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jason9111 · Dec 23, 2008, 06:38 PM

I have had multiple problems with my well and it seems to be the pressure switch. I have all components since I bought my home new about 7 years ago. I noticed for about the last 2-3 years that 2 of the contacts on my pressure switch seemed to be sticking so I replaced the switch about 3-4 times over that time. I replaced the pump about 4 months ago. I have a 1hp StayRight pump now, I had a 1hp Myers before. With both pumps, when the pump cuts on, it doesn't make immediate contact. It contacts, releases, contacts, releases, contacts, releases and then may stay on for a few seconds to build pressure all within about 30 seconds. I guess the easiest way to explain it is it makes contact multiple times before staying on to build pressure. Brand new switches and brand new pump.?
It will come on for about 1 second, release, contact again, release, contact again and sometimes stay on to build pressure. It makes contact about 5 times before it actually stays on and builds appropriate pressure. The contacts are clean and it does it on a brand new switch. Any suggestions would help. I have been told it could be a bad pressure tank.

Flying Blue Eagle · Dec 23, 2008, 07:25 PM

Jason9111 - I think that I may know what is wrong, YOU have changed Pressure switchs and a new submerged pump ,and still are having trouble , WHAT may be the cause is one of two things :: First replace the sniffer valve ,and the air valye ( AIR VOLUMN CONTROL ) I hope you don't have a jet pump because this is not required with the jet pump
:: I HAVE the feeling you have a excesseve amount of air and it is not being released as it should be , When you refill the tank ,first drain all the water( TURN PUMP OFF FIRST OF ALL) after tank is drained ,turn off water drain and turn pump back on ,don't let NO ONE USE ANY WATER Until TANK IS FULL AND PRESSURE IS AT SET PRESSURE> I THINK YOUR PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED :: THE WAY I USED TO TAKE CARE OF THE POINTS WAS TO USE A PIECE OF SAND PAPER OR ONE OF THE EMMERY BOARDS THAT A LADY USES ON HER NAILS :: BUT DO TURN OFF THE POWER
FIRST:: DO IT ON BOTH SETS OF POINTS
AFEW TIMES < IT WILL DO A GOOD JOB :: I hope that this fixes your problem , if not holler back ;; Here's wishing YOU AND YOURS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR:: GOD BLESS :: F.B.E.

jason9111 · Dec 23, 2008, 09:11 PM

Thanks for your information. I do not have a submersible pump though. It is a shallow well above ground. I think it is a jet pump. I will defininately do the checks as you informed me and will let you know. Thanks again.

jlisenbe · Dec 24, 2008, 11:58 AM

Jason, be aware that you almost certainly have a bladder tank so the sniffer valve reference would not apply to you. If your switch is new then you should not have to file the points, though that won't hurt anything.

1. I would remove the cover from the switch and watch the points as the pump is trying to cut on. Are the points opening and closing as the pump cuts on/off? If so, then you know the problem is with the switch.

2. I would check the little tube leading to the switch. They are small in diameter and easily get clogged with "crud". That will cause the problem you are describing.

3. Once the pump decides to turn on, watch the pressure gauge. It should climb SLOWLY and smoothly to the cut off point, probably taking at least a minute or two. If it seems to climb rapidly to the cut off point, then you have either a pressure tank problem or a footvalve/checkvalve problem.