[SulieD]

I have an AquaPro JETm-40w with a Square D 9013 FSG-2 pressure switch. It regulates pressure from a 2500 gallon tank on a tower. There's an automatic shut off that floats in the tank and prevents the pump from running if the tank is empty.

We've had no problems until 2 days ago, when it stopped turning on. The pressure gauge is at 10 lbs and doesn't fluctuate (it used to sit at around 30lbs). What should I do to troubleshoot?

I have ensured the water tank was full. That's about it. There appears to be some damage (dog chew marks) in the flexible piping that covers the wires from the automatic shut off float. The damage doesn't seem to be deep enough to get through to the wires though, so I think the problem must lie elsewhere.

[jlisenbe]

Things to check:

1. Is the breaker for the pump on?
2. Are the points on the pressure switch closed (touching)?
3. Use a voltmeter to be sure you have power to the switch.
4. Does the switch have a reset lever? If so, have you reset it?

[SulieD]

Thanks for the reply jlisenbe.

1. The breaker's on and we tested with a meter to see that power was getting through. The reading seemed to fluctuate, but there was definitely power.
2. I'm not sure about the "points of the pressure switch," but I had a look under the switch cover and it all looked normal. No loose wires or anything.
3. yep. See #1
4. No, there doesn't seem to be any additional levers on the switch - just the cut-in and cut-out adjusters and the power.

Any other suggestions?

The pressure gauge reads 10, but it doesn't even flutter at all when you blast the water. Is it possible it's clogged and the reading is wrong and that therefor the switch is also clogged and not triggering the the cut-in?

What should I do next?

[jlisenbe]

I've attached two pics. The HUGE one shows the points I was referring to, 4 sets of them. In the pic, they are open, meaning the switch is off. In your case, they should be closed (in contact). The second smaller switch shows one with the little reset lever on the side. Just wanting to be sure yours does not have one. If it does, then pull to reset the switch.

If the points are closed, then be sure you have current on the wires leading to the pump. If you do, then you have to start thinking a bad pump.

I might add that I couldn't find much on AquaPro pumps. The website is evidently located in Mexico. The whole thing was in spanish, and I couldn't locate your model pump. www.aquapropumps.com

The pressure gauge reads 10, but it doesn't even flutter at all when you blast the water. Is it possible it's clogged and the reading is wrong and that therefor the switch is also clogged and not triggering the the cut-in?

Gauge is probably bad. If the switch is clogged, and that is possible, then the points will be open. Check those points.

[SulieD]

Jlisenbi - thank you so so much for your help! And the pictures!
The points were open. I decided to just disconnect the automatic cut off and see if the problem was there. As soon as I reconnected power without the cut off, the pump kicked in and the pressure went right up to 40. Now we just have to be careful never to let the tank run dry.

Yeah, I had tried to find the manual online for the AquaPro, but I came up short too. I'm Canadian, but my husband and I are living off-grid in rural Guatemala right now - like I said - it's tricky to get a good plumber out here. Your help has been indispensable.

[jlisenbe]

Great. Just be sure you have the switch hooked back up and working properly. May I ask, why Guatemala? Retirement? Missions work?