water pump pressure

[john2189]

how do I set the turn on press to my submersable pump ? it turns on at 25 psi and off at 58 psi. it started doing this about a week ago there is no or little pressure while taking showers untill the pump turns on. It has a square d switch with one large spring and one short spring, which one do I turn to set up the on pressure ? i think the off press is ok unless it should be higher.

[FCUBMAN]

I'll be interested in any replies...
I have a similar situation. I think that one of the adjustments is shut-off pressure, and the other sets the differential pressure, which indirectly sets the turn-on pressure. I'm not sure which is which, though.
Have you checked the pressure in your holding tank? If your pump runs frequently and for short periods, you may have to check the tank pressure.
My pump switch is set at 30 and 50 psi. I think the 20 pound differential is too much, especially for the second floor shower.
I found some info at this site. Note that they don't recommend changing the pressure differential. I may ignore that advice...
http://www.waterwell.cc/pressure.htm
Good luck!

[Bigdog]

I remember the days of messing with pump systems to get enough water pressure. Being on a water system sure does spoil you with the constant pressure.
The adjustment should be right on the control box. 30 -50 is a common set point and differential pressure. You might want to check with someone who really knows your pump / tank setup before making any changes.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

If the pressure is changing, you probably need a new switch. and may also need to put air in your tank. The tall spring adjusts the on/off pressure together, then the short spring adjusts the off pressure only. That is usually marked inside the cover of the pressure switch.

[john2189]

the tank does not have a fitting to put air in.. its a blue tank, mabe 30 years old. I think it has a bladder but not sure

the pump takes time for it to kick on, I dont think its waterlogged.

If you cant change the on pressure, than that looks like the switch is bad ?

[john2189]

If the pressure is changing, you probably need a new switch. and may also need to put air in your tank. The tall spring adjusts the on/off pressure together, then the short spring adjusts the off pressure only. That is usually marked inside the cover of the pressure switch.

after reading Johns reply... the press now is on at 20 psi on and off at 58 psi...mabe I should lower the off press to 40 psi that would make it 20 and 40 and then use the tall spring to raise the pressure to 60psi to turn off, then the differential should be 40 on and 60 off. ... Make sense ??


But what made it change in the first place ?

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

The fact that it changed is what made me suggest you invest in a new switch. they normally come in a 20-40, and 30-50 pound range.

[KETCHAM]

we have 30 -50 here check to see it the diaphram is dirty on the valve then check the bladder to see if water is getting by.I help my best friend on his [both of us city boys] but Ilearned a lot in a short time in the country.I fixed him over the phone.He had dirt in the system.Kevin ps sediment or what ever ya want to call it v plumers like house calls $50.00 to walk in the door ps same kind of system on you air compressors

[john2189]

I put a new press switch on , its better, but not as good as it used to be... I will check the air press in tank tomorrow, dont know if that can be the problem or not

[KETCHAM]

Call me if you want i'll pm ya Kevin

[Don McCombs]

I'm with EJP. Sounds like it's time for a new pressure switch.

[Jeff Silvey]

Sounds like the bladder may have a little hole or the pump may need cleaned. If you have a shallow well pump you will need to pull the foot value and clean with meratic acid. I had to do this every three years.
How old is your system
Jeff

[john2189]

its a submersable pump, 50 feet deep, its about 15 years old

[flag]

I think most bladder tanks have an air fitting and should be regulated according to the pressure switch settings.
I replaced an old bladder tank because it had ruptured and thus it makes the pump works harder...off/on cycle is more frequent when running water.

When I changed the pressure settings from 30-50 p.s.i. to 40-60; I turned off power then opened water valve to let pressure off and then closed it.
I then added air pressure in bladder tank. My tank requires air pressure 2 p.s.i. less than the low setting 40 ( 38 ). I turned on power then adjusted pressure swithes to 40-60 p.s.i.

A bad or leaking foot valve will cause pump to run when no water valves have been opened...just isolate water lines from tank to house and other locations to verify it is the foot valve that is leaking!

[junkman1946]

Not a pump expert, but just went through similar ex. Insides of pipes were blocked with sediment and all kinds of s---, crfap, and corruption. Doesnt matter if you switch is good or bad or the tank has a hole in it, if the H2O cant get through the pipe- it aint gonna work. Frank