How to Bypass the Secondary Cutoff Switch for the Water Pump to a Home Heating System

The secondary cutoff switch on a water pump signals the pump to stop operating when the demand for water is satisfied. The pump can be used in tandem with a home-heating system to circulate hot water -- for steam radiators, for example. The cutoff switch is an energy-conserving safety feature. Most water pumps are not designed to operate unless water is flowing through them. Damage to the pump impeller can result if the equipment is run dry. If the pump will not stop, the switch itself may be defective. Run a temporary bypass to find out.

Screwdriver set
Needle-nose pliers
Electrician's tape

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the circuit breaker that controls the water pump.
- 2
  Remove the screws holding the cover plate on the water pump.
- 3
  Follow the path of the two wires connected to the pump to the component where the wires connect at the other end. This is the cutoff switch.
- 4
  Grip the Y-shaped clip on the end of each wire with pliers to slide the wires off the switch, one at a time.
- 5
  Connect the two clips together with a piece of electrician's tape.
- 6
  Start the heating equipment connected by pipes to the pump if the equipment is not already operating.
- 7
  Close the circuit breaker for the pump. If the pump begins operating normally, the cutoff switch is defective and should be replaced. Do not leave the pump wiring in bypass mode, because this will cause the pump to run continuously and may damage your system.

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