The following are a few examples of when you may consider adjusting your pressure switch:
- Pump is located at a lower elevation then the home and current setting is not providing sufficient pressure
- Insufficient pressure at the faucets, shower, hose bib, etc.
- Sprinkler heads require higher pressure than the switch is set to
- Pump is not able to build up enough pressure to reach current cut-off setting
It is worth noting that we regularly get calls to customer service from individuals that have tried adjusting their pressure switch after noticing a change in water pressure. It is probably the easiest component to adjust, however, it is usually not the first thing that should be looked at. I will not be addressing troubleshooting low water pressure in this blog, I just want to emphasize that the pressure switch is almost never the problem if you have a drop in pressure.
The information below is from one of our most popular blogs titled How to Adjust a Pressure Switch (posted May of 2018) with a few updates. Also, the R.C. Worst YouTube Video: How To Adjust a Pressure Switch was published in July of 2017.
The starting and stopping of a well water pump is typically controlled by a pressure switch similar to the one shown below. The switch is preset with both the cut-on and cut-off pressures known as the range. They normally come in three different ranges: 20 to 40, 30 to 50, and 40 to 60 PSI. The cut-on pressure is the low pressure setting that starts the pump and the cut-off pressure is the high pressure setting that turns off the pump. For example, a 30/50 switch will turn on the pump when system pressure reaches 30 PSI and turn it off when the pressure reaches 50 PSI. Adjusting the range can be done by following a few simple steps.
Caution! Electricity can be very dangerous, especially if you are inexperienced. Always use caution when working with electricity and turn off the power supply/circuit breakers when testing components or making any adjustments within the electrical system. If you are not 100% confident you can perform any of these tests safely, call a professional.
Remove the cover on your pressure switch. Factory presets can be found inside the cover of the pressure switch (as shown on right above). To increase or lower both cut-on and cut-off pressure you will turn the nut on top of the large center spring as seen in the picture below. You will turn the nut counterclockwise to lower both cut-on and cut-off pressure or turn the nut clockwise to raise both cut-on and cut-off pressure.
Important note: If you adjust your cut-on pressure you will also need to adjust the pressure tank air charge. The pressure tank should be set at 2 PSI less than the cut-on pressure. Click here to see a video: How to Check and Adjust Pressure Tanks or click here to read the blog: How to Check and Adjust Your Pressure Tank
If your switch has a second, smaller spring then you also have the ability to adjust the differential. Adjusting the differential will only adjust the cut-off pressure. There are very few applications where you should adjust the differential. Turn the differential nut counterclockwise to lower cut-off pressure or turn the nut clockwise to raise cut-off pressure.
If your pressure switch is not working like it was previously, it is also important to check for other causes.
- Check for sediment/debris in the nipple or pressure tube leading to the switch (shown in center and right photos below).
- Check for sediment in pressure switch diaphragm (shown in photo in the left below).
- Check for signs of aging metal springs or signs of switch wear/damage caused by temperature changes.
Keep in mind that the Pressure Switch is a key element to a properly working system and they are relatively inexpensive. We recommend replacing them rather than trying to repair them. Click here to purchase a new pressure switch
Click on the hyperlinks below to see pressure switch videos on the RC Worst YouTube channel:
Click here to see How To Adjust a Pressure Switch
Click here to see Square D Pressure Switch
Click here to see Low Water Pressure Cutout Switch | Square D M4 Pressure Switch W/ Low Pressure Cut-Off
If you have further questions about when to adjust your pressure switch or your water system please do not hesitate to call our experts at 855.329.4519.