How to Install a Well Water Pump Pressure Switch

Installing a well water pump pressure switch should only be done on the pump's pressure tank itself. The pressure tank has an internal rubber bladder that aids in the water system's performance. This air bladder regulates the water system to a consistent pressure. The bladder should be inflated to a 30 to 40 pounds per square inch (PSI) reading. Installing a well water pressure switch is a quick task to perform by following a basic procedure.

Things You'll Need

• Pressure tank Brass manifold for pressure tank Teflon tape Pipe wrench Drain spigot ¼-by-3 inch long pipe nipple Pressure switch Channel lock or plumbers pliers Screwdriver, Philips or slotted Pressure gauge

Instructions

1. Shut off all electrical power for the pump circuit. Water and electricity do not mix, and an electric shock mixed with a wet location can be deadly.

2. Install the brass manifold onto the pressure tank. Place a few rounds onto the male threads that screw into the pressure tanks female fitting. Hand start the threads and use the pipe wrench to tighten the fitting. Make sure the manifold is level horizontally with the inlet and outlet female threads pointing outwards and the ¼-inch threaded pressure switch hole is pointing up.

3. Place a few rounds of the Teflon tape on the male threads of the drain spigot and install into the ½-inch female threads. The hole should be located just below the pressure switch hole port. Again, start the spigot threads with your hand and finish tightening with the pipe wrench.

4. Install the ¼-inch pipe nipple into the pressure switch porthole. Make sure to place some Teflon tape on both ends of the male threads. Tighten the nipple with the pipe wrench.

5. Screw the pressure switch onto the top of the ¼-inch nipple. Tighten with the channel locks or plumbers pliers.

6. Remove the plastic cover of the pressure switch by loosening the kept nut on top of the plastic cover case.

7. Observe the two sets of spring-loaded contacts for the electrical action of the switch. The left side of the contacts act like a single pole switch. You must connect one of the power wires to one of these screws and one of the power feed pump wires to the other screw. The spring-loaded contact completes the circuit to the well pump. Both sets of the spring-loaded contacts must be engaged in order to send power to the well pump.

8. Terminate the power wires, with the screwdriver, to the left side of the spring-loaded contacts. One wire for each of the screw terminals.

9. Attach the power feed pump wires to the right side of the screw terminals.

10. Attach the inlet and outlet water system pipes to the brass manifold of the pressure tank. Tighten and secure the pipes according to the manufacturer's specifications for the pressure tank. Some manufacturers may have special fittings that secure the pipes to the tank.

11. Install the pressure gauge into the 1/8-inch gauge pipe port. Place a couple of rounds of the Teflon tape around the male threads and carefully tighten the brass stem on the gauge with the plumbers pliers. Do not over-tighten as you may damage the gauge.

12. Double-check all the water connections as well as the wire terminations on the pressure switch. Be sure that all is tight and secure.

13. Open all water valves to the full open position.

14. Apply power to the water pump circuit. The well pump should be "on" and you should hear water filling into the water tank. The pressure gauge should be rising slowly.

15. Observe the pressure gauge. The water system should shut off when the gauge reaches approximately 60 PSI. Replace the plastic cover of the pressure switch and check for water leaks.

16. Drain air from the system by opening a water faucet in the kitchen sink or bathtub. You may have to drain all faucets to release any trapped air.

Tips & Warnings

• You can adjust the pressure of the system by following the pressure switch adjustment instructions located on the inside of the pressure switch's plastic cover.

• Follow all local and state electrical codes whenever performing any electrical work.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish