Adjusting your well pump pressure switch allows you to change the pressure range at which your pump turns on and off. This is a common task if you need to increase water pressure or fine-tune your system's performance.
Safety First: Always Turn Off Power!
Before touching any part of your pressure switch, it is absolutely critical to turn off the power to the pump and the switch at the circuit breaker or disconnect box. Working with electricity while wet or in humid environments is extremely dangerous.
Understanding Your Pressure Switch
Most standard well pump pressure switches have two main adjustment points, typically screws or nuts, usually located under the protective cover:
- Range Adjustment: This is usually the larger screw or nut. Turning this screw adjusts both the cut-on (pump turns on) and cut-off (pump turns off) pressures together. Turning it clockwise increases both pressures; turning it counter-clockwise decreases both.
- Differential Adjustment: This is typically a smaller screw or nut. Turning this screw adjusts the difference or gap between the cut-on and cut-off pressures. Turning it clockwise increases the differential (widens the gap); turning it counter-clockwise decreases the differential (narrows the gap).
Adjusting the differential affects only the cut-on pressure if the cut-off pressure is fixed, or it affects both to maintain the change in gap, depending on the switch design. However, the primary way to increase or decrease your overall system pressure is using the range adjustment.
For example, the reference notes a specific goal: to change the cut-on/cut-off range from 30 to 50 psi to 40 to 60 psi. In this scenario, you are increasing both the cut-on and cut-off points by 10 psi while keeping the 20 psi differential (50-30=20, 60-40=20) the same. This adjustment is primarily achieved by increasing the range setting.
Here's a simple comparison:
| Adjustment Screw | Primary Effect | Turning Clockwise | Turning Counter-Clockwise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range | Raises/Lowers both cut-on and cut-off pressures | Increases overall pressure | Decreases overall pressure |
| Differential | Widens/Narrows the gap between cut-on/off | Increases pressure gap | Decreases pressure gap |
Step-by-Step Adjustment Guide
Follow these steps carefully to adjust your well pump pressure switch:
- Turn Off Power: Locate the circuit breaker or disconnect switch for your well pump and turn it completely off. Verify the power is off.
- Remove Cover: Carefully remove the protective cover from the pressure switch. It may be held on by a screw or simply snap off.
- Identify Adjustment Screws: Locate the range and differential adjustment screws. Consult your switch's manual or look for labels (sometimes they are color-coded or labeled 'Range' and 'Diff').
- Make Small Adjustments:
- To raise or lower both cut-on and cut-off points (like going from 30/50 psi to 40/60 psi as mentioned in the reference), adjust the range screw. Turn clockwise to increase pressure, counter-clockwise to decrease.
- To change the gap between the cut-on and cut-off points, adjust the differential screw. Turn clockwise to widen the gap, counter-clockwise to narrow it.
- Make very small adjustments (e.g., a quarter or half turn) at a time.
- Replace Cover: Carefully replace the protective cover on the switch.
- Restore Power: Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker or disconnect switch.
- Monitor Pressure: Open a faucet and observe the pressure gauge connected to your system (usually near the pressure tank). Note the pressure at which the pump turns on (cut-on) and the pressure at which it turns off (cut-off).
- Repeat if Necessary: If the desired pressure range is not achieved, turn off the power again and repeat steps 2-7, making further small adjustments. It may take a few attempts to get it just right.
Tips for Success
- Know Your Goal: Have a clear idea of the desired cut-on and cut-off pressures before you start.
- Go Slow: Small adjustments are key. Overtightening can damage the switch.
- Check the Gauge: Always rely on a pressure gauge to verify your adjustments, not just turning the screw.
- System Limits: Do not exceed the maximum pressure rating of your pressure tank or plumbing fixtures.
- Consult Manual: If you have the manual for your specific pressure switch model, refer to it for precise instructions and screw identification.
Properly adjusting your pressure switch can optimize your water system's performance and potentially extend the life of your pump and pressure tank.
