How Do You Tell When You Have a Bad Well Pressure Unit?

Turn on a faucet and empty the air bladder tank. Since the tank holds water, until it is empty you cannot verify that the pressure switch works properly. The switch sends the signal to the pump to begin working when the tank reaches the preset level the switch uses to signal the pump. If the switch fails to turn on the pump, the setting is wrong or the switch is bad. If the switch fails to close, the switch requires replacement.

Check the pressure switch setting against the pressure tank and make sure that the tank is set at 2 pounds per square inch below the kick-on setting of the pressure switch. For instance, if the pressure switch is set to kick the pump on at 30 psi, then the tank needs to be set at 28 psi. To check the tank, place a tire gauge on the air valve stem and note the reading. If this doesn’t correct the problem, the switch may not be set correctly or may be faulty.

Check the pressure switch setting to ensure it is set correctly. Most switches come with a default setting of 20 psi. Review the documents that came with your pressure switch and adjust accordingly. If this corrects the problem, the switch is fine, if not, replace the switch.

Verify that the pressure tank is not waterlogged. After emptying the tank of water, gently rock it back and forth – if you hear water sloshing, the problem is with the tank and not the pressure switch.

Note whether the circuit breaker is tripped, the fuses are blown or the overloads trip. This usually indicates that the pressure switch has a short to ground, wires or cables for the pressure switch.

Turn off the power to the pressure switch by shutting off the circuit breaker. Remove the cover of the pressure switch by unscrewing the cap nut on top of the cover. First verify that all wires connect properly compared to the owner's manual for the switch -- if not, correct. Look inside at the electrical contacts of the switch. Gently pry them open and note whether the surfaces of the contacts appear pitted or “fried.” If so, replace the switch.