Well Pump Pressure Gauge Not Working

Locate the pressure switch.

Well pump pressure gauge not working.

A well pump pressure gauge that does not respond to pressure changes is potentially unsafe as it could lead to excessive pressurization of the water tank and building piping. Pressure tank problems can be costly. Aside from checking the pump check your water pressure gauge to ensure that it s working before diagnosing a pressure switch issue. When we find a clogged water pump pressure switch or the tubing connected to it or a clogged water pressure gauge we replace those items.

Most pump controls are mounted in the house near the pressure tank but others are mounted inside the well pump itself and the fix requires a pro. The pump controller houses a capacitor to help start the pump. The pressure switch sits in a gray box atop the feed line from the well pump to the pressure tank. Typical settings for the pump to kick on and off include 20 for pump cut in and 40.

It will be approximately 3 inches long by two inches wide two inches high and will be connected to a 1 4 inch metal pipe sticking up from the main water line coming from the well going to the pressure tank. Operating pressure should fall within the middle half of the pressure gauge dial as indicated in asme b40 1 standards see figure 1 and the pressure range selected should be at least two times the operating pressure but not less than maximum system pressure i e operating pressure of 160 psi and maximum pressure of 300 psi should use 0. It will have wires coming out of it going to the pump and to the breaker box. By having the pressure tank hold a significant amount of water there is less wear and tear on the well pump because it doesn t have to cycle on and off as often.

When it is tripped the bar rests parallel to the. If the well water pump isn t creating the appropriate pressure it won t signal your pressure switch to turn off and on. If you don t have the box shown below this fix isn t for you. Shut the water valve off and pay attention to the pressure gauge to note the pressure when the pump turns off.

Since well pumps are a bit more work to repair and replace the pressure tank specifically the right size of pressure tank is an important component to a well water system. Just listen for the clicks we mentioned. If you find that your pressure gauge is not working no worries. Alongside it you ll find a small silver bar.

Learn how you can do a quick check to test for problems. The test will still work fine.