Pressure Switch Not Working Right
11/14/2023 at 7:36:10 PM
Our water situation is as follows.
We recently had a well dug, that water is working fine and supplying our house with water.
We also have a concrete tank in the ground, that used to supply our water. This tank is filled via a spring we tapped into, that channels a pipe full of water into the tank.
A small pump draws this tank water up the hill to a tank under the house. Currently this tank is 20 gallons, to only be used for washing a vehicle or for refilling our chicken water.
The pressure switch on this tank keeps sticking. We have a light rigged so that while the pump is running, the light is on and can be seen at our kitchen window.
This is a new pressure switch. And typically requires a hard smack/tap to make the light go off when it hangs.
This is an ongoing issue that has happened for years now. The pressure switch has been replaced at least 4-5 times so far.
But again, it keeps happening. And we aren't sure what exactly the root cause may be. Because at this point, I'm finding it hard to believe all of these switches are continually bad (all purchased from Lowe's) and that something else is causing the issue.
11/15/2023 at 2:09:50 AM
Maybe you need a higher pressure pump
11/15/2023 at 4:34:39 AM
I know the pump being used is a 0.5hp one.
And I think all the ones stronger than that are submersible ones, which wouldn't work.
Or at least, that's what I've been told.
11/17/2023 at 10:08:39 PM
It seems like the persistent issue with the pressure switch may be caused by factors other than a faulty switch. Here are a few potential solutions and steps to troubleshoot the problem:
Check for Water Leaks:
Ensure there are no leaks in the piping leading from the concrete tank to the pump and from the pump to the tank under the house.
Inspect the entire system for any visible signs of water leakage.
Pressure Tank Issues:
Check the pressure tank under the house for any issues. Ensure it is properly sized for the system and that the air pressure in the tank is set to the recommended level.
Inspect the tank for any leaks or structural problems.
Pump Operation:
Verify that the pump is functioning correctly. Check for any unusual noises or vibrations that might indicate a problem.
Confirm that the pump is adequately primed and that there are no obstructions in the suction line.
Electrical Connections:
Inspect the electrical connections to the pressure switch and pump to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion.
Check the wiring for any signs of damage or wear.
Water Quality:
Assess the quality of the water from the concrete tank. Impurities or sediment in the water may affect the pump and pressure switch operation.
Consider installing a filtration system if the water quality is a concern.
Professional Inspection:
If the issue persists, consider hiring a professional plumber or water system specialist to inspect the entire system. They may have specialized equipment to identify hidden issues.
Alternative Pressure Switch:
Experiment with a different brand or model of pressure switch to determine if the problem persists. It's possible that the switches purchased from Lowe's may not be the best fit for your system.
System Redesign:
If the problem continues, consider consulting with a water system engineer to evaluate the overall design and suggest improvements.
By systematically checking these aspects of your water system, you may be able to identify and address the root cause of the pressure switch issues. If the problem persists, seeking professional assistance may be the most effective course of action.
11/20/2023 at 5:43:04 PM
Probably is the Lowes pressure switches!! & you probably get them there pretty cheap. I had same issue with a thermocouple on my personal furnace 3 time in 1 winter, then got one better & rated for that furnace from a heating supplier, but it was double $$ the cost, its been in 3 years now. Get the pump info, flow ratings etc. for the pump you are using, go to a plumbing wholesaler and get one for that application.
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