my pump quit so i bypassed the pressure switch and found that the switch is bad. if i run the pump and have all valves closed will it blow out a valve? do i need to provide pressure relief since the pump is on all the time? so far i've been switching the pump on with the breaker switch when i need water and then turning it off.
pump/pressure switch question
- Thread starter randy41
- Start date
It will find the weekest link in your plumbing, or just shorten the life of your pump. We seem to go through a pressure switch every year and a half to two years because of our hard water. I keep a spare in a bag hanging near the pump. Never fails that it goes after business hours or on a holiday when the store is closed
Pete Judd
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Aug 18, 2010
- Messages
- 1,013
- Location
- The Thin Gravy Ranch in The wet PNW
- Tractor
- Yanmar 186d, JD 314
I keep a couple of spares in the pump house. I learned the hard way to mount it with the water connection pointing down. If mounted sideways, the hard water sediments will clog the diaphragm will clog faster. And yes they all ways fail in the eve, and when the hardware store is closed. :laughing:
mrmikey
Veteran Member
Not a good idea. As 4520RX said, it'll shorten the life of your pump.
You should have a pressure relief. I just replaced the plumbing system in my place- new bladder tank, hot water tank, switch, pump control....everything. The brass T for the bladder tank has all the ports needed, switch, gauge, inlet, outlet, drain and pressure relief port, btw the pressure relief is preset at 75psi.. The pressure switch was only $30< or so, so it's not a major expense compared to a new pump.....Mike
You should have a pressure relief. I just replaced the plumbing system in my place- new bladder tank, hot water tank, switch, pump control....everything. The brass T for the bladder tank has all the ports needed, switch, gauge, inlet, outlet, drain and pressure relief port, btw the pressure relief is preset at 75psi.. The pressure switch was only $30< or so, so it's not a major expense compared to a new pump.....Mike
Soundguy
Old Timer
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2002
- Messages
- 52,238
- Location
- Central florida
- Tractor
- RK 55HC,ym1700, NH7610S, Ford 8N, 2N, NAA, 660, 850 x2, 541, 950, 941D, 951, 2000, 3000, 4000, 4600, 5000, 740, IH 'C' 'H', CUB, John Deere 'B', allis 'G', case VAC
i go thru a switch about every 2 ys.
at about the 1 year point I have to file the contacts and adjust their height. I always have a spar ont he shelf. when one dies I swap that spare in and get another. as said. water always goes out on sunday night before a holiday.. or similar bad timing.
at about the 1 year point I have to file the contacts and adjust their height. I always have a spar ont he shelf. when one dies I swap that spare in and get another. as said. water always goes out on sunday night before a holiday.. or similar bad timing.
turnkey4099
Elite Member
Don't do it. Use the breaker to turn on/off as water is needed until business opens. the pressure switch is probably no more than around $50 (last one I bought was around $27 IIRC). They are easy to change out as long as you pay attention to which wire goes to which terminal on the old one (I draw a diagram before disconnecting).
As for sediment clogging the pressure switch riser - Mine has clogged up to the point I had to use a drill to clean it and it sets vertical.
As long as you are working on it, check your precharge - 2 psi below whatever your cut in is with the tank empty.
Harry K
As for sediment clogging the pressure switch riser - Mine has clogged up to the point I had to use a drill to clean it and it sets vertical.
As long as you are working on it, check your precharge - 2 psi below whatever your cut in is with the tank empty.
Harry K
chucko
Veteran Member
I keep a extra switch and a control box that way I have any of the parts that will go bad. When they do I just repace with the extra one and buy the replacement part next time I am up at the hardware store...
But no I would never just let it keep running if you have to run it to shower or flush then run it only then
But no I would never just let it keep running if you have to run it to shower or flush then run it only then