off for a time and the battery backup was used.

Other common causes of a beeping alarm at a well pump control are a warning of low water level in the well or air in the well piping - risking running out of water and risking pump damage. A corroded or loose electrical connection at a sensor could also cause this warning beep.

To understand the beep exactly, we need to know the brand and model of your well pump control box, and then we can check its IO manual list of diagnostic noises and signals. - Daniel F

Humming Water Pressure Pump Control Switch Sound Cause & Cure

InspectApedia readers asked:

My water Pump Pressure Switch seems to be emitting a low hum all of the time It sounds sort of like you hear around electrical transformers.

This is a new thing for the unit. My electric bill has also been high and my water pressure is intermittently low. I can make the hum stop by pressing on the plate that's connected to the springs. It sparks when I do this. Yikes! I suspect that the switch is stuck in the on position. What do you all think? Thanks! - James 11/27/12

The pump only hums. It was recently installed when the old one did the same thing. This is a water well. Could the Foot valve in the well be blocked causing the pump not to kick on. (Feb 6, 2014) Ivan

Reply:

James, the pressure control switch might click on and off, but humming?

First - make sure that the sound is coming from the switch itself and not from nearby water piping or from a nearby pump. Well pumps are not silent, and pump noise can be transmitted via water piping.

A mechanic's stethoscope can help make sure you've pinpointed the noise source.

Second - if you are convinced it's the switch, if tightening the electrical connections at the switch doesn't fix it (do this with power OFF) I would replace it promptly. The pump relay is an electromagnetic switch. If it is humming and vibrating it is probably failing and you're about to have

• a short circuit, maybe a switch burn-up or worse
• no water

Watch out: I wouldn't keep pressing on the relay. There's live 120V or 240V in that switch - touching exposed wires or connectors is asking for a potentially fatal shock. Keep me posted, what we learn will help other readers.

Ivan:

When a water pump only hums - that is, it's not moving water - the problem could be a bad pump motor, bad motor start capacitor, low voltage, OR - indeed as you speculate - if the pump has lost prime (perhaps due to a leaky foot valve) it may also seem to be doing nothing but humming a monotone.

Try turning off the pump and priming it manually. Then close the priming opening and turn on the pump.

If the pump sounds normal - even just briefly - that may confirm that it's running dry; sometimes you can recover water by repeat priming at the pump, but if the foot valve is bad, your pump will also keep losing prime. But that would be diagnostic.

Watch out: don't let a pump keep running dry -chances are you'll damage it.

See PUMP / SWITCH NOISE FAQs

Also see ELECTRIC MOTOR NOISE DIAGNOSIS where we diagnose humming electric motors and motors that won't start.

A horrible humming noise at submersible pump control, then our pump failed

Our reader said:

Recently, we had a power surge and we believe that killed the submersible pump, (horrible humming noise when we threw the switch) so we replaced the pump (went from 1/2hp to a 3/4 hp). Every since then, when we turn our outside hose on, after about a minute we lose water pressure and it trickles out.

We then replaced the water bladder, (a larger tank) still the same problem, and then we replaced the pressure control switch. ....still the same issue. I don't want to have to pull the pump back out if I don't have to. (that and i have no idea what i can check on the pump).

I ahve a 40/60 pressure switch, I drained the tank and put 38psi in the top of the tank and filled it back up. overall I have no water pressure issues on any other faucet in the house (sure I would like stronger pressure but it's tolerable) only the water hose.

when that goes down the rest of the house stays down until the bladder can get back up to pressure.

It's definitely an unusually dry season but our well is 200 ft deep, and you hit water at just 15 ft. so I don't think it's a issue of the water level but again I know nothing at the moment.. - Chris 7/9/12

Reply:

Chris in addition to the diagnostics at WATER PUMP PRESSURE SWITCH NOISES for poor water pressure, see the article titled WATER PRESSURE PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE found near the end of this article in the links section for a table summarizing things to check.

Sometimes when we install a more powerful water pump onto an existing well the new pump takes water out of the well faster than the well can recover - and you run out of water; that could be happening here.

The static head in a 200 ft deep well with water 15 ft below the surface is 185 ft. 185 x 1.5 is what, 280 gallons of water - not so much that you couldn't run out if the well recovery rate is slow.

Reader comment:

the water pressure is fine for about 5 -10 gals of water, if that. (so Im assuming that isn't putting a dent in that 280gals) I went down later and checked the timing on the pump and pressure control switch, and when it goes.

The control switch kicks on right at 40psi, it holds for about 5/10 seconds at 40psi, (this is all within 30 seconds to a minute)and then it quickly plummets to 10-15 psi on the gauge, and it stays there till I turn off the hose. At that point it will slowly fill back up to 60 psi in about 5-10 mins.

After reading that Chart I'm leaning towards maybe I need to change the breaker? could the pump not be getting enough power (due to one of the breakers being bad) and that's why the psi is so low even when the pump is on? - Chris

Chattering Water Pressure Control Switch Diagnosis

Watch out: while a single on-off click is normal for pressure switch operation, a pump pressure control switch that buzzes or chatters is sick and needs repair or replacement.

Our home page where we explain all of the causes and cures for a chattering water pressure control switch is

WATER PUMP PRESSURE CONTROL SWITCH CHATTER

Excerpts are below:

Schneider, discussing maintenance of their Square-D pressure control switch series offers these explanations and cures for a chattering pressure control switch (adapted):

• Incorrect air pressure in an internal-bladder type pressure tank: check and correct the tank pre-charge pressure, set it to 2 psi below the switch cut-in pressure.
  
  See WATER TANK AIR HOW MUCH TO ADD
• Waterlogged pressure tank (for bladderless pressure tanks or for a pressure tank with a burst or leaky internal bladder)
  
  See WATER TANK AIR, HOW TO ADD
  or
  
  
  See WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING
• Switch exposed to vibration, for example from a pump or due to poorly-secured piping.
  
  Isolate the pressure switch by using vibration-isolation mounts (available from plumbing suppliers).
  
  Also check that the pump mounts are in good condition and that the pump itself is not damaged.
  
  Excessive pump vibration may indicate a failing impeller or pump bearing.
  
  Reference: "Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guidelines for Class 9013F and 9013G Pressure Switches" (2007), Original source: Schneider Electric USA 8001 Knightdale Boulevard Knightdale, NC 27545 USA 1-888-SquareD (1-888-778-2733) www.us.SquareD.com

Chattering noises: in relays or switches used on HVAC equipment is discussed separately

at CHATTERING RELAYS, HVAC EQUIPMENT

CHATTERING RELAY CONTROL SWITCHES - home

My pump pressure control switch melted due to bugs, now the pump is noisy.

The repairman said it was due to bugs. Now my well pump is noisy. Did the pressure switch meltdown make my pump get loud? Can I replace it with a quieter pump?

I must confess that I don't know much about well systems.

Unfortunately, a well is where my water comes from for my house. I say unfortunately because it seems I’m always having problems and never had such hassles when having had city water.

The system is almost 10 years old and the upkeep seems to be constant and expensive.

Recently, one evening, while I was out of my house for a few hours, the system's pressure switch literally melted. I turned off the well system when I got home and waited 'till next morning to call the company who services the system.They came out and replaced the switch box.

They said it was likely caused by some bugs getting inside it which makes it malfunction.

I have been told to make sure to place moth balls around this box and to spray bug spray. They tell me this unfortunately is a common problem and that there doesn’t seem to be any remedy available. Well, this strikes me as an expensive situation.

Since the melt down and replacement, my system seems extra loud. Every time the pump goes on (I have a 7 gallon draw down) I can hear it all throughout the house and it’s especially loud in the room that the system is closest to. I doubt anyone could sleep in that room because of the noise.

I don’t remember the system being so loud before this happened.

Do you have any thoughts about this scenario? And do you know of any pumps (submersible) that are not loud, and do you know what they would cost?? - E., North Port FL

Reply: A shorted electrical circuit or switch might damage a pump; a damaged pump or a well with limited water capacity might lead to a burned-up the pressure control switch

A competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that help accurately diagnose a problem. That said, here are some things to consider:

• it's possible that the same conditions that caused the pump control switch to have a melt-down damaged the pump. Bugs in the switch are not the only possible cause of switch failure.
  
  Frequent pump cycling, burned switch contacts, improper switch adjustment, a pump or well that lost capacity to satisfy the cut-out pressure and left the pump running toolong, and other events could damage the pump switch.
• If one of those other conditions occurred as part or even all of the original problem, the pump may have been damaged not by the switch but by the event that showed up as a switch melt-down.
• signifcantly noisy well pumps may be due to a wearing bearing or damaged pump internal parts that move water - the impeller, as we discuss in the article above, beginning
  
  at PUMP NOISES, WATER & WELL
• even if the root problem was something peculiar to the pressure control switch itself, depending on how it failed it could have shorted pump wiring, potentially damaging the pump before the circuit breaker tripped or fuse blew.

It might be diagnostic to think back to

• what were the pressure control switch cut in and cut out pressure settings before the problme
• what problem signs had been observed about the well or the well pump such as short-cycling on and off frequently, hard stating, occasional loss of water pressure

You can replace a noisy above ground pump with a quieter model, and if your pump motor or the actual impeller assembly are loud due to damage or wear, it's a good time to think about that step.

If you convert an above-ground well pump to a submersible pump sysem you won't hear the pump motor at all, just a little click when the pump relay switch turns the pump on or off.

In fact you might notice previously masked (by pump noise) sounds of water entering the pressure tank.

Some typical well pump repair or replacement costs are discussed

at  WELL PUMP / TANK REPLACEMENT COSTS.

Clicking Water Pressure Control Switch Diagnosis & Repair

Why is my Well pump tank [control] making a clicking noise

Our reader asked: My water pressure is totally fine. But about a week ago my well pump tank started to make a clicking noise after a sound that sounded like building pressure.

Watching the pressure gauge on the tank it looks like it starts in the 30s and rises into the 60s where it will top out, click, and then head back down into the 30s.

It seems like it isn't able to come to a stable state. It clicks every 30 seconds or so nonstop. Can someone help me diagnose the issue so I can fix it? On 2020-01-22 by Jeff

by (mod) - well pump quickly cycling on and off - leak in well piping?

Jeff

I suspect that there's either a leak in well piping or a failed foot valve or check valve .

If the tank were waterlogged you'd also get short cycling but the pump wouldn't continue to run indefinitely unless you have water running in the building or a leak on the well side.

More details: see the diagnostic and repair advice

at WELL PIPING FOOT VALVES if you are not familiar with these devices

and also for diagnosing a pump that turns on and off too rapidly see the advice

at WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING - home

and also for a pump that never stops, see the diagnostics and repair advice

at WATER PUMP WONT STOP RUNNING

Square D pressure switch clicking noise is too loud - how can we block the sound?

Our reader said:

We have a 35 foot deep well with a submersible pump. My question is how or what can be done to reduce the noise (loud click on and off. when the pump turns on or off.
Our basement has a guest bedroom and the noise wakes up our guests.

We have had the square D switch replaced once by our plumber, who said to get a quiet switch would be very expensive if he could find one? Note we have two bathrooms and a full lawn irrigation system, so the switch does work a lot in the summer months.

The loud on off sound is able to be noticed in our living room as well. This is a very solid custom built home. Do I need to put sound dreading material over the switch ? Thank You pbriverhs@mwt.net 2016/08/27 Bill S.

Reply: Things to check for loud pressure switch noise causes & suggestions for sound-reduction at the pump room around the pressure tank and control switch

Bill:

Watch out: if your water pump pressure control switch is making a very loud bang, pop, or similar noise when the contacts open or close the switch may be damaged or unsafe, or the line voltage may be incorrect.

While a modest amount of spark or arcing at the pressure control switch is normal when the switch opens or closes, very loud noises or smoky arcing indicate that something more serious is happening.

I'd check the pressure control switch and water tank and plumbing in that area. Check at the pressure switch for:

• loose electrical connections,
• loose switch parts
• abnormal supply voltage,
• abnormal current draw from the water pump

• I'd check for abnormal movement in the plumbing pipes such as water pump torque that's banging inadequately supported welll pipes and transmitting that sound into the building.
• I'd also be sure that the noise is coming from the switch as opposed to a water hammer problem.
  
  See WATER HAMMER NOISE DIAGNOSE & CURE

If you and your electrician and plumber are dead certain that the pump control switch is acting normally but the sound remains annoying, then let's look at sound control for the pump room:

You might look at some sound insulation techniques -

see SOUND CONTROL in BUILDINGS at inspectapedia.com/BestPractices/Sound_Control_in_Buildings.php

and also SOUNDPROOFING MATERIAL PROPERTIES at inspectapedia.com/BestPractices/Soundproofing_Materials.php

But these switches are not normally very loud - to my hearing anyway. I'd look further at the switch mounting and location to see if its click is being amplified by a mount, sheet metal, tank contact or something that might be corrected.

I'd stay away from just wrapping the pump switch directly out of concern for

• forming a moisture trap that damages the switch or makes it unsafe
• forming a heat trap with the same effectsd
• Blocking access to the switch thus making more trouble when you need to inspect or maintain or repair that control

And I'd look instead at sound transmission between the pump room and the nearby areas.

See FLANKING SOUND CUTOFF at inspectapedia.com/BestPractices/Flanking_Sound_Transmission.php

See SOUND CONTROL for PLUMBING inspectapedia.com/BestPractices/Plumbing_Noise_Transmission.php

Also see these PRESSURE SWITCH CLICKING SOUND FAQs

Buzzing or Vibrating Noise at Pump Pressure Control Switch

Causes of buzzing at the pressure control switch

I have no water coming into house, when i cut the power on i hear a buzzing noise coming from a box under the house and no power is coming threw the grey box, how can i get water back in my house please help 5/25/2014 Andy 

Reply:

Andy I can't tell if the problem is that the pressure switch has failed or if the pump motor has failed and the switch is buzzing trying to turn on the pump.

And if this is a deep well with a submersible pump in the well there MA be a second relay that actually turns on the pump.

I would turn the system off -electrical switch - and get some help from an electrician or plumber familiar with pumps and controls.

at BUZZING RELAYS we discuss the common causes of buzzing that you might hear at a water pressure control.

See our complete diagnostic list of sources orf buzzing noises in buildings and building equipment

at BUZZING NOISE DIAGNOSIS 

When my pump turns on I get a loud vibration at my pressure tank and switch

All of a sudden when my pump turns on i get a loud vibration at my pressure tank and switch On 2020-06-01 by mike osborne

Answer by (mod) -

Mike

Sometimes I hear a new vibration at the pressure tank and switch if air is entering the system - such as when the well is running dry.

A partly clogged inlet pipe can also cause such noises.

We're hearing a loud vibrating and the pump control is clicking

We live in a duplex apartment. We started hearing a loud vibrating.

(Sounds like someone using an big sander) sometimes it goes for several seconds and done for awhile or it stops and we hear the pump click. Sometimes it stops and then a second or two later does it again. It is winter out not sure if that contributes to it. Our duplex is out in country. OOn 2020-03-21 by Teresa

Water pressure switch keeps switching on and off? On 2020-04-14 by matt

Suggestion by mod

It's possible that you're hearing water movement in piping, or actual vibration from a well pump motor or control switch. To get further into diagnosing this noise you need to listen more closely to the well pump control switch and to determine if the pump itself is aboveground (where you can see and hear it) or rather is submersed in the well itself.

The short cycling of the sound could mean that a pressure tank is waterlogged.

See WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING - home to read about diagnosing and fixing that problem.

Matt, Please take also a look at this diagnostic article

WATER PUMP SHORT CYCLING CAUSES