[shredingmetal41]

A couple of months ago I replaced the pressure switch on my pump. It was working fine, until last night. The system is using a 1/2hp jet pump with a diaphragm tank for storage. As I stated it has been working fine until last night. When the pressure drops to what should be the cut in point, the points do not close, so the pump does not come on. If I go out to the pump house and wiggle the switch on the side of the pressure switch, which is nothing more than a metal arm that moves under the plate the points are attached to, the points close and the pump comes on and fills the tank normally. Any ideas as to an adjustment that may be necessary to get this system back to functioning normally.
Thanks
Phil

[jlisenbe]

Three thoughts:

1. Even though your switch is not very old, try filing the points with an emory board or piece of sand paper folded double. Of course, first you will want to turn off the breaker before you do this. This is not likely to be your problem, but it won't hurt to try it.

2. Be sure the small pipe leading to the switch is clean. These pipes have a habit of getting closed up.

3. Be sure your bladder is not broken (the one in your tank, not in you!). You can check this by pressing the air valve on top for a second or two. If water comes out, then take a hammer and LIGHTLY tap the side of the tank, starting from the bottom and moving up. You can tell where the water level is by listening for a change in tone. The level should be somewhere around halfway up. If it's close to the top, then that's trouble. Probably time to replace the tank. BTW, how old is the tank?

Just so you'll know, the lever on the side of your switch is there to protect the pump. When the pressure drops to 10# under the cut in pressure, the switch assumes the pump is running dry and so just turns off. The lever is used to reset the switch.

Let us know how it goes.