Are you having trouble with your well pump and can’t seem to get it to function correctly? Chances are, the issue may lie with your well pump pressure switch.
And if your pressure switch doesn’t have a lever, it can be a bit tricky to reset. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
It is important to note that a well pump pressure switch is a vital component in the proper functioning of a well pump, as it controls the on-and-off cycling of the pump, ensuring that water is delivered at the appropriate pressure.
Without a properly functioning pressure switch, the well pump may not work at all or may experience problems such as short cycling.
The power pull fuse can be shut down for a quick fix. Disassemble the press switch by removing the cover. Turn the power back on after placing a wooden piece to hold it to the contractor. Let the pump reach the desired pressure before starting.
When the power has been turned back on, replace the cover by turning it back off and on again. There are, however, other ways you might be able to access the website. Here’s what you need to know.
How To Reset Well Pump Pressure Switch Without Lever?
The levers on every well pump facilitate the simultaneous release of water. There are numerous ways to use these levers when there is an issue with the pump.
When well pumps fail to operate due to bypass pressure switches, releasing the lever tends to reset the switch quite easily.
However, the lever may stop working when the internal damage is severe. Sometimes, lever-based solutions will no longer work in such a situation. Do not worry since there are several ways to reset a good pump pressure switch without using a lever.
1. Make Sure the Power in On
Power needs to be turned on the pump to enable the water pump reset button. Here’s what you need to do:
Check if the water pump with a pressure switch located next to the pressure tank is turned on. It needs to be turned on if it is not.
Make sure the well’s double-pole circuit breaker has not tripped. You can reset it if you notice that it has.
It is also possible that tripping circuit breakers indicate pump damage instead of a switch malfunction. Whenever possible, it’s best to seek professional help in this situation.
2. Check the Pressure Switch
A well pump’s pressure switch is extremely important, especially when it malfunctions. Located close to the pressure tank, this pressure switch controls the pressure. This device is usually mounted on a ¼–inch tube.
As a result, it monitors whether the water pressure has dropped below the point where the tank needs more. The pump then powers up when the switch keeps censoring.
Make sure the switch is in good working order. It won’t be possible to draw water from the well if the switch isn’t working.
You need to remove the cover by banging the screwdriver’s handle against the tube just below the switch. For electrical contacts to be jarred, this is necessary.
After you’ve completed this step, check if a spark is present. It is possible to reset the switch immediately if it does not work.
Seeing sparks means your switch is damaged and needs to be replaced. It is as simple as bringing a replacement and installing it.
3. Temporarily Reset the Switch
Pressure switches will operate when a tube is banged on when the electric contacts are burned or pitted.
There may be a poor connection and problems with water flow as a result. The following methods will help you reset the switch until you get a replacement:
- You should first turn off the power button.
- Check the voltage with a tester to ensure the power button works.
- The pitted or burned areas can be filed off with an emery board or nail file. Then pull the contacts apart.
- Finally, it will only be usable for a short time. In any case, the replacement should be made as soon as possible.
4. Rock the Tank
A worn-out tank can sometimes damage the well pump switch. It occurs when dirty water passes through faucets or taps. Resetting the switch can be accomplished by rocking the tank. It’s as simple as this:
By gently pushing the top against the tank, you can rock it slightly. A very heavy top and being unable to rock it means the tank has gone completely bad and must be replaced.
You can check if the water is flowing by rocking it slightly and turning on the power pressure. Ensure that a heavy faulty tank is drained and replaced as soon as possible.
5. Replace the Switch
It is the last resort to replace the switch when the switch is destroyed so that the pump can be reset. To accomplish that, you will need to. Before replacing the switch, confirm that it can be replaced.
Upon discovering that the switch requires replacement, check the pressure tank to see if it is clogged. It is critical to determine whether the water is pulsing or not.
After checking the switch, use a screwdriver to slowly remove the wires. Later, assembling the wires will be easier if you label them.
The tubing threats should be coated with Teflon tape or pipe dope. Ensure the coating is oriented correctly by letting it sit for a few minutes. As a final step, reconnect the wires.
6. Pressure Pump’s Air Valve Condition
When there’s a problem with the switch, you might experience a waterlogged tank. If this happens, you can reset the switch by following these steps:
- The air valve can be found on the airline. Most tanks have one at the top.
- Screw the plastic cover off the air valve with a screwdriver.
- Make sure the air valve is pressed again with the screwdriver to see if water comes out.
- If you see water coming out after you reset the well pump switch, you have successfully reset the switch.
7. Replacing the Pump Controller
Resetting the pump control switch is required if the pump control is faulty. It is necessary to replace the pump controller in this case. To do so, follow these steps:
To disconnect the pump cover, you must remove it. As a result, you need to remove the screw at the bottom of the box and then disconnect it. In this case, the controller will have to be replaced.
Install the new cover on top of the old box once you have the replacement part. It is unnecessary to rewire the new switch if it is the same brand as the old one. Unless it is wired correctly, it needs to be rewired.
In the end, you will see that the switch has been reset once the pump starts. A capacitor is usually installed within the pump controller to start the pump.
If your tank has this setup, you can reset the switch without the lever by following the steps above.
In contrast, if the controller is mounted inside the pump, you need to call in a professional as you may not understand some of the technical terms used.
How Does a Well Pump Pressure Switch Work?
It’s more likely that you won’t understand why your pump might be troubleshooting during a power outage or another similar circumstance if you don’t understand how pressure switches work.
Water pressure is maintained throughout the house thanks to a well pressure tank. The well pump supplies water to all the faucets, sinks, toilet flushes, and even filters in the house.
Therefore, the well pressure switch maintains the pressure control for the good pump during the water supply by switching on or off the pump.
It is possible due to the pressure switch for well pumps, which allows more water to enter the system while maintaining the pressure level.
This occurs when PSI (pounds per square inch) reaches its minimum level. It automatically turns off when it reaches the maximum pressure, thus maintaining perfect pressure.
Internally, a spring mechanism directly connects the electrical contacts to the pressure switch. A malfunctioning internal system occurs due to excessive use or with the onset of old age. This is when there is a problem with the switch on your pump pressure.
Troubleshooting Well Pump Pressure Switch
The pressure switch cannot reset the water pump if you don’t understand how troubleshooting works.
The water pump can be damaged if the problem is not addressed on time. There are several problems that a well pump pressure switch faces, including:
Damaged Diaphragm
Diaphragms in switches provide the reading of water pressure. When a faucet is turned on, the water supply creates pressure against a diaphragm.
There is a possibility that this diaphragm will wear out and become old. As a result, it cannot determine the correct water pressure. A damaged diaphragm can cause problems with pump switches.
Connection Failure
The center of the system might not always cause a problem if your switch is malfunctioning.
Alternatively, incorrect piping sizes could result in a connection failure. Often, professional assistance is required to restore a pump that a bad connection has contaminated.
In case of a bad connection, the pressure switch will stop working. It is, therefore, crucial that the piping is kept within the right diameter and checked regularly.
Clogged Pressure Sensor
When you live in an area with high mineral sediments, your well pump’s pressure sensor can clog. When this happens, the pipes that attach to the water supply switch start to collect debris and dirt.
The bottom of the switch can become clogged instantly once dirt accumulates in the pipes. There will be problems with the switch if the pressure sensor becomes clogged.
Water Leakage in the Internal Mechanism
Sometimes, you might see water leaking from under the switcher or from the switch itself. A switch malfunction or a pump malfunction can cause this problem. Such accidents are likely to cause an internal leak if such a thing happens.
There is typically a need to replace the pressure switch when this happens. Leaving the switch in place can result in the destruction of your well pump.
The switch Doesn’t Turn On or Off
There is no signal to turn on or off the pressure switch when the well pump is not producing enough pressure.
There is a possibility that a faulty gauge will cause low pressure to be generated within the internal mechanism. You will likely experience a pressure switch issue in this situation.
The switch Automatically Turns On and Off Repeatedly
Sometimes, you will repeatedly notice the well pump pressure switch cycles on and off. There are several reasons why this might happen.
Blowing of the bladder in the water tank is the most common cause. It wears out with repeated use or too much use. Whenever the bladder spoils or blows, it needs to be replaced.
If this happens, make sure you inspect the switch right away. Occasionally, blown-up bladders cause significant damage to the switch.
A leak in the well pump can also cause the switch to repeatedly turn off and on, causing it to become damaged in the end.
Final Words
In cases where you notice strange conditions, such as constant leaks from the pump, clicking sounds when using the pressure switch, or constant clicking without any water flow, you should consult a professional.
There are several damages that a broken water line can cause that the homeowner can’t fix. Alternatively, a bad check valve could cause a broken casing, a bad connector could cause a water overflow, or a bad connector could cause a bad check valve.
In situations like this, only a professional can help. To prevent damaging your well pump, call a professional to fix the water pump switch right away.
The following information will explain how to reset a sound pump pressure switch without a lever. You can manually reset the pump switch and restore the household’s water pressure whenever your water pump fails while your lever doesn’t activate.
