Adjust or Replace Pressure Switch for a Well

Adjustment

• 1

  Inspect the pump to locate the pressure switch. There are usually two springs pushing down on a metal plate. The springs are held in place by two locking bolts on top. This is the pressure switch.

• 2

  Turn the bolt on the taller of the two springs clockwise several revolutions with your fingers or a wrench to increase the water pressure. Adjust the bolt on the shorter spring clockwise a turn or two afterward as well. If you need to decrease pressure, turn both screws counterclockwise.

• 3

  Turn on the water to see if the pressure is what you need. Examine the pressure gauge on the pump as well to see how much the pressure fluctuated after your adjustment. The pump should usually not be running higher than 70 PSI to help reduce the risk of damage.

Replacement

• 4

  Verify your new pressure switch has the same pressure rating as your old one. The pressure rating is usually listed on the inside of the switch's plastic cover.

• 5

  Shut off the breaker that controls the pump to ensure it does not receive electricity during the repair. Unscrew the conduit locking ring. Disconnect each wire from the switch one at a time and label each with colored tape so you know which wire goes where when you hook them back up again.

• 6

  Close the valve that controls the water from the pump to the house. Drain the pressure tank by hooking a hose up to its output valve. Fill a bucket with the water if you don't want it to spill out around the pump.

• 7

  Unscrew the old switch and nipple and pull it out of the pump. It should just twist off but you may need a wrench if there is a lot of corrosion. Thread in the new switch and nipple.

• 8

  Remove the old gauge by twisting it off with a wrench. Screw in a replacement gauge. The gauge should always be replaced at the same time as the switch.

• 9

  Plug the wires into the new switch and remove the colored tape. You can also keep the tape on in case you need to unhook the switch in the future.

• 10

  Restore power to the pump and turn it back on. Check your faucets to ensure the new switch is working with the pump and you're getting adequate pressure.