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Does Pumptrol D Switch Need Changing?

Asked Nov 8, 2008, 10:35 AM — 13 Answers
Yesterday while taking a shower the water pressure fell to a trickle for about four seconds then came back again. This went on for the length of my shower. Today, while washing a few dishes the same thing happened but for a few seconds longer. I went down to check the pressure and noticed that I only had 20PSI. I taped the Pumptrol D a few times and let out some water from the valve and it went up to forty but it was higher before. I noticed that the adjustable control (the smaller one has some oxidation on it). Do I have to change the Pumptrol D or can it be something else? New Homeowner! Thanks..

13 Answers
jlisenbe's Avatar
jlisenbe Posts: 2,355, Reputation: 617
Well & Pump Expert
 
#2

Nov 8, 2008, 10:42 AM
Ranger, I would first check the little pipe leading to the switch to see if it's clogged with crud. However, switches are cheap (20 bucks or so), so considering that you have to remove the switch to check out the little pipe, and since it sounds like it has some age on it anyway, I would just plan on replacing it with a 30/50 switch.
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speedball1's Avatar
speedball1 Posts: 27,655, Reputation: 9541
Senior Plumbing Expert
 
#3

Nov 8, 2008, 10:42 AM


S hut the powerv off and clean the contacts. Work better now? Regards, Tom
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Ranger05's Avatar
Ranger05 Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
New Member
 
#4

Nov 8, 2008, 06:05 PM
I changed the switch and the pressure went up to 50PSI. My daughter took a shower and it went down to zero. Not sure if its the Amtrol tank or the well pump. Any advice. Thanks.
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jlisenbe's Avatar
jlisenbe Posts: 2,355, Reputation: 617
Well & Pump Expert
 
#5

Nov 8, 2008, 07:54 PM
Did the points close at thirty?
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Ranger05's Avatar
Ranger05 Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
New Member
 
#6

Nov 8, 2008, 10:40 PM
No, so far twice I have had to manually close the contacts in order for the system to regenerate. It does cut off at 55PSI but once it goes down it never cut on again. Could it be that there is not enough pressure in the amtrol well tank or the well pump might have a problem somewhere?
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speedball1's Avatar
speedball1 Posts: 27,655, Reputation: 9541
Senior Plumbing Expert
 
#7

Nov 9, 2008, 04:55 AM


Quote:
I taped the Pumptrol D a few times and let out some water from the valve
Are you speaking of the valve on top of the bladder tank? If so your bladder tank has a ruptured bladder and the tank must be replaced and the PSI of the tank set at 2 PSI under the cut-in point of the control box. Let me show you how to check it out. To check, just knock on the side of the tank starting at the bottom. If it "klunks" the same all the way up the tank is water logged. Or you could pop the snifter valve on top of the tank. If water comes out then change the tank. You could try injecting air in at the valve but if the bladder is ruptured it won't take care of the problem. The answer is to replace the bladder tank.
Quote:
I changed the switch and the pressure went up to 50PSI. My daughter took a shower and it went down to zero. Not sure if its the Amtrol tank or the well pump.
I think you're looking at two separate problems here. A bad bladder tank and either a blocked tube from the pump to the control box or a faulty check/foot valve. I would check the line from the pump to the control box first.
Good luck and thanks for rating my reply. Tom
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Ranger05's Avatar
Ranger05 Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
New Member
 
#8

Nov 9, 2008, 07:32 AM
I was speaking of the valve next to the D switch. This morning I checked the tank pressure and it is at 30PSI so the tank does have pressure inside. This morning the home's water pressure was at zero. The new swicth did not cut in over night. Not sure what else it could be..
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speedball1's Avatar
speedball1 Posts: 27,655, Reputation: 9541
Senior Plumbing Expert
 
#9

Nov 9, 2008, 07:51 AM


Even if the bladder was ruptured you would still read pressure. \Check the tank just to make me a happy camper. Also disconnect the tube from the pump and control box to be sure all is clear. Don't just check the tube, check the pumps tube outlet and the control bhox inlet as well. Let me know what you find, Tom
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Ranger05's Avatar
Ranger05 Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
New Member
 
#10

Nov 9, 2008, 08:15 AM
Checked tank by banging on it. Sound was solid on the bottom went to a tinny sound past the middle to the top. I took off the switch and I am checking the plumbing for obstructions. Could this have anything to do with the water softener system or the well pump?
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