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How to Reset Well Pump Pressure Switch Without Lever?

Almost all of us rely on water pumps in our day-to-day lifestyle. A well pressure tank supplies and maintains the water pressure throughout the entire house.

When sudden problems with the pump pressure switch occur, the water pressure gets out of hand. Specifically when you find out the lever isn’t working. At times like this, the only question is, how to reset well pump pressure switch without lever?

For a quick fix, shut down the power pull fuse. Remove the cover of the press switch. Take a wooden piece to hold it to the contractor and turn the power back on. Wait for the pump to reach the pressure. Then turn the power back off and replace the cover after turning the power on once more.

However, there are more ways, which might be convenient for you. To find out, read on.

How Does a Well Pump Pressure Switch Work?

If you don’t know how a well pump pressure switch works, it’s more likely you won’t understand why your pump might be troubleshooting during a power outage or any similar situation.

To simply put, a well pressure tank maintains the water pressure throughout all the water output of the house. All the faucets, sinks, toilet flushes, and even filters get the water supply from a well pump. So, basically what the well pressure switch is, maintains the power control of the good pump pressure of when to switch on or off during the water supply.

This is possible as the pressure switch for well pumps lets more water flow into the system while also maintaining the pressure level. And this happens when the PSI (pounds per square inch) falls to the minimum level. So when the PSI reaches the maximum level, it automatically turns off– maintaining perfect pressure.

There’s an internal spring mechanism within the pressure switch that’s directly connected to the electrical contacts. With too much use or old age, this internal system can malfunction and stop working. That’s when your pump pressure has a switch problem.

How to Reset Well Pump Pressure Switch Without Lever

Troubleshooting Well Pump Pressure Switch

You won’t be able to reset the water pump with pressure switch if you don’t know what troubleshooting is going on. Letting the problem reside for a long time can destroy your water pump. Some of the common problems a well pump pressure switch faces are-

1. Switch Automatically Turns On and Off Repeatedly

At times you’ll notice the well pump pressure switch turns on and off repeatedly or recycles on its own. This can happen for several reasons.

The primary cause is when the bladder in the water tank gets blown. Repeated use or too much usage wears it out over time. It’s necessary to replace the bladder when it’s spoiled or blown. Never forget to inspect the switch when this happens. Sometimes the switch undergoes significant damage to the blown-up bladder.

Other than that, leakage in the well pump can also cause the switch to turn off and on repeatedly then, which ultimately damages it.

2. Switch Doesn’t Turn On

The switch not turning on is a common troubleshoot of well pumps. When this happens, chances are the pump pressure has crossed the switch’s cut-in pressure. This can accumulate too much water in one place, which might damage the Low Pressure Cut-off Switch.

When this happens, it’s best to let the water run out through other places to lessen the pressure. Tapping the faucets, switch or gauges can also let you know there’s an issue with the switch.

3. Switch Doesn’t Turn Off

You might also notice that the well pressure switch is turning on but not turning off. This can happen when there’s leakage from the water supply opening.

Too much leakage can immediately affect the pressure cut-off and disrupt the switch controls. Sometimes it also burns when the power isn’t cut down.

4. Switch Doesn’t Turn On or Off

When enough pressure doesn’t generate in the well pump, the pressure switch doesn’t get any signals to turn on or off. A faulty gauge can cause low pressure to generate in the internal mechanism. You’ll face a pressure switch issue when this scenario takes place.

5. Water Leakage in the Internal Mechanism

You might notice the switch itself or from under the switcher, water is leaking. This can happen at the switch or from the inside of the pump. If such an accident happens be sure that there’s a leakage going on in the internal mechanism.

Usually, this is a sign that the pressure switch needs to be replaced. Not replacing the switch can destroy your well pump entirely.

6. Clogged Pressure Sensor

There are chances the pressure sensor of your well pump can get clogged if you live in areas that are rich in high mineral sediment. In this case, the tubes that are connected to the switch for the water supply start to collect various dirt and debris.

The bottom of the switch can clog instantly when dirt starts to accumulate within the pipes. When the pressure sensor gets clogged you’ll face switch problems.

7. Connection Failure

If your switch is malfunctioning, it doesn’t always mean the problem is caused within the center of the system. Instead, if the piping sizes are wrong, the switch can undergo a connection failure. A bad connection failure can immediately soil the pump and, at times, require professional help.

When there’s a failed connection, the pressure switch will stop working. Therefore it’s important to keep the piping within the right diameter and keep on checking from time to time.

well pump pressure switch Connection Failure image

8. Damaged Diaphragm

There’s a diaphragm of a switch that gives the pressure reading of the water. When you turn on a faucet, the supplied water creates pressure against the diaphragm.

This diaphragm can get worn out and get old. When that happens, it fails to read the correct water pressure. A damaged diaphragm can cause pump switch issues.

9. Bad Contacts

There are some electrical contacts within every pressure switch. Repeated use or old age can degrade the contacts over time. These contacts are quite important as they

Moreover, repetition of the power switch cycle and accumulation of corrosive substances can also cause bad electrical contact. This in turn can spoil the entire switch of the pressure pump.

How to Detect a Pressure Switch Problem?

Even though now you know the types of problems you might face with a faulty switch, how do you detect the problem?

It’s quite simple and secure. Some of the ways you can detect a pressure switch problem with-

Pressure Switch Problem Detect Image

Follow the Signs

When your well pump switch starts troubleshooting, it’ll give off signs or symptoms, which will indicate its fault like:

  • The pump doesn’t turn off even when the water pressure is at or above the cut-out pressure.
  • The pump doesn’t turn on when the cut-out pressure is normal.
  • The pump cycles on and off while also working.
  • Even though the pump is running, it has low water pressure.

Check if There’s any Leakage

Water might be leaking in any of the places. Check the downside of the switch. Leaks in the internal mechanism can cause leaks to outbursts from the lower downside of the switch.

Check the levers and upper side of the tank as well. Leakages can also occur in these areas.

Try Accessing the Switch

There’s a plastic outer cover that covers the top of the switch, which stays connected to the plumbing pipe system.

Take a screwdriver and uncover the plastic cover by rotating it counterclockwise. Accessing the switch will let you see if there are any leaks or not.

Turn Off the Power

To turn the power off, you must cut the power as electricity and plumbing can cause dangerous accidents when it comes in contact with a live wire touched on the ground.

Remove the breakers that power the well pump. After that go to the circuit breaker and turn the switch off. If you notice the circuit continuously tripping, there’s a chance your pump’s switch is faulty.

Check the Electrical Contacts

Disconnect the internal spring and pull the electrical contacts apart. If you see that the water pressure remains low and the switch doesn’t close, then the switch is almost damaged and needs a reset.

Test out Bad Connection

To test a bad connection, take a screwdriver and a handle. Turn the power on while the cover is removed. Then slowly bang it against the tube below the switch. Doing so will spin the contacts.

If the pump powers on and there are sparks, you have a bad pump pressure switch. However, there might be no sparks while the pump powers on. If so, there’s a chance the bad controller is causing this.

On the other hand, if you notice the well kicks on after you bang on the tubes, that means the electrical contacts are pitted or burned– causing a bad connection.

Cycle the Water Pump

To cycle, the water pump simply turns on a faucet that’s close to the water pump. If you notice the pressure dropping down, the switch might be faulty or damaged. This means that the internal spring has gone bad. As a result, the switch will need a reset.

Check the Metal Discs

There are some metal discs that you’ll find within the well pump. Simply pull the metal discs apart and check if it has any burns or if they are pitted out. The contacts are bad if either of them is in the situation. That’s when you know the switch needs a reset.

How To Reset Well Pump Pressure Switch Without Lever?

In every well pump, some levers help in releasing water all at once. These levers can come in handy a lot when there are pump problems. Normally when there is bypass pressure switch well pump issues, releasing the lever can help reset the switch quite easily.

However, at times the internal damage can cause the lever to stop working. At times like this, solutions that revolve based on the attached lever won’t work anymore. But don’t worry since there are ways to reset the good pump pressure switch without a lever. Like-

Reset Well Pump Pressure Switch Without Lever Image

1. Make Sure the Power in On

To enable the water pump reset button, the pump’s power needs to be turned on. Simply follow the steps-

  • Step 1: Check whether the water pump with the pressure switch that’s located right next to the pressure tank is switched on or not. If not, turn it on.
  • Step 2: Check whether the double-pole circuit breaker of the well is tripping or not. If you notice it has, then reset it.
  • Step 3: Tripping circuit breakers can also indicate the damage to the pump instead of the switch. In this case, it’s recommended to call for help from a professional if possible.

2. Check the Pressure Switch

The pressure switch is very important in a well pump, especially when there’s an issue with the switch. This pressure switch is situated near the pressure tank. Usually, it’s mounted on a ¼-inch tube.

This pressure is crucial as it keeps sensing whether the water pressure has dropped below the point where the tank requires more. When it keeps censoring, the switch then powers up the pump.

Make sure you check the switch. You won’t have water coming out of the well if the switch is bad. In this case,

  • Step 1: Take a screwdriver and bang it on the handle carefully against the tube right below the switch to remove the cover. This is necessary to jar the electrical contacts.
  • Step 2: After you’re done doing so, check if there’s any spark or not. If not, the switch can be reset instantly.
  • Step 3: if you see sparks, that means the switch is damaged and needs a replacement. Simply bring a replacement and install it.

3. Temporarily Reset Switch

When the contact electric contacts are burned or pitted, you’ll see the pressure switch kicking on when banged on a tube. This can cause a poor connection and create water flow issues. Until you get a replacement switch, you can reset it in the following ways-

  • Step 1: First and foremost, make sure you turn the power button off.
  • Step 2: Do a double-check on the power button with a voltage tester.
  • Step 3: Take an emery board or nail file and file off the pitted or burned areas and pull open the contacts.
  • Step 4: Lastly, you’ll be able to use it for a short time. However, make a replacement as soon as possible.

4. Replacing the Pump Controller

If the pump control is faulty, you’ll have to reset the switch for the water pump to work. In this case, it’s necessary to replace the pump controller. You can do it by taking the following steps.

  • Step 1: The pump cover has to be disconnected. So, lift off the box after removing the screw at the bottom and disconnect it.
  • Step 2: In this case, you’ll have to get a new replacement for the controller.
  • Step 3: After you have the new replaceable part, put on the new cover over the old box. There’s no need to rewire if you buy the same brand as the old one. If not, rewire it.
  • Step 4: Finally, start the pump and you’ll see the switch is done with the reset.

Remember, usually, there’s already a capacitor installed within the pump controller that helps in starting the pump. As most tanks have this setup, you can follow the above-mentioned steps- to reset the switch without the lever.

However, if the controller is mounted inside the pump, then you’ll have to call the help of a professional as these are some technical terms you might not be able to handle.

5. Pressure Pump’s Air Valve Condition

A waterlogged tank is a situation you might face when there’s a problem with the switch. When this happens, you can take the following steps to reset the switch.

  • Step 1: Locate the air valve. Usually, it’s situated on the top of the tank.
  • Step 2: Take a screwdriver and unscrew the plastic cover from the top of the air valve.
  • Step 3: To check if the water comes out, take the screwdriver again and depress the air valve.
  • Step 4: If you see the water coming out, you’ve successfully reset the switch of the well pump.

6. Replace the Switch

When the switch is destroyed, the last resort left is to replace the switch to reset the pump. To do that, you’ll have to-

  • Step 1: Check the switch first and confirm if it’s replaceable or not.
  • Step 2: Once you find out the switch needs a replacement, test the pressure tank to see if it’s waterlogged in any way or not. Specifically, if it’s pulsing water or not.
  • Step 3: When you’re done doing a check, slowly remove the wires of the switch using a screwdriver. Labeling the wires can help you assemble them later on.
  • Step 4: Take a Teflon tape or pipe dope and coat the tubing threats.
  • Step 5: Let the coating sit for a few minutes until it sets on the same orientation.
  • Step 6: Finally, reassemble the wires and reconnect them.

7. Rock the Tank

At times a worn-out tank can inflict a broken switch of the well pump. That’s when the water flowing into the faucets or taps end up delivering dirty water. In such cases, rocking the tank can help reset the switch. All you have to do is-

  • Step 1: To rock it slightly, carefully push the top against the tank.
  • Step 2: If the top feels very heavy and you’re unable to rock it, that means the tank has completely gone off and has to be replaced. If not, simply rock it slightly and turn the power pressure on to see if the water is flowing or not.
  • Step 3: If you find a heavy faulty tank, make sure to drain and replace it.

8. Hiring a Professional

If you notice bizarre situations like constant leakage of water from the pump, clicking sound when using the pressure switch, and constant clicking without a water flow, it’s time to get help from professionals.

A broken water line can cause these damages and isn’t possible to repair by oneself. Then again, there are instances like a bad check valve off the radar below the well, a bad connector creating a broken casing, or an overflow of water. Situations like this can’t be sought out except by a professional.

Therefore, instead of messing up your well pump, call a pro and get the water pump switch fixed in an instant.

Conclusion

Water pumps are essential in our daily life. The sudden outburst of water, no water supply at all in the middle of a shower, or contact with dirty water are some of the bizarre situations you can face when the pump is faulty.

Hence why we’ve tried to cover everything you need to know on how to reset well pump pressure switch without a lever. so, next time when your water pump is faulty while your lever doesn’t work, you can reset the pump switch all by yourself and restore the water pressure in the household.