Hello,
I have a square D well switch. About 3 weeks ago I noticed the water in the shower stopping for 30 seconds and then coming back on. I have checked the tank and it is filled to about 28psi, doesn't appear water logged. The switch (30/50) is dropping in pressure as water drains until the pressure is 0 and all water is gone. Then after about 30 seconds, the switch comes on. The cut off is 90psi (again, seems to be delayed past the point it should cut off). Strangely, if I manually turn off the well pump power switch at, say 70, about 30 seconds later I hear the square D click off. Of course I am concerned about the pressure in the tank and pipes, and it's annoying to lose water in the shower.

Any ideas why this would start all of a sudden after 5 years of working well? Any ideas how it should be fixed?

Thanks.
Matt.

Any ideas why this would start all of a sudden after 5 years of working well? Any ideas how it should be fixed? The first thing I would check is the small tube from the pump to the control box. Make sure it's not blocked. Let me know what you find.. Good luck, tom

Tom,

Thank you very much for your quick and helpful response. Is it difficult to remove the switch and put back on, or should I have a plumber do it? I'm guessing you would have to remove all the wiring to get it off.

I seem to have noticed another quirk today... I cannot use the lever to activate the switch manually anymore. Moving it up or down has no effect and it is taking several minutes before the switch is automatically activated (like it has a mind of its own).

Yesterday the lever was completely horizontal (like an Allan key lying on the floor, end pointing at me). After lifting the lever and allowing water to enter, the key was pointing straight up. That did not help the situation. I have since moved the key up and down, but doing so does not activate the switch manually anymore. It is now at a 10% up position and slightly loose (not tight down as it was yesterday). I should stop at the hardware store and ask them to show me the correct states for activation... I thought it was horizontal when off and lifted to activate the pump.

Thanks again for your help. Matt.

Hi Matt,
Since Control boxes are not labile to put you through bankruptcy why not simply replace the control box. If you wish we can walk you through doing the repair yourself. Tom

SB is correct. Put on a new switch but be sure to replace the little pipe leading to it, preferably with plastic or copper. Galvanized is given to corroding and clogging up.

How to Replace a Water Pump Pressure Control - private pump and well system do-it-yourself repairs (http://www.inspect-ny.com/water/Water_Pump_Control_Replacement.htm)

Well Lads,

You were absolutely right. The iron nipple was plugged with rust and dirt. I tackled the problem myself and replaced the nipple with brass. I replaced the switch too. I'll keep the old one as a backup. Everything went very smoothly and took about 30 minutes. Thank you very much for your great advice. I can rest easy now that the pressure is off :)

Cheers, Matt.