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View Full Version : Why is my pressure switch chattering on my well pump system?


Bill Leland
Mar 7, 2015, 11:37 PM
I'm experiencing a chattering from the pressure switch that is mounted on the pump instead of near bladder pressure tank. But since I bought the pump with switch attached I presumed the engineers for gould pump knew what they were doing I think not. I read a couple of comments, move pressure switch to brass T next to pressure tank, but want to confirm this the right action for my problem. It a new 30-60 PSI pressure switch and a new AQUA FLOW TANK.
Thanks for help I'm in an Asian Country no one here knows squat about plumbing.

jlisenbe
Mar 8, 2015, 08:30 AM
Moving the switch won't hurt anything, and if it solves your problem, then so much the better. Moving the switch can especially be called for if there is significant distance (more than four or five feet) between the tank and the switch.

If this does not solve your problem, be sure the tank is pressurized correctly. The tank pressure should be set to 2# BELOW the cuton point of the switch. Your tank pressure should be set to 28# for your 30/60 switch. Do this with the power off and system pressure drained to zero by opening a low level faucet. Set the pressure at the top of the tank where the air valve is located.

talaniman
Mar 8, 2015, 09:52 AM
Reasons for Pressure Switch Chatter - Lakeland Water Pump Co. (http://lakelandwaterpumpco.com/reasons-for-pressure-switch-chatter/)

Reasons for Pressure Switch Chatter




Pressure switch too far from tank. Maximum distance is 3-4 feet, greater distance will cause pressure fluctuations between the tank and the switch
Undersized pipe from pump to tank
Too many fittings or valves
Tank water logged (bladder inside has hole)
Pressure switch drift, Spring tension in switch failing
Low voltage (Incoming)
Pipe corrosion (diameter restriction)
Burnt contacts in pressure switch
High static level in well
Loose wire connection
Leaking check valve
Differing style valves used in the system
Flapper check valve used instead of Spring style
Multiple Tanks with a pressure switch not centrally located to all tanks
Verify Tank Pressure (without water) 2lbs less than cut-in pressure
Jet Pumps only: check points on motor and tubing on switch
Check direction of flow to ensure tank is filling before supplying water to house (no “t” before tank)