Reliable Well Pump Pressure Switch

[CruisinGA]

We have a 16 yr old log cabin in the cohutta wilderness in North Ga which is an extremely damp environment. The cabin sees only occasional use, about once every 6 weeks at the most. Sometimes no one will use it for as long as 4 months.

The well has a 220v single phase submersible pump, with a typical Square D pressure switch similar to any air compressor pressure switch.

I replaced the switch about 2 years ago, and that one is already shot. It was never that reliable to begin with; often during even short trips I would have to manually restart the pump.

On my last trip, I could only get about 10 min or so of runtime before I would have to go restart the pump.

My theory is that the damp climate and intermittent use is killing the switches.

My question is are there any solutions other than to keep a spare pressure switch and change it regularly?

 

[EdsCruisin]

What is going bad on the switch? Is the diaphragm rotting out or are the electric contacts corroded? If the contacts are corroded and oxidized, you should make sure they are in contact (closed circuit) when you leave the cabin. Of course, turn off the power too.

Those switches are pretty tough, so I would suspect that it is only an oxidized contact situation. You can also clean the contacts quickly each time you revisit the house. With the power off, stick an emory cloth or file between the contacts and it will burnish the surface well enough to get a good connection.

Good luck.

 

[davegonz]

Mace turned me on to these guys for my water storage tank project. They are very knowledgeable and friendly. I bet they would help you if you called them up.

Water Tanks, Septic Systems, Plastic Water Storage Tank Systems, Pressure Tanks, Underground Cisterns

They have forums there as well, so you can just post up your questions. http://www.watertanks.com/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=2

 

[CruisinGA]

I don't believe the diaphragm is rotting out, seems like it would leak if that was the case.

The contacts did not look bad, but I did not study them nor did I try to clean them up. When I go up to change the pressure switch I will bring some emery cloth and see if that does anything.

I like the suggestion about leaving the switch in the closed position while the cabin is closed. The only problem is, the switch will not stay closed unless there is voltage.

Thanks Dave, will check it out.

 

[EdsCruisin]

I like the suggestion about leaving the switch in the closed position while the cabin is closed. The only problem is, the switch will not stay closed unless there is voltage.

No the switch will stay closed as long as the pressure is between the cut-in and cut-off points. In other words, turn off the power and drop the pressure in the system until it kicks. Then leave it. The switch is purely mechanical, so it is pressure that closes it rather than electricity.

 

[Toyo FJ40]

Sounds like your using a switch with a low pressure cutoff. Does the switch have a lever sticking out of the one end that you have to hold to start the pump? That is a switch designed to protect the pump in case the well runs dry. It cuts out at low pressure and you would have to go hold the lever to restart the pump. If your well is not running out then you just need a standard pump switch. Square D is a good switch, the only problem I've had with them is they can get a rust blockage at the diagram because of the brass nipple reaction to the steel base. You can eliminate this problem with a threaded PVC nipple.

Kevin

 

[Mace]

design it with a quick disconnect (like an air hose) then just plug it in when you go out there.

 

[CruisinGA]

Toyo - That sounds like it, there is a lever. I will try to find one without the low pressure cutoff. Never had a problem with the well running dry- like i said, it's in a very wet locale.

Mace - Not a bad idea, however, the well serves our cabin and a friends which is nearby. Both of us let a lot of different people use our cabins, and I don't know if I trust everyone with such a system.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[atl zj]

Mace - Not a bad idea, however, the well serves our cabin and a friends which is nearby. Both of us let a lot of different people use our cabins, and I don't know if I trust everyone with such a system.

Hey now... You don't have to be an engimuhneer to break a pressure switch.

 

[Dirtsquirt]

I wouldnt do it.

Do yourself a favor and Keep the switch with the low pressure
shut off.
You dont wanna be pulling that submersible cause you smoked it
due to a temporary drop in the water table.
Is it possible the switch is miss adjusted. The low pressure safety
feature is to protect your pump. ON a sqaure D switch it Drops out
at 10 psi.
If it is dropping out and your settings is greater Ie: 30-50 20-40
etc (verified by a gage) . And this has occured with multiple switchs. I Would say you may well be seeing a temporary drop in your water table.
Make sure the switch is set right with at least 20 psi Differential
and on pressure greater than 15 psi.
Good luck..Save the Pump!